[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 13540-13544]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 370) expressing support for 
designation of September 2008 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and 
honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions 
to the culture of the United States.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 370

       Whereas gospel music is a beloved art form unique to the 
     United States, spanning decades, generations, and races;
       Whereas gospel music is one of the cornerstones of the 
     musical tradition of the United States and has grown beyond 
     its roots to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance;
       Whereas gospel music has spread beyond its geographic 
     origins to touch audiences around the world;
       Whereas the history of gospel music can be traced to 
     multiple and diverse influences and foundations, including 
     African-American spirituals that blended diverse elements 
     from African music and melodic influences from Irish folk 
     songs and hymns, and gospel music ultimately borrowed from 
     uniquely American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, and 
     blues;
       Whereas that tradition of diversity remains today, as the 
     influence of gospel music can be found infused in all forms 
     of secular music, including rock and roll, country, soul, 
     rhythm and blues, and countless other styles;
       Whereas the legacy of gospel music includes some of the 
     most memorable voices and musical pioneers in the history of 
     the United States, such as Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, 
     James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, Virgil Stamps, Diana 
     Washington, Stamps Quartet, The Highway QCs, The Statesmen, 
     The Soul Stirrers, Point of Grace, Smokie Norful, Terry 
     Woods, James Cleveland, Billy Ray Hearns, Rex Humbard, Joe 
     Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, V. Michael 
     McKay, Theola Booker, Yolanda Adams, Edwin and Walter 
     Hawkins, Sandi Patty, The Winans, Kathy Taylor, and Brenda 
     Waters, Carl Preacher, Shirley Joiner of B, C & S;
       Whereas many of the biggest names in music emerged from the 
     gospel music tradition or have recorded gospel music, 
     including Sam Cooke, Al Green, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, 
     Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Little Richard, Ray 
     Charles, Buddy Holly, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Mariah 
     Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis;
       Whereas, regardless of their musical styles, those artists 
     and so many more have turned to gospel music as the source 
     and inspiration for their music, which has blurred the 
     boundaries between secular and gospel music;
       Whereas, beyond its contribution to the musical tradition 
     of the United States, gospel music has provided a cultural 
     and musical backdrop across all of mainstream media, from hit 
     television series to major Hollywood motion pictures, 
     including ``American Idol'', ``Heroes'', ``Dancing with the 
     Stars'', ``O Brother, Where Art Thou?'', ``Sister Act'', 
     ``The Preacher's Wife'', ``Evan Almighty'', and more;
       Whereas gospel music has a huge audience around the country 
     and around the world, a testament to the universal appeal of 
     a historical American art form that both inspires and 
     entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and geographic 
     boundaries; and
       Whereas September 2008 would be an appropriate month to 
     designate as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'': Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress supports the designation of 
     ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' which would recognize the 
     contributions to the culture of the United States derived 
     from the rich heritage of gospel music and gospel music 
     artists.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Clay) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform, I gladly join my colleagues in the consideration of 
H. Con. Res. 370 which expresses support for the designation of 
September 2008 as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and honors gospel 
music for its valuable and long-standing contributions to America's 
culture.
  H. Con. Res. 370 was introduced by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. 
Jackson-Lee) on June 10, 2008, and is cosponsored by 53 House Members. 
The bill before us was reported favorably from the Oversight Committee 
on June 12, 2008, by voice vote.
  Gospel music is a unique national art form that truly exemplifies the 
American ``melting pot'' concept. Its diverse influences include 
African-American spirituals, traditional African music, ragtime, jazz, 
and blues, as well as Irish folk songs and hymns.

[[Page 13541]]

  While some originally deemed the fusion of secular music with sacred 
lyrics, which characterizes gospel music, to be unconventional, gospel 
music has quickly grown into an integral part of American culture. The 
influence of gospel music extends throughout practically all forms of 
secular music performed today, including rock and roll, country, soul, 
and rhythm and blues.
  Gospel music has motivated innumerable musicians over the years, 
including such greats as Tommy Dorsey, who is sometimes credited as the 
``Father of Gospel Music,'' James Vaughan, Diana Washington, Smokie 
Norful, Yolanda Adams, Sam Cooke, Mahaliah Jackson, Elvis Presley, 
Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, and the list goes on.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important that we as a Congress honor the enormous 
and beautiful contributions that gospel music has given to not only 
America, but to the world by designating September 2008 as Gospel Music 
Heritage Month. I urge the swift passage of this bill.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  The legacy of gospel music is an American art form that continues to 
uplift and comfort people throughout this country and world. Therefore, 
I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution in 
recognition of this national treasure.
  Gospel music is a cultural and international art form that fosters an 
outpouring of deep spiritual beliefs. It has developed over the years 
in the United States but its blend of diverse cultures and music styles 
give us songs that transcend borders and beliefs.
  It is a fitting tribute to this uniquely American music that 
September be designated as Gospel Music Heritage Month as it has 
touched millions of people throughout the world. It has been enjoyed in 
many different mediums such as books, television and motion pictures 
which has increased the enjoyment for many in varied cultural venues.
  The style of gospel music has expanded from its roots to include 
Urban, Christian Country and Southern Gospel further broadening the 
appeal of this music to more people. The Gospel Music Channel has 
played an important role in bringing the diverse types of gospel music 
to many fans. Some of the music greats such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney 
Houston, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Alan Jackson and even Elvis Presley 
are among the many recording artists that have their roots in gospel 
music and have recorded significant gospel music albums. Their ability 
to bring their personal inspiration from gospel music to their millions 
of fans with varied musical styles is another tribute to this wonderful 
music genre.
  The legacy of gospel music is an American art form that continues to 
uplift and comfort people throughout this country and world. Therefore, 
I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution in 
recognition of this national treasure.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize the 
sponsor of the resolution, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) 
for 3 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the manager of 
this legislation, Mr. Lacy Clay, and my special appreciation to the 
chairperson of the full committee, Chairman Waxman. He expressed a 
great deal of appreciation and sensitivity for this legislation; and to 
the ranking member, Mr. Tom Davis, to the staff of the committee for 
their untiring work and dedication, and certainly to the manager on the 
minority side on this legislation.
  I am delighted to see a number of Members on the floor of the House, 
and I am especially appreciative of the gospel singers and advocates 
who have helped encourage this legislation to move forward.
  Let me also thank Senator Blanche Lincoln who authored this 
legislation in the Senate, along with Senator Hutchinson and my 
cosponsor, Congresswoman Bono Mack.
  We understand that this Congress has an opportunity on many occasions 
to celebrate and commemorate important historical cultures of this 
Nation. Gospel Music Heritage Month is that, for it is not with respect 
to race, color or creed, or even religion. As I was told by one artist 
singing in Japan, singing gospel music borne out of the seeds of 
slavery, that those in Japan were celebrating and clapping to that 
gospel music.
  Gospel music has been woven into the fabric of American society for 
centuries, deeply impacting hundreds of generations, from rock and 
roll, country, the blues, R&B, and even hip-hop. And so H. Con. Res. 
370 designating the month of September is intended to offer to America 
an opportunity to pause for a moment and be able to celebrate gospel 
music.
  According to the Gospel Music Channel, which has been very helpful 
with this legislation, gospel music sales now account for nearly 8 
percent of all music purchased in the United States, selling seven CDs 
for every 10 purchased in country music.
  Regardless of their musical styles, artists have turned to gospel 
music as a source of inspiration for their own music. And we recognize 
in this legislation a number of those cited, such as Tommy Dorsey, 
Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, and many more. And 
others who got their start through gospel music, Elvis Presley, Marvin 
Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Dolly 
Parton, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy Travis, to mention a few.
  We know that Mahalia Jackson reigned as a pioneer interpreter of 
gospel music, and I know that she will be discussed with great 
admiration. I loved to hear her sing.
  And yes, of course, one of our other great and wonderful stars that 
we have here, the famous James Cleveland, someone that everyone knew, 
born in Chicago, Illinois, but no one can offer a voice likes James 
Cleveland, leading choirs, inspiring others, recognizing that choir 
rehearsals were the cause of the inspiration of music in our churches. 
As we recognize James Cleveland, we are still reminded of the great 
work he has done.

