[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15914]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THE CAREER OF 
                              LOU PARDINI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legendary career of 
Mr. Lou Pardini. Lou is a Grammy nominated keyboardist, vocalist, 
composer and Fresno, California native. For the last 8 years he has 
been a member of the legendary rock band Chicago. Lou has successfully 
worked alongside various high profile musicians throughout his career. 
He is a distinguished composer that has base fans all over the world.
  Lou Pardini was born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Fresno. He 
attended local schools including my alma mater San Joaquin Memorial 
High School. Lou would go on to attend Fresno City College and 
California State University, Fresno. Eventually he enrolled at the 
renowned Berklee School of Music in Boston to follow in his favorite 
musician's footsteps. Lou met and married the love of his life Betsey 
and the two would eventually move to Los Angeles, where Lou could fully 
pursue his music career.
  Lou's natural talent was apparent early on in his childhood. He could 
easily perform songs on the piano by ear. His parents took notice and 
enrolled him in private guitar and piano lessons when he was just five 
years old. As he grew older his taste in music progressed. Among his 
favorite artists were Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Led 
Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath.
  Lou is a remarkable multitalented artist. He is known for his work 
with Stevie Wonder, The Doobie Brothers, The Temptations, Elton John, 
Smokey Robinson, Earth, Wind and Fire, Patti Austin, Larry Carlton and 
many more. He has worked with artists in Rock/Pop, R&B, Jazz, Blues and 
Gospel genres.
  Lou's biggest break came when his song ``Just To See Her'' was 
recorded by the legendary Smokey Robinson. The song won Smokey his 
first and only Grammy for ``Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal''. Lou has also 
recorded two solo albums which are fan favorites to this day.
  In 2009, he got a call that would truly change his life. Following 
the departure of longtime member Bill Champlin, Lou was asked to join 
Chicago on a permanent basis. This was the culmination of a career 
marked by hard work and a true passion for his craft.
  He continues to build his fan base around the world. As a member of 
Chicago, Lou tours the world, drawing sell-out crowds wherever they go. 
On April 8, 2016, Chicago was inducted into the 31st Rock and Roll Hall 
of Fame cementing their place in history.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask that you to join me 
in celebrating the career of Lou Pardini as he makes his homecoming to 
the city of Fresno. We are honored to have Chicago performing today at 
the Big Fresno Fair. I ask you to join me in wishing Lou and his family 
continued success and prosperity.

                          ____________________