E30 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 13, 2010 took a leave of absence to raise her four chil- in her field by The University of Northern Colo- Mitchell marveled that ‘‘. . . of all the singers, dren: Louise, Richard, William Jr. and James. rado Alumni Association, where a teaching he was the only one that could hear jazz As her family moved to a new home in 1950 scholarship has been established in her name. changes and really sing in that style . . . and near the Newlon School, the Greenwoods initi- In 2001, the Denver Public Schools even built it was just hit after hit.’’ ated the integration of the neighborhood. Their a school and named it the Marie L. Green- Willie Mitchell’s contributions and influence children became the first African Americans to wood K–8 school in her honor. Race relations transcends the boundaries of place and time. attend Newlon and Marie and William R. in America have not improved as quickly as Detroit’s distinguished Motown Records, head- Greenwood, Marie’s husband, created the we would ever hope, but without pioneers like ed by Berry Gordy, Jr., sent a team down to framework at that school for what we now Marie Greenwood leading the way, barriers Hi Records to learn the secret behind Willie know as a Parent Teacher Association (PTA). would never be broken and dreams would Mitchell’s sound. These sounds can still be Marie organized a preschool program and be- never become reality. In advance of our an- heard in recent string and horn arrangements came the first PTA president. In 1953, she re- nual commemoration of the life and lessons of on Rod Stewart’s newest album ‘‘Soulbook,’’ a turned to teaching as a primary grade sub- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., please join me in soon-to-be released album by legend Solomon stitute teacher with the desire to teach full-time paying tribute to Marie Louise Anderson Burke and in the current artistry of pop singer at the Newlon school. Greenwood for her life’s work as a distin- John Mayer, hip-hop artist Anthony Hamilton, In 1955, in spite of the administration’s al- guished educator, public servant and social and others. leged discrimination against minority teachers trailblazer. Willie Mitchell received many awards includ- and their practice of assigning African Amer- f ing the 2008 GRAMMYs Trustees Award for a ican teachers only to schools in the then pre- lifetime of achievements. In 2004, the portion dominantly African American neighborhood of HONORING THE LIFE OF MEMPHIS of Lauderdale Street in front of Royal Studios Northeast Denver, Marie obtained a regular MUSIC ICON WILLIE MITCHELL in Memphis, which Willie Mitchell retained teaching position at Newlon School. This was after the sale of Hi Records in the late 70s, due, in part, to the PTA mothers who recog- HON. STEVE COHEN was renamed ‘‘Willie Mitchell Boulevard’’ by nized Marie’s proficiency as a teacher and ad- OF TENNESSEE the City. vocated on her behalf. Her keen ability to re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Willie Mitchell was laid to rest today in late to both students and teachers, along with Wednesday, January 13, 2010 her belief that every child can learn, earned Memphis. He gave people lots of love and her recognition as one of the best teachers in Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today happiness and reasons to stay together—he the Denver Public Schools. Marie retired from to honor the life of Willie Mitchell, a great and Al Green. We’ll all miss Willie Mitchell. I teaching in 1974, but completed her book Memphis music performer, producer, icon, and appreciate the fact that he came our way and ‘‘Every Child Can Learn’’, which looks back on patriarchal figure to many jazz and R&B art- helped produce the Memphis sound and be- her 30 years of experience and discusses the ists. Willie Mitchell was a great trumpeter, came part of that great Memphis legend of challenges she faced during that time. bandleader, and early in his career had soul music. He was loved by his musical com- The Denver community is fortunate to have worked with talented artists, including Otis munity and by his family. He leaves two won- such a strong role model and leader in Marie Clay. After the passing of Joe Coughi, Willie derful daughters, two grandsons who became Louise Anderson Greenwood. She continues Mitchell took over Hi Records on Lauderdale his sons, a step-son and a musical history and helping children and promoting literacy Street in South Memphis where he assembled tradition that will live on forever. through the ‘‘Read Aloud’’ program, which has house band Hi Rhythm and defined the adult volunteers reading books to young chil- sounds of O.V. Wright, Syl Johnson, Ann f Peebles, and many others. dren both in Denver Public Schools and at PERSONAL EXPLANATION Denver Public Libraries. She has maintained Willie Mitchell’s greatest find could, argu- her dedication to the Alpha Kappa Alpha So- ably, be singer Al Green. As a great horn rority for more than 75 years. Marie is also still player and musician, Willie Mitchell was per- HON. BARBARA LEE active in her church. At 97 years old, her exu- forming in Texas and Al Green was on the bill. OF CALIFORNIA berance and spirit are reflected in her active He told Al Green, ‘‘Come back to Memphis IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and I’ll make you a star’’—and Willie Mitchell involvement in the liturgical dance ministry of Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Shorter AME Church of which she has been a made it happen for Al Green. That happened member since 1927. often in Memphis someone saying,—‘‘Come to Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, Marie has been recognized by several orga- Memphis and I’ll make you a star.’’ And then today I missed rollcall vote No. 1, on a nizations for her many years as an educator Al Green helped to unite the sounds of jazz quorum call of the House. Had I been able to, and overcoming prejudice throughout her ca- and R&B to meet the demands of a new era I would have voted ‘‘present’’ on this rollcall reer. She was honored in 1997 as a pioneer of music. Speaking about Al Green, Willie vote.

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