Congressman Cleaver Introduces Congressional Jazz Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is pleased to announce the introduction of House Resolution 696 honoring the heritage of jazz in the United States. Congressman Cleaver, along with Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (LA-02), introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives this afternoon, which acknowledges the seeds of jazz and its evolution into a signature American sound.

Kansas City, Missouri, is known as the place where musical geniuses, such as Charles “Yard Bird” Parker, Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams and countless others, lived and perfected their style of jazz in the historic 18th and Vine District.

New Orleans, Louisiana, is known as the place where jazz was born when West African slave rhythms were combined with the harmonic hymns of the church. Melodies were performed in areas such as the famed Congo Square in as early as the 1900’s.

“’I’m going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come,’ is one of the most recognized lyrics around the world, because everyone knows that Kansas City is where jazz grew up, and I’m glad it will forever be acknowledged as the home of this musical phenomenon,” said Congressman Cleaver.

“The sound of brass horns and piano keys are the heartbeat of New Orleans,” said Congressman Richmond. “Since its birth in the French Quarter over 200 years ago, jazz has carried the sound and spirit of the city all over the world. I’m proud that this musical marvel will live on and with it the creativity and soul of its origins.”

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.

For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov.