[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5865]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING TONY BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2009

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
accomplishments of Tony Brown as he receives the 2009 Cecil Scaife 
Visionary Award at the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville.
  Simply stated, Tony Brown is a legend in the Nashville music 
business. As the driving force behind MCA Nashville, Tony has been 
instrumental in the success of country music superstars from George 
Strait and Reba McEntire to Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill 
and Brooks & Dunn. Tony Brown's efforts have helped artists such as 
these create what is in essence a soundtrack for America.
  But the overwhelming success of these artists is only part of Tony 
Brown's legacy. He is equally respected for his efforts to broaden the 
definition of what country music can be by signing and nurturing 
artists who defy easy categorization. He helped create space in the 
music business for people like Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Rodney 
Crowell, Kelly Willis and other artists who challenge the boundaries of 
country music.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tony 
Brown as he receives this distinguished award. Please join me in 
congratulating Tony for his efforts to ensure that Nashville, Tennessee 
will always be one of the musical and cultural treasures of our 
country.

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