                              {time}  2030

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman's time has expired.
  Mr. CLAY. I yield the gentlewoman 2 additional minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. James Cleveland was, of course, the choir 
director's choir director. It was in one of these rehearsals that James 
was singing, and he was noticed and made a choir mascot. The choir 
director, Thomas A. Dorsey, wrote a song for him which launched the 
career of what was to be a long line of performances. Through Dorsey's 
teaching and directing, James was influenced in a great way, and James 
Cleveland became himself, the great teacher, the great choir director, 
the great musician, and boy, he could move your spirit. James Cleveland 
will be remembered, and we will be able to celebrate him and his music 
in this wonderful month.
  Many of us know the wonderful songstress of Sandi Patty, still 
bursting with creative energy and magnetic talent three decades into 
her career. The Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee with 39 Dove awards, 
5 Grammy awards, and an armload of platinum and gold albums has seen 
professional peaks and personal valleys alike while in the spotlight, 
all of them tempered by the grace of God. Sandi Patty is one that will 
be a light as we honor Gospel Music Heritage Month.
  And then our own hometown girl, Yolanda Adams, who debuted her song, 
``Just As I Am'' in the 1980s. I remember sitting on the seats of many 
churches and seeing Yolanda, a tall, regal young teacher, sing in the 
choir. And then when she came to her own and began to sing and win all 
of these awards being reminded of her songs, ``Mountain High . . . 
Valley Low,'' and of course many other songs that she had sung, winning 
many awards having that wonderful regal ability to convey her spirit, 
and particularly her song, ``I need you now.''
  Yolanda Adams, along with Mary Mary, Kurt Carr, V. Michael McKay, 
Kathy Taylor, and many others in and around the State of Texas and 
elsewhere, are well to be remembered. Brenda Ward, Carl Preacher, and 
Shirley Joiner, as Gospel greats of BC&S.

[[Page 13542]]

  So many have offered a joy to this Nation. That is why I ask my 
colleagues to support this resolution celebrating and stopping for a 
moment in the month of September every year to commemorate gospel music 
heritage. Remember, it is not a respect of color or creed or religion; 
it is an opportunity to feel your spirit. So let me ask my colleagues 
to support this legislation.
  I thank Mr. Clay for his time. I thank my colleagues.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H. 
Con. Res. 370, Expressing support for designation of September 2008 as 
``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' and honoring Gospel music for its 
valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United 
States. I am delighted to stand on the floor of the House today to 
honor, recognize, preserve, and promote the legacy and contributions 
that Gospel music has made to our society.
  Gospel music has been woven into the fabric of American society for 
centuries, deeply impacting hundreds of generations. From rock and 
roll, country, the blues, R&B, and even hip hop, Gospel's musical roots 
can be heard throughout many musical genres that we love today. Not 
only has Gospel music entertained the masses, but its spiritual roots 
have spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to millions, giving it the 
unique ability to minister to souls around the world.
  It is very important that we recognize and celebrate the vital role 
Gospel music has played in music history and also in contemporary 
times. That is why I am so proud of my legislation, H. Con. Res. 370, 
Designating September as ``Gospel Music Heritage Month.'' This bill 
recognizes Gospel music's contributions in American culture by 
celebrating its rich heritage and artists for a full month. I urge my 
fellow Members of Congress to support this vital legislation.
  As we know, Gospel music is an American art form that has spanned 
throughout hundreds of years. Its musical elements can be heard 
melodiously infused in many genres that we love today. It has grown 
beyond its roots to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance, 
touching audiences around the world. According to the Gospel Music 
Channel, ``Gospel music sales now account for nearly 8 percent of all 
music purchased in the United States, selling seven CDs for every ten 
purchased in country music.''
  Regardless of their musical styles, artists have turned to Gospel 
music as the source and inspiration for their own music, which has 
blurred the boundaries between secular and Gospel music. Gospel music 
has provided a cultural and musical backdrop across all of mainstream 
media, from hit television series to major Hollywood motion pictures, 
including ``American Idol,'' ``Dancing with the Stars,'' ``Sister 
Act,'' and more.
  The history of Gospel music can be traced back to African American 
spirituals that blended diverse elements from traditional African 
music, folk songs and hymns, and ultimately borrowed from other 
American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, and blues. Let us not 
forget that the legacy of Gospel music includes some of the most 
memorable voices and pioneers in American history, such as Thomas 
Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, and many more. 
Gospel music has paved the way for legendary recording artists such as 
Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Holly, Whitney 
Houston, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, and Randy 
Travis just to name a few.
  Let us now take a look at some of Gospel's most influential, 
recognizable artists:
  Mahalia Jackson reigned as a pioneer interpreter of gospel music 
whose fervent contralto was one of the great voices of this century. 
Both gospel and rhythm and blues had their roots in the sanctified 
church, but whereas blues and R&B departed on secular paths that led to 
rock and roll, gospel stayed the spiritual course. Nonetheless, the 
influence of gospel on R&B and rock and roll, especially through such 
force-of-nature voices as Jackson's, is inescapable. Little Richard has 
cited Jackson as an inspiration, calling her ``the true queen of 
spiritual singers.''
  No other Christian artist at work today is better suited to sing 
about life's journey than Sandi Patty. Still bursting with creative 
energy and magnetic talent three decades into her career, the Gospel 
Music Hall of Fame inductee with 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, 
and an armload of platinum and gold albums has seen professional peaks 
and personal valleys alike while in the spotlight, all of them tempered 
by the grace of God.
  The Winans are a contemporary Christian music group formed by four 
brothers, Marvin, Carvin, Ronald and Michael Winans, from Detroit, 
Michigan, USA. The family has additionally produced two well-known 
solo/duo gospel performers, BeBe and CeCe Winans. After having sung in 
gospel choirs all their lives the brothers began their professional 
career in the early 80s. Staying close to their gospel roots but always 
maintaining a distinctive, jazzy sound, their reputation saw them work 
and perform with leading artists including Vanessa Bell Armstrong, 
Anita Baker and Michael McDonald, the latter pair both appearing on 
their 1987 album, Decision. Their two QWest albums of the early 90s, 
Return and All Out, saw the Winans attempt to convert their popularity 
into mainstream R&B success. Even this, however, was motivated by moral 
concerns: ``The whole purpose was to win over young people who might 
have been on the verge of going into a life of crime or going off 
track,'' Ronald Winans told Billboard magazine in 1995.
  Ever since her late-80s debut Just As I Am, Yolanda Adams has 
triumphantly carried the torch for contemporary gospel and 
inspirational music via 12 glorious albums. Stunningly beautiful, 
exceptionally educated, filled with the spirit and blessed with one of 
the most powerful voices in any genre of music, this Houston-native and 
one-time school teacher has been a stately beacon of God's light, 
earning numerous accolades and awards for her shining efforts; 
including the first American Music Award for Contemporary Gospel 
Artist, four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and four National 
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Grammy' Awards 
(including 1999's Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for Mountain High 
. . . Valley Low which featured her secular breakthrough hit ``Open My 
Heart,'' and 2005's Best Gospel Song for ``Be Blessed,'' for which she 
was a co-writer).
  Since his debut, 1993's Kirk Franklin & the Family, Kirk Franklin has 
been one of the brightest stars in contemporary gospel music. The album 
spent 100 weeks on the gospel charts (some of those on top), crossed 
over to the R&B charts, and became the first gospel debut album to go 
platinum. His second album, Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas, 
became the genre's first Christmas album to make it to number one, and 
his 1996 album Whatcha Lookin' 4 went gold as soon as it was 
distributed. With such phenomenal success, it is small wonder that some 
have hailed him ``the Garth Brooks of gospel.'' Still, despite all the 
adulation and brouhaha, Franklin remains a humble, devout Christian, 
eschewing the title ``entertainer'' in favor of labeling himself as 
just a ``church boy.''
  The Reverend James Cleveland was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 
December 5, 1931, to Rosie Lee and Benjamin Cleveland during the height 
of the greatest depression. James' grandmother attended Pilgrim Baptist 
Church, where she was a member of the choir. James had no choice but to 
attend these rehearsals with his grandmother and found himself sitting 
through these choir rehearsals--bored stiff! Eventually James decided 
he would conquer the boredom through attempting to sing along with the 
choir. It was in one of these rehearsals that James' singing was 
noticed and he was made choir mascot. The choir director, Thomas A. 
Dorsey wrote a song for him which launched the career of what was to be 
a long line of performances. Through Dorsey's teaching and directing 
young James was influenced in a great way. Reverend Cleveland will 
never be forgotten as one of the world's foremost leaders and pioneers 
of gospel music and his gospel music ministry will live on. Literally 
every black gospel artist today has been influenced by James Cleveland.
  It's not hard to divide the world of Gospel quartet music into 
categories. In fact, there are really only two. There's the Mighty 
Clouds of Joy, and then there's everybody else. After 44 years and 35 
albums, three Grammys and trophy-case full of almost every award 
imaginable; shows that have run a gamut from the church-house to the 
White House, and top-billings with a dazzling roster of superstar 
artists from nearly every genre of popular music (the Rolling Stones, 
Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross, Ray 
Charles, and Paul Simon are but a few), The Mighty Clouds of Joy are 
more than a Gospel legend. They are nothing less than a national 
treasure. Still, one must choose his words carefully when describing 
the Clouds. ``Icons?'' Absolutely. ``Pioneers?'' Without a doubt. 
``Venerable?'' Most certainly. ``Forefathers'' of modern Gospel, R&B, 
rock and pop? It's just the straight fact of the matter; but don't let 
founding member and lead vocalist, Joe Ligon, or any of the other five 
Clouds hear you referring to them with any synonym that even hints at 
greatness in the past tense.
  Perhaps the most interesting story in modern Gospel music over the 
past few years has been the emergence from nowhere of Smokie

[[Page 13543]]

Norful. Virtually unheard of when he released his debut album, I Need 
You Now, in early 2002, Norful became Billboard Magazine's #1 Gospel 
Artist of 2003 and also won the coveted 2003 Stellar Awards for both 
Best Male Vocalist and Best New Artist. It is encouraging to find new 
artists like Norful that are blending the rhythms and production 
quality of modern soul with the lyrical depth of modern Gospel. It also 
is encouraging that Urban Adult Contemporary radio was willing to 
embrace an obviously spiritual song such as ``I Need You Now.'' And 
while great Gospel artists such as Mary Mary and even Yolanda Adams had 
difficulty finding continuing broad crossover sales following their 
smash 2000 albums, fans of quality Soul will continue to hope that 
strong future material by artists such as Smokie Norful will lead to 
sustained mainstream success for spiritual music.
  Let me speak now, of some Gospel music that is particularly important 
to me: The Soul Stirrers, formed by Roy Crain in 1926, which became one 
of the most popular and influential gospel groups of the 20th Century 
and was the first Gospel group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of 
Fame; Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, another quartet that got 
their start here in Houston; Don Robey's Peacock Records, which in its 
1960s' gospel heyday, featured such artists as The Dixie Hummingbirds, 
Rev. Cleophus Robinson, The Loving Sisters and with its subsidiary 
label, Song Bird Records, released recordings from the legendary Inez 
Andrews and other Gospel Greats; BC&S (Brenda Waters, Carl Preacher & 
Shirley Joiner), the nucleus of what would become Southeast 
Inspirational Choir, the vehicle that launched the prolific solo career 
of Yolanda Adams; V. Michael McKay, one of the most prolific 
songwriters of our time, with songs like The Potter's House, The Battle 
is the Lord's, and Broken, But I'm Healed; Kathy Taylor, whose anointed 
voice is heard from the sanctuary of Windsor Village to places all 
around the world; Kirk Franklin, who in a decade brought Gospel Music 
out of the Church and back into the streets of the young people of 
America and the world, while revolutionizing the genre in the process; 
Kurt Carr, whose artistry demands the attention of the world, while at 
the same time, the heart of God . . .
  Psalm 150 states: ``Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his 
mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled 
greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram's horn; praise him with 
the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise 
him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise 
him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing 
praises to the Lord!''
  Praising the Lord is at the core of Gospel music and today we honor 
the many Gospel musicians who have dedicated their lives to praising 
the Lord. Their messages of faith, hope, and wisdom continue to 
encourage in times of hardship, and express joy in times of prosperity. 
Gospel musicians use their talents to motivate listeners to live 
positive life styles grounded in love, patience, goodness, kindness, 
self-control, gentleness, peace, and joy; all of which we know as the 
Fruit of the Spirit.
  Today, Gospel music has a vast audience around the country and around 
the world. This is a testament to the universal appeal of a historical 
American art form that both inspires and entertains across racial, 
ethnic, religious, and geographic boundaries.
  Without a doubt, Gospel music deserves national recognition and I 
urge my colleagues to expediently pass this vital piece of legislation. 
By supporting H. Con. Res. 370, the Members of Congress will finally 
honor the great contributions of Gospel music artists of the 
yesteryears and years to come. Let us recognize the significant 
cultural contributions of Gospel music to the fabric that weaves 
together the patchwork of American society, by designating September as 
``Gospel Music Heritage Month.'' I am grateful for the help of the 
Gospel Music Channel, the Grammys and my Gospel artists. I also 
appreciate the work of Gospel Music advocate Carl Davis.
  I would like to thank Senator Blanche Lincoln for her great 
leadership in the Senate in getting this resolution passed. I am proud 
to support H. Con. Res. 370 and to provide Congressional support for 
the designation of ``Gospel Music Heritage Month'' which would 
recognize the contributions to the culture of the United States derived 
from the rich heritage of Gospel music and Gospel music artists. I 
strongly urge all my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson).
  Mr. JEFFERSON. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Today I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 370, the Gospel Music 
Heritage Month resolution. I thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee and 
Congressman Clay for bringing this measure to the floor.
  My region has a strong connection to Gospel music. It is home of 
``The Queen of Gospel Song'' Mahalia Jackson. Ms. Jackson was born in 
New Orleans, more specifically in the Carrollton neighborhood of Uptown 
in 1911 and grew up singing, starting in the Plymouth Rock Baptist 
Church before moving to Chicago as a teenager.
  Like so many gospel singers, she struggled to get a career going, 
laboring as a domestic but soon became a prolific soloist at churches 
and funerals in the Chicago area. The world took notice, and her voice 
became a soundtrack for the civil rights movement of the fifties and 
sixties. Her commanding contra-alto voice rang out in song for 
Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy and before Dr. Martin Luther King, 
Jr's, I Have a Dream speech. At the March on Washington, she sang ``I 
Been 'Buked and I Been Scorned'' at Dr. King's request. Dr. King is 
recalled as having said about Mahalia Jackson, ``A voice like this 
comes, not once in a century, but once in a millennium.''
  Fittingly, she won a Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy in 1972, was 
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and was honored 
with a U.S. Postal Service stamp in 1988.
  The gospel music of Mahalia Jackson, as has all gospel music, 
inspired music of other genres, in particular jazz, blues, and rock and 
roll. Little Richard, indeed, names her as one of his biggest 
influences. ``She was my inspiration,'' he says. ``She could sing.''
  Gospel music expresses all that is important in the human experience: 
our trials, our fears, our faith, our hope for salvation.
  Today, the gospel tradition started in New Orleans by Mahalia Jackson 
continues. Through the inspirational singing and award-winning 
performances of Bishop Paul S. Morton, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, the Zion 
Harmonizers, the New Orleans Spiritualettes, Tara Alexander, and many 
others, God is powerfully glorified.
  New Orleans is truly a bedrock of gospel music and gospel music the 
cornerstone of hope and spirituality for our Nation. Gospel music 
deserves, Mr. Speaker, and its artists deserve to have the recognition 
that this resolution affords. And I urge its adoption.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Payne) for 3 minutes.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me join in with my colleagues in 
expressing support for the designation of September 2008 for Gospel 
Music Heritage Month. And let me commend the sponsor, Ms. Sheila 
Jackson-Lee, for her initiative to make the gospel music national art 
form as we've seen with jazz in the past.
  And let me thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) for his 
support of this legislation.
  Let me say that this resolution certainly recognizes gospel music's 
contribution in American culture by celebrating its rich heritage and 
artists for the entire month of September. It is very important that we 
recognize and celebrate the vital role gospel music has played in music 
history and also in contemporary times.
