[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 16181]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1410
                        HONORING JOHN ELKINGTON

  (Mr. WAMP asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the induction of 
John Elkington of Memphis, Tennessee, into the Beale Street Brass Note 
Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of nearly 
100 individuals and groups who have had a significant influence on 
American music, particularly blues music.
  As a developer with an extraordinary vision, Elkington revitalized a 
two-block section of historic Beale Street that had fallen into 
disrepair during the urban renewal of the 1970s. When Elkington started 
the project, only one business remained open. Where others failed, 
Elkington redeveloped Beale Street, turning it into one of America's 
premier entertainment districts. From the handful of night clubs and 
restaurants that opened in the early 1980s, the Beale Street Historic 
District has blossomed into a place where fans from around the world 
come to hear America's original art form, the blues.
  John Elkington possesses a rare combination of perseverance and 
optimism. His love for Memphis is unrivaled, and he is indeed one of 
Tennessee's most important developers. After 27 years of hard work and 
dedication to Beale Street, John Elkington deserves a recognition of 
inclusion into the Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame.
  Congratulations, Elk.

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