[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19353]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO GAVIN DeGRAW

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Gavin 
DeGraw, a native son of Sullivan County, New York, whose hard work, 
persistence, and talent have propelled him into the national spotlight. 
On the occasion of Gavin's return to Sullivan County for his upcoming 
concert at Kutcher's Country Club, I am proud to offer my 
congratulations to Gavin and his family on the tremendous success that 
Gavin has thus far achieved in his relatively short career as a 
songwriter and performer.
  Born and raised in South Fallsburg in the Catskill region, Gavin was 
engrossed in music throughout his youth. Inspired by his parents' 
musical talents and interests, Gavin began playing piano and singing at 
an early age. He later played music in cover bands with his older 
brother, who encouraged him to write his own music in addition to 
playing other artists' songs. Gavin studied music briefly at Ithaca 
College and then at the prestigious Berklee School of Music, but 
decided to pursue his career as a singer/songwriter in New York City in 
1998.
  With the continued support of his family, Gavin pursued his dream 
with passion and diligence, and over the following years, steadily 
built a loyal following in the New York City live music scene through 
his soulful performances, personal charisma and honest songwriting 
style. Gavin cultivated his talent and career patiently, refusing early 
recording contract offers, and committed himself to his continued 
development as an artist and performer. These deliberative efforts paid 
off as he continued to make a name for himself through his local 
performances, and eventually signed a recording contract with Clive 
Davis and J Records, who represent a number of nationally known 
artists.
  Gavin's album Chariot, released in July 2003, debuted in the top ten 
on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart and inspired reviewers and fans 
alike to compare Gavin with such musical icons as Elton John, Billy 
Joel and Van Morrison. The single ``I Don't Want To Be'' hit number one 
on Billboard's Top 40 Chart and is used as the theme song for the WB 
show, ``One Tree Hill.'' The album was certified platinum in January 
2005. Gavin's popularity as an artist has continued to grow, as 
evidenced by his string of sold-out live performances and his 
appearances on national shows, including Late Show With David 
Letterman, Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Good Morning America and The 
Ellen DeGeneres Show.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to pay tribute to the accomplishments of 
Gavin DeGraw and welcome him back to Sullivan County for this concert. 
I know that I speak for many in the community in stating that Sullivan 
County is proud of his success and proud of the fact that he has 
achieved this success through hard work and by remaining true to his 
own personal style and conviction.

                          ____________________