[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 1738]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING YOLANDA ADAMS

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great enthusiasm to 
honor and salute Yolanda Adams, an enormous and wonderful talent of 
gospel music, and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Yolanda 
Adams Morning Show.
  Many know that I introduced legislation to make September Gospel 
Music Heritage Month in order to honor the many talented Americans who 
enjoy singing, writing, and providing inspiration through gospel music. 
Elvis Presley won his first Grammy with gospel music.
  I remember young Yolanda Adams singing in a church in Houston, and 
the inspiration she gave even then. She was a young teacher who worked 
until she finally knew that her talent was worthy of presenting it to 
the American people.
  Yolanda Adams rose to fame as one of gospel music's greats, making 
her debut in 1988. I remember her song, ``Just as I Am.'' Since then, 
Yolanda has been wowing gospel audiences. She has been before the 
President of the United States and all over the world, but yet she is a 
humble person.
  Following her illustrious music career, she began the Yolanda Adams 
Morning Show. These shows often don't last, but her spirit has guided 
it forward. She connects with listeners, bringing them warm and 
inspirational messages. Her music and growth has been wonderful.
  Mr. Speaker, Yolanda's co-hosts, Anthony Valary and Marcus D. Wiley, 
give love and camaraderie every morning. They make it not just a 
morning show, but a celebration of friends and family.
  I am delighted to stand here today to call Yolanda Adams an American 
treasure. She is a native daughter of Houston, and someone who 
understands God's blessings, but is not selfish. She provides those 
blessings to others through her musical genius.
  Congratulations to Yolanda Adams for 10 years of the Yolanda Adams 
Morning Show.

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