[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17329]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MARK CHESNUTT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Chesnutt 
on this day September 6, 2006, his 43rd birthday. This outstanding 
country music star currently has 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, 
four platinum albums, five gold records, and continually maintains a 
hefty live tour schedule.
  Born in Beaumont, TX, Mark got his start playing in honky-tonk bars 
throughout his hometown area singing alongside his father, Bob 
Chesnutt. His dad traveled often to Nashville and started taking Mark 
along at 17 where he was soon discovered by talent agents who 
recognized the vocal and authentic talents Mark possesses.
  Signed at 17 by MCA, Mark soon won the coveted Country Music 
Association's Horizon Award recognizing the industry's top new talent. 
At the awards ceremony, he was introduced by legendary country music 
star George Jones who remarked, ``This boy from Beaumont, Texas is the 
real deal.''
  Throughout the 90's Mark's singles continued to light up the chart 
including some of the decade's most memorable up-tempo hits like 
``Bubba Shot the Jukebox'' and ``Going Through the Big D.'' Also 
accelerating his rise to stardom were hits like the emotional ballads 
``I'll Think of Something'' and ``I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.''
  Mark's excellence continues today combining world-class vocals and 
awe-inspiring stage performances that leave crowds standing in ovation 
until they themselves are hoarse! Most remarkable of all, he stays true 
to his roots keeping the traditional country music style he was raised 
on in an ever-changing country music landscape.
  Mark Chesnutt is a true gift to Country Music and specifically the 
8th District of Texas. Not only has he blessed us with musical hit 
after hit, he also has tirelessly given of his time and talent to 
assist east and southeast Texas in their recovery from the devastating 
effects of Hurricane Rita. Mark also has a wonderful marriage to Tracie 
Chesnutt with three beautiful children: Waylon, Casey, and Cameron.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for helping me honor Mark Chesnutt, this 
America country music superstar, on his 43rd birthday.

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