Recognizing Bernadette Bascom on Being An Exceptional Musician Giving Back
Floor Speech
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Mr. MFUME. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bernadette Bascom, a native daughter of Baltimore who has dedicated her life to the performance of music and the education of young people.
She has used her God-given talents to entertain countless Americans and to help those with special needs find their voice, and next month, her adopted home of Bothell, Washington will recognize October 11 as Bernadette Bascom Day.
Bernadette was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1962, the daughter of Lutherine Bascom, a music teacher, and one of Baltimore's greatest civil rights leaders, Rev. Marion C. Bascom of Douglas Memorial Community Church.
Rev. Bascom was a giant in the movement, marching alongside Dr. King, helping integrate Gwynn Oak Amusement Park, and serving as Baltimore's first Black fire commissioner. Rev. and Mrs. Bascom raised their daughter to share their values of justice, service, and the right of all people to dignity and respect.
Bernadette gravitated to music as a girl, with her mother sneaking her to rehearsals while Rev. Bascom insisted that she focus on her education. She began her career on the air as a disc jockey and a vocalist, but her big break came when she received an invitation to go on tour with The People's Choice.
Bernadette toured the West Coast that summer and, while in Seattle, fell in love with Washington State and decided to stay. She established herself in the local funk scene, touring the state with bands like Epicenter and Acapulco Gold.
While in Washington, she re-connected with a friend she had made while attending a Stevie Wonder concert in high school--Stevie Wonder himself. She had never sung for him, but after she sent him a recording of her voice, Stevie insisted that she become the first artist to sign onto his record label, Black Bull Music Inc.
From there, Bernadette's successful musical career accelerated, and she shared a stage with acclaimed musicians like Lenny Williams and Elton John. In 1981, she released her trademark single. ``Seattle Sunshine/I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love,'' bringing her to a new pinnacle of fame.
Over the next several decades, Bernadette solidified herself as a working performer of the highest caliber, She spent over 15 years in Las Vegas, co-starring in the Divine Divas, and spent a decade performing with the Supremes at the Motown Cafe in New York.
In 2004, Bernadette made a career change and transitioned from the stage to the classroom. She helped launch the Music Project in Washington's Northshore School District, a program building an inclusive space in the world of music for kids with special needs.
In the years since, Bernadette has shepherded hundreds of young people through the program, using music to help them find their voice while imbuing them with self-esteem, life skills, and confidence. The program was so successful. Bernadette has worked with Microsoft to build the ``SPEAK! Music As Language'' app, bringing her multisