HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERROLL GARNER

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Moorhead) is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. MOORHEAD of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, Erroll Garner, a native of Pittsburgh and one of the world's most popular musicians, celebrates his birthday. I want to take this opportunity to salute this musical giant and note for my colleagues some of his many achievements and contributions as a pianist and composer.

From his early beginnings in Pennsylvania, this man has gone on to win world acclaim and to bring much joy and better understanding through his unique and innovative music, to people in all parts of the world.

It is especially fitting that we salute Garner in this Bicentennial Year, since his artistry is so deeply rooted in the American landscape. A legend since his early twenties, Garner was born with a great natural gift for music. Self-taught, he began playing at the age of 3, performing professionally in Pittsburgh by the time he was 7, on radio station KDKA, and in local theaters. His ever-developing talent has taken him from the riverboats on the Allegheny River to performances in the top concert halls of America and the world.

Garner is an original artist, an innovator, and is regarded as one of the most distinctive musical voices of this century. For the past 25 years, he has been regarded as one of the dominant influences in contemporary piano.

In 1950, Garner made his solo concert debut, and later - 1957 - went on to appear as guest soloist with major symphony orchestras throughout the United States. His pioneering efforts have opened doors for many other performers, in concerts, television, colleges, showrooms, theater tents, and hotels. He constantly has fought to improve performing and audience conditions in his field, and consistently has resisted offers to play in segregated situations, in any part of the world. Garner is the only artist from the jazz idiom to tour under the auspices of the late classical impresario, S. Hurok.

Garner's honors and acclaim have been international. He has been awarded the keys to numerous cities in the United States, including Pittsburgh, Omaha, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Boston, and has been honored by the Governors of several of our States. A top international favorite, Garner received the Grand Prix du Disque from the French Academy of Arts, and his work is buried at the French Theater Comedie in a time capsule. French critics call Garner "The man with 40 fingers," and "The Picasso of the Piano." The Republic of Mali has issued a postage stamp honoring Garner, and he has been invited to appear in Command Performances throughout Europe.

Garner's work and renown as a composer also are significant. With several hundred compositions to his credit, including his best-known work, "Misty," Garner's laurels as a composer continue to grow. "Misty" has been recorded by scores of artists in all fields - symphonies, pop, rock and roll, soul, and most recently, in the country and western field, winning an award from ASCAP. "Misty" also has been the title song of the film "Play Misty for Me," and was the theme music of the "Today Show" on NBC-TV for over a decade.

For his unique recordings, Garner again has won prizes throughout tte world. His album, "Concert by the Sea" is considered a precedent-making landmark in recording and was a bestseller for many years. Last year, Garner was honored by Schwann's 25th Anniversary Edition Catalog as one of three jazz-oriented artists whose recorded works have been in catalog for more than 25 years. The "Book of the Month Club" this year will issue a special three album collection of Garner's works as "The Essential Erroll Garner." The Public Educational Network filmed a half hour TV special with Garner, who also appears frequently on television here and abroad.

For his lifetime work as a creative artist, as an original and innovator, as a man of good will whose artistry has won him high honors and respect; as a performer who has cut through all national and international boundaries to spread good feelings and good will among the most hybrid audiences, of all backgrounds and all ages, I take pleasure in celebrating this birthday of Erroll Garner, and I am sure all in this Chamber wish him many more years of fulfilling, creative activity.