  Gospel music has been woven into the fabric of American history 
spanning generations from rock and roll, country, to blues, R&B, and 
even hip hop. Gospel music roots can be many musical genres, and we 
love that today. Not only has gospel music entertained the masses, but 
its spiritual roots have spread the hope to many souls around the 
world.
  As you know, the history of gospel can be traced back to the African 
American spirituals that blended diverse elements from traditional 
music, folk songs, and hymns and ultimately borrowed from other 
American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, and the blues.
  The first Negro spirituals were inspired by the hardship of slavery 
yet enlightened by the hope and faith of God. They were used to send 
messages to express personal feelings and uplift broken spirits. They 
told a story of a generation, and each era's sense of belief, hence the 
word ``gospel.''

[[Page 13544]]

  As traditional Negro spirituals continued to be sung, new spiritual 
songs were created. The lyrics of these songs were sung and they dealt 
with the praise of the Lord with personal improvement and with 
brotherly community life. Many of them were inspired by social 
problems, segregation, lack of love, and the list goes on and on.
  Words from traditional spirituals were slightly changed and adapted 
to special events. For example, the words of ``Joshua Fought the Battle 
of Jericho (and the walls came tumbling down)'' was changed into 
``marching around Selma.''
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman's time has expired.
  Mr. CLAY. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.
  Mr. PAYNE. Instruments would later be infused in the culture 
influencing some of the most memorable voices, and we heard them, in 
particular Mahalia Jackson and Roberta Martin, and many, many others. 
Later we heard Marvin Gaye and Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
  But in our local town of Norton, we had people at New Hope Baptist 
Church where Sissy Houston is still the head of music there, and Sissy 
Houston came out of our New Hope Baptist Church and Dionne Warwick 
preceded them, all in the same choir at New Hope Baptist Church.
  So therefore without doubt, gospel music deserves national 
recognition, and that is why I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 
370, designating September as National Gospel Music Heritage Month.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express support for a 
resolution designating September as Gospel Music Heritage Month. This 
resolution recognizes the legacy of gospel music for its invaluable and 
longstanding contributions to the musical traditions of the United 
States.
  Let me begin by thanking Representative Jackson-Lee of Texas, the 
Recording Academy, and the Gospel Music Channel for all of their 
support to pay homage to this influential and inspirational genre of 
music. Gospel music is truly an American classic that's gone far too 
long without being recognized for the significant impact it's made on 
our culture.
  Whether it's swaying with the choirs, tapping along with the 
quartets, or simply raising hands to the rhythm of soul-stirring 
crooners, gospel music is a cornerstone of the American musical 
tradition. Gospel music is more than the sounds that resonate in 
congregations on Sundays; it's the musical thread that has woven its 
influence throughout religious and secular musical genres including 
rock and roll, country, and rhythm and blues. From Ray Charles and 
Elvis Presley to Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton, many of America's 
greatest recording artists emerged through the historical art form of 
gospel.
  While gospel may have its roots based in the African-American 
traditions of Negro spirituals, its reach has spanned not only across 
the ages, but it has grown beyond its established audience to achieve 
popular culture and historic relevance across the globe. With its use 
of choral singing in unison and harmony, Gospel has emerged as a 
distinct category of popular song, with its own supporting publishing 
and recording firms, and performers appearing in sell-out concerts 
nationwide.
  This resolution allows Members of Congress to celebrate gospel's rich 
heritage and honor musical pioneers from the likes of Mahalia Jackson 
and Sandi Patty, and the Hawkins Family, very own constituents: 
Tramaine, Edwin and Walter Hawkins. Additionally, it allows Members of 
Congress to pay tribute to this important American legacy and the role 
it plays in the lives of millions.
  Since Thomas Dorsey first stretched the boundaries to create gospel 
music, choirs, quartets, and powerful vocalists have been singing this 
same song, albeit in different styles and places. Gospel is here to 
stay, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
measure to honor the gospel community, and create a month designated to 
annually acknowledge the ``good news'' it represents.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support House Concurrent 
Resolution 370. I urge my colleagues to support it.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 370.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________