September 15, 2005 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 20591 its President and CEO. As CEO of the 163rd Ben Webster. The following Sunday Taylor cordings for the time being and concentrate on Street Improvement Council Reeves pushed began his professional career, playing with radio and television. His success on WLIB led the organization to plan, design, develop and Webster’s quartet at the Three Deuces along- to a post at the popular WNEW, playing jazz implement affordable housing and support side Webster, Big Sid Catlett and Charlie for their affluent middle-of-the-road audience. services that focused on meeting the housing Drayton. During this time, Billy was Art He continued to perform as well during this and human services needs of the residents of Tatum’s protege and Jo Jones was his ‘ap- period, usually with his trio and sometimes the Southeast Bronx. pointed guardian.’ ’’ with larger ensembles. Most of the Council’s clients have incomes Taylor worked with Machito’s Afro-Cuban In the early 1970’s, Taylor was named Musi- below the median level. In an effort to help band, replaced Erroll Garner in the Slam cal Director for the popular daily television empower these low income families the coun- Stewart Trio, and became a member of the show, The David Frost Show. Many feel he cil offers an integrated program which pro- Don Redman Orchestra, the first American had the best jazz band on TV at that time. vides quality and affordable housing through jazz band to tour Europe after World War II They played an hour jazz concert every night direct assistance that includes support serv- (1946). He also played on Broadway in Billy for the studio audience, and at least twice a ices, education, advocacy, placement and re- Rose’s ‘‘The Seven Lively Arts,’’ opened for week, Frost booked guests like Louis Arm- ferral. The Council helps to increase self es- Billie Holiday in ‘‘Holiday on Broadway,’’ and strong, Count Basie, or Buddy Rich to play teem and self determination and decrease de- played in the pit band for ‘‘Blue Holiday,’’ star- and be interviewed. Two recordings were pendency on government subsidies. Under her ring Ethel Waters, Mary Lou Williams and the made with Taylor’s band on the Frost show strong leadership the Council moved from a Katherine Dunham dancers. before the show came to an end three and a budget of $400,000 to a multi-million dollar or- He played a lot of solo gigs along the north- half years later. Billy Taylor returned to WLIB, ganization. Its growth not only demonstrated east corridor—the Earle Theater in Philadel- this time as program director of the station the great need for such an organization in the phia, The Royal Theater in Baltimore, the and began to build the largest jazz audience Bronx but also the strong leadership and vi- Howard Theater in DC and the Apollo in NYC. in New York City. Simultaneously he had his sion of Reeves. In 1949 he got a call to sub for Al Haig with own local television program on New York’s This past week the world watched in dis- Charlie Parker and Strings at Birdland. This Channel 47. It was about this time that Taylor belief as Hurricane Katrina destroyed a major was the beginning of his two-year stint as was offered an opportunity to enroll in the doc- American city. While this storm will go down in house pianist at that legendary jazz club. He toral program at the University of Massachu- history as the worst natural disaster to strike played with everybody—Charlie Parker, Dizzy setts at Amherst. He had been an adjunct pro- this Nation, it had much more significance. Gillespie, Miles Davis, Oscar Pettiford, Art fessor at C. W. Post College in New York and Katrina forced Americans to remove the wool Blakey, Milt Jackson, Zoot Sims, Roy Haynes, a visiting professor at Howard University, and that many had placed over their eyes to face and Kenny Dorham among others. Often play- felt the need to organize his teaching mate- the grim reality that there are millions of peo- ing opposite such bands as Duke Ellington, rials so that they might be more effectively ple in this country who live in utter poverty. Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Lennie used by others. After a few years of intense Perhaps now Americans will realize the great Tristano, his tenure at Birdland was one of study, he earned his combined Masters and responsibility they have to uplift those who are Taylor’s greatest learning experiences. Doctorate in Music Education (1975). But he most vulnerable in our society. The life of Billy made some recordings with his own sorely missed playing and writing music. He Reeves Dixon is a shining example of how group during the early 1950’s for such labels had been appointed to the National Council for every American should lead his/her life—work- as Prestige, Riverside, ABC Paramount, Im- the Arts by President Nixon in 1970, and al- ing to uplift her/his fellow man. Reeves under- pulse!, Sesac, Mercury and Capital Records. though this was a tremendous honor, the stood that her community, much like the Na- He also recorded albums with Quincy Jones, amount of time required to be an effective arts tion as a whole, could not survive if its most Sy Oliver, Mundell Lowe, Neal Hefti, Eddie advocate took precious time away from prac- vulnerable citizens were not protected. As a ‘Lockjaw Davis’, Sonny Stitt, Lucky Thompson, ticing his music. Nonetheless, he tackled the result she spent her life empowering others. Coleman Hawkins and Dinah Washington. He task at hand, alongside his distinguished col- Although Reeves has passed on, the many even started his own music publishing com- leagues, Maurice Abravenel, Eudora Welty, good works that she did will continue to ben- pany, Duane Music, Inc. Beverly Sills, and Nancy Hanks, who were efit the lives of others for generations to come. Also about this time Taylor started writing doing so much to help make the arts available Surely that is the mark of great life. For her about jazz and giving lectures/clinics to music to everyone. It was a highly productive and re- unyielding spirit and kind heart I ask my col- teachers interested in teaching jazz. He began warding period for Taylor, but not especially leagues to join me in saying goodbye to a to witness first-hand, the serious lack of fund- creative, musically. dear friend and role model to us all—Ms. ing for the arts and humanities and began to Sometimes things work themselves out in Reeves Dixon. focus on radio and television in order to gain mysterious ways. Maurice Abravenel commis- f better exposure for America’s classical music. sioned Taylor to write ‘‘Suite For Jazz Piano He helped to facilitate many local and national and Orchestra’’; T. J. Anderson commissioned A SALUTE TO DR. BILLY TAYLOR broadcasts featuring jazz artists in live per- him to write ‘‘Make A Joyful Noise’’; the Uni- formances. Some in broadcast studios, others versity of New Hampshire commissioned him HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. in nightclubs, dance halls, and hotels. In 1958 to write a dance suite, ‘‘For Rachel’’; the Ken- OF MICHIGAN he was named Musical Director of the first se- tucky Symphony asked him to write ‘‘Im- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ries ever produced about jazz, ‘‘The Subject Is promptu.’’ And so, Taylor began to write jazz Jazz’’ (NET). His house band for these 13 pro- for ensembles that were larger than his trio. Thursday, September 15, 2005 grams included Doc Severinsen, Tony Scott, He composed the musical score and lyrics for Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, as Dean of Jimmy Cleveland, Mundell Lowe, Earl May, an off-Broadway production of Wole Soyinka’s the Congressional Black Caucus, and Chair- Eddie Safranski, Ed Thigpen and Osie John- ‘‘The Lion and The Jewel,’’ and some dance man of the Jazz Forum and Concert that oc- son. Guests included none other than Willie music for the original production of ‘‘Your curs during the Congressional Black Caucus ‘‘The Lion’’ Smith, Duke Ellington, Langston Arms Are Too Short To Box With God.’’ (To Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, I Hughes, Jimmy Rushing, Bill Evans and Aaron date, Billy Taylor has over 350 songs to his rise to salute the lifetime achievements of one Copeland among others. credit, including the popular, ‘‘I Wish I Knew of the most distinguished artists in American During the 1960’s Taylor was working regu- How It Would Feel To Be Free,’’ which has music history, Dr. Billy Taylor. The following larly with his trio and hosting his own daily been recorded by various artists and served biography, found on the Kennedy Center’s radio show on New York’s WLIB. He was as an anthem for the civil rights movement. web site, chronicles a career of accomplish- making guest shots on various TV shows and His latest work, ‘‘Urban Griot,’’ is detailed ment deserving of such high recognition, and recording for Capital Records, when the under the Soundpost section of this website.) of this body’s thoughtful attention and respect: Beatles began to nip at the heels of Taylor All the while, Billy Taylor continued his work ‘‘Billy Taylor arrived in New York City on a and other highly successful members of the in broadcasting, as Musical Director for Tony Friday evening in 1942. He headed for Capital family like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Brown’s Black Journal Tonight (PBS); and Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem, where he was Cole, and Peggy Lee. Rather than continue to from 1977–1982, as host of NPR’s most lis- heard by one of his idols, tenor saxophonist, be neglected, Taylor opted to forget about re- tened to jazz program of its time, ‘‘Jazz Alive.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:23 Feb 28, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00247 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\2005BOUNDRECORD\BOOK15\NO-SSN\BR15SE05.DAT BR15SE05 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE 20592 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS September 15, 2005 By the end of the 1970’s he was touring with leadership, all qualities that make him one of wealthiest nation on the planet. These faces, his trio more than ever, but playing fewer and our most cherished national treasures.’’ precious in the eyes of God, cause us to re- fewer jazz clubs, which had become crowded, In March 2005, Dr. Taylor retired from con- member that racial disparities and poverty exist in almost every community in our na- overpriced and excluded young people. Real- cert performance. tion. They also compel us to set before Con- izing the need to bring his music to a broader f gress once again our concerns for the FY ’06 audience, Taylor began to focus more on per- federal budget and its impact on people liv- forming in larger venues such as concert halls A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING ing in poverty. With renewed urgency, we and performing arts centers, which were a ROB VERNON call on Congress to stop the FY ’06 federal welcome change. budget reconciliation process immediately. In the early 1980’s, Taylor was tapped by HON. ROBERT W. NEY We believe our federal budget is a concrete Charles Kuralt to become arts correspondent expression of our shared moral values and OF OHIO priorities. Congress rightly and quickly re- for the popular television program, ‘‘CBS Sun- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sponded in appropriating needed funds to en- day Morning.’’ Still at that post today, he has sure an adequate initial response to Hurri- profiled over 250 well-known and not-so-well- Thursday, September 15, 2005 cane Katrina. Our denominations have mobi- known members of the jazz community. (He Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: lized and are responding in prayer and finan- received an Emmy Award for his profile on Whereas Rob Vernon has been a dedicated cial support and direct service to those in Quincy Jones.) It was during this time that president of the Muskingum County Farm Bu- need. Yet, just as disaster struck the Gulf Coast, the U.S. Census Bureau reported in Billy also decided to start his own record com- reau worthy of merit and recognition; and pany (Taylor Made), but after producing five very particular detail that poverty in the Whereas, Rob Vernon should be rewarded United States is growing. The annual report, albums, he realized that it was the music he for his passion and commitment toward farm- Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Cov- wanted to be involved in, not the business. He ing; and erage in the United States: 2004 showed that continued his work as a performer both on the Whereas, Rob Vernon should be com- 37.0 million people lived in poverty in 2004, bandstand and on television & radio as well. mended for the excellence and devotion with an increase of more than one million people He hosted his own jazz piano show for Bravo, which he served the county of Muskingum. since 2003. ‘‘Jazz Counterpoint,’’ which featured such art- In April, during consideration of the budg- Therefore, I join with the residents of the en- et resolution we wrote to Congress that, ‘‘As ists as George Shearing, Marian McPartland tire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in hon- we view the FY ’06 Federal Budget through and Ramsey Lewis, along with two different oring and congratulating Rob Vernon for his our lens of faith this budget, on balance, con- NPR radio series, ‘‘Dizzy’s Diamond.’’ and outstanding accomplishments. tinues to ask our nation’s working poor to ‘‘Taylor Made Piano,’’ which traced the history f pay the cost of a prosperity in which they of jazz using the piano to tell the story. Based may never share.’’ It is clear that programs upon Dr. Taylor’s book, ‘‘Jazz Piano,’’ ‘‘Taylor RELIGIOUS LEADERS SPEAK OUT such as Medicaid and the Food Stamp Pro- Made Piano’’ won a Peabody Award and gen- ON BUDGET gram that were slated for cuts by Congress erated more requests for tapes than any pre- will in fact have greater burdens placed on them as a result of Hurricane Katrina. These vious NPR program. As the 80’s drew to a HON. TOM PRICE programs are not simply entitlements or close, Billy Taylor signed with GRP/Impulse, OF GEORGIA ‘‘government hand-outs,’’ they represent the making some of his most popular recordings, deep and abiding commitment of a nation to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES including the re-release of My Fair Lady Loves care for the least among us. Jazz (arranged by Quincy Jones), It’s A Matter Thursday, September 15, 2005 Believe us when we tell you that even be- of Pride, Dr. T (featuring Gerry Mulligan) and fore Hurricane Katrina or the Census Bu- Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, our na- reau’s report, neither we nor our friends of Homage (featuring the Turtle Island String tional budget and spending bills reflect our other faiths had the resources to turn back Quartet) which received a Grammy nomination government’s values and priorities, and in re- the rising tide of poverty in this country. in 1996. cent years those priorities have been skewed The FY ’06 reconciliation bill that is work- During the 90’s Dr. Taylor was named Artis- heavily in favor of helping the rich and eroding ing its way through the authorizing commit- tic Advisor for Jazz to the Kennedy Center for protections for the poor. Our country’s reli- tees will send more people searching for food the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Since gious leaders recognize that danger, and for in cupboards that, quite frequently, are bare. 1994, under the umbrella of Jazz at the Ken- We commit ourselves to working for eco- the second time this year have issued state- nomic policies infused with the spirit of the nedy Center, Taylor has developed one ac- ments calling on our government to truly care One who began his public ministry almost claimed concert series after another including for the least among us and to abide by a 2,000 years ago by proclaiming that God had the Art Tatum Pianorama, the Louis Armstrong budget and spending plan that reflects the anointed him ‘‘to bring good news to the Legacy series, the annual Mary Lou Williams higher values and morals of our country. I poor.’’ Women in Jazz Festival, Beyond Category, would like to submit for the RECORD a letter The Most Reverend FRANK Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead and the Jazz Am- from the leaders of many of the major Protes- T. GRISWOLD, Presiding Bishop and bassadors Program. His nationally broadcast tant churches in our country and another by NPR series, ‘‘Billy Taylor’s Jazz at the Ken- Primate of the Epis- the National Council of Jewish women calling copal Church, USA. nedy Center’’ is recorded live and features a on Congress not to abandon the poor in the The Right Reverend MARK mix of performances, audience Q & A, and aftermath of Katrina. The budget reconciliation HANSON, conversations with musical guests. (see the process should not be used to further reduce Presiding Bishop of Education/Residencies section of this funding for education, food stamps, health the Evangelical Lu- website). Billy pioneered this play a little, talk care, and other critical domestic priorities theran Church in a little format in the early 80’s, with his ‘‘Jazz while spending twice that amount in tax cuts America. The Reverend Dr. CLIFTON Models & Mentors’’ series, presented four for the wealthiest among us. times a year at New York’s Metropolitan Mu- KIRKPATRICK, THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, USA, Stated Clerk of the seum of Art. Taylor performs regularly with his EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH General Assembly, current trio (Chip Jackson/bass & Winard Har- IN AMERICAN, PRESBYTERIAN Presbyterian Church per/drums) as well as with his long time friend, CHURCH (U.S.A.), UNITED CHURCH (U.S.A.). pianist Ramsey Lewis. When he’s not touring, OF CHRIST, UNITED METHODIST The Reverend JOHN H. composing or recording, he can be found in CHURCH. THOMAS, classrooms throughout the country, conducting SEPTEMBER 13, 2005. General Minister and master classes, workshops and lecture/dem- DEAR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: As leaders of President, United onstrations. As he approaches his 80th birth- our respective denominations, we have long Church of Christ. sought an end to the injustices inherent in JAMES WINKLER, day, Billy Taylor remains vigorously dedicated poverty. We have never seen these injustices General Secretary, to nurturing jazz and creating new forums and born out so vividly in our own country as in General Board of opportunities for the artists who perform it. He the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Church and Soci- encompasses that rare combination of cre- devastation wrought by Katrina has exposed ety, United Meth- ativity, intelligence, vision, commitment and the anguished faces of the poor in the odist Church.

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