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HONORABLE CHARLES B. RANGEL
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GREAT MUSIC STAX RECORDS

Mr. RANGEL: Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Stax Records for its contributions to American culture as one of the oldest recording labels. For 50 years, Stax Records has been providing great music and recordings of blues, soul, and R&B.

Originally created as Satellite Records in 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee and changing its name in 1967, Stax Records has released albums from artists like Otis Redding, Richard Pryor, Isaac Hayes, and Angie Stone. Founded by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, the label had undergone a series of stages. It was sold to a Gulf and Western firm, but was forced to declared bankruptcy. It was later purchased by Concord Records, which was sold to Fantasy Records in 2004.

Revered as producing the 1st multiracial bands, the record label continues to make its presence known for over half century. Stax Records released its new album on March 27, 2007, titled Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth Wind and Fire.

I urge my colleagues to please join me in cosponsoring H. Res. 154, and praising Stax Records for the courage that it has displayed and for 50 years of great music.