Arlen Specter: “this resolution, being cosponsored by my distinguished colleague from Pennsylvania, Senator Santorum, and our…”

“this resolution, being cosponsored by my distinguished colleague from Pennsylvania, Senator Santorum, and our distinguished colleague from Illinois, Senator Moseley-Braun, is a resolution to recognize the importance of African-American music to global culture and to our Nation. This is especially important because this month of June is celebrated as Black Music Month, and the designation is particularly important to the city of Philadelphia, which is the home of the International Association of African-American Music. At the conclusion of the Civil War, military band instruments were abundant and could be purchased for petty cash or labor. It was during this time that the first age of African-American music, Ragtime, was born, and when Eubie Blake composed his famous ``Charleston Rag.'' Jazz artists flourished later, including W.C. Handy, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Dozens of African-American female singers contributed their talents as well--among them Bessie Smith, followed by Ella Fitzgerald. Today, African-American music's universal popularity and appeal is evidenced through the appreciation of other cultures. Non-African-American musical artists, such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Bonnie Raitt, have cited African-American artists as inspiration for their own music. Globally, African-American music is appreciated for its impact on language, dance, art, and media, as well as social and cultural values.”