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Congressman Charles Rangel recognized several African American performing artists in June, Black Music Month, promoting legislation he has introduced in Congress honoring their contributions to music and to the struggle for civil rights. Black Music Month was initiated by President Carter in 1979.
The Congressman entered the following statement in the Congressional Record:
Music has a deep historical significance to African Americans, who are truly the founders and keepers of American music. The roots of gospel and blues can be traced back to the slave plantations. During slavery, African Americans sang songs and clapped hands to communicate with one another and to uplift their spirits. The music helped to sustain enslaved people and provided an outlet to express their suffering and aspirations. During the Civil Rights Movement, African American musicians offered encouragement and hope for an America in which all people would be treated equally. By creating and popularizing gospel, blues, jazz, funk, disco, pop, and hip-hop, they have inspired and entertained people of all races around the world.
I have introduced legislation in the 110th Congress to honor just a few of the great artists who have had a lasting impact on the American musical song book.
Lionel Hampton, an accomplished jazz musician, band leader, US goodwill ambassador, became a musical icon in a career that spanned more than 50 years until his death in 2002. He composed more than 200 pieces and was honored by President Clinton with the National Medal of Arts in 1996. The University of Idaho's music school and annual jazz festival are named in his honor.
The extraordinary Lena Horne was not only a Broadway performer, world renowned singer, and actress, she was a steadfast civil rights activists. Putting her career on the line, she proudly spoke out against racial discrimination. As a result, she was blackballed. Her hardships were not in vain as she blazed a trail for those who would follow in her footsteps as Hollywood stars. She was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. Her most recent album, Seasons of Life, was released in January of 2006. She currently resides in New York and on June 30, 2007, will turn 90 years old.
James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul" who passed away in December 2006, had a monumental influence on popular music in America and around the world. During the sixties, many of his songs were more than dance hits and became anthems for the Civil Rights Movement. His music instilled pride in African Americans as they were fighting for equality. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and was the recipient of the 34th Annual Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.
The phenomenal Ray Charles overcame blindness and personal problems to become one of America's most inspiring artists. His music advanced the civil rights movement and united Americans. He has been credited with singing the most popular rendition of America the Beautiful. His version of Georgia on My Mind is an official Georgia state song. In 2004, the year of his death, he was ranked 10th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. In that same year, he passed away.
These musical legends and many other African American musicians have contributed to American music and the nation's cultural identity around the world. I urge my colleagues in Congress and people around the world to celebrate, honor, and cherish the contributions of African American musicians, especially during Black Music Month.
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