[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11621]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




WELCOMING NATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST RON ELLINGTON SHY AND HONORING HIS 
                 ACTIVISM ON BEHALF OF STARS FOR PEACE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and welcome Ron 
Ellington Shy, the musician and actor, back home to Cleveland. Ron will 
be at the Joseph Gallagher Middle School in Ohio's 10th Congressional 
District on May 27, 2005, to participate in the ``Stars for Peace'' 
rally for peace and violence prevention.
  A musician, actor, and dynamic entertainer with incredible vocal 
ability, Ron Ellington Shy was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of 
Fame as a former member of such legendary groups as ``The Coasters,'' 
``The Drifters,'' and ``Don & Dewey.''
  Ron was born and raised in Cleveland. He moved to California where he 
attended Fullerton Junior College and continued his education at the 
University of Southern California, majoring in psychology and minoring 
in music. His early career included playing professional football and 
achieving many accolades for his athletic abilities. He was a Golden 
Gloves boxing champion and holds a black belt in Karate. As a recording 
artist, Ron Ellington Shy performed such memorable hits of the 1950s 
and 1960s as ``Leavin' It All Up To You,'' ``Jungle Hop,'' ``Justine,'' 
``The Letter,'' ``Farmer John,'' and my late colleague Sonny Bono's 
``Koko Joe.'' A gifted vocalist, Ron is also a versatile musician who 
plays guitar, piano, organ, saxophone, valve trombone, and harmonica. 
He is known for his charismatic showmanship, involving his audience as 
they sing along to the many classic oldies he performs in his shows. As 
an actor, Ron has appeared on television in such notable programs as 
``Dallas,'' ``Knotts Landing,'' and ``Falcon Crest,'' as well as TV 
commercials for Right Guard deodorant, Church's Chicken, and the 
California Lottery.
  Currently, Ron is on a national tour acting the role, and performing 
the music, of the late Ray Charles. Ron graciously accepted the 
invitation of the Joseph Gallagher Middle School, the East Cleveland 
Neighborhood Center, and local Hip-Hop impresario Bill ``Silver B'' 
Richards, to participate in the ``Stars for Peace'' rally for peace and 
violence prevention. Ron and the sponsors and organizers of this event 
understand the importance of international peace and that peace begins 
with each of us as individuals and in our homes.
  Mr. Speaker, and Colleagues, it is my pleasure to welcome Ron 
Ellington Shy to Ohio's 10th District, to congratulate him on his many 
accomplishments, and to commend him on taking a stand in using his fame 
and international recognition to promote world peace and violence 
prevention.

                          ____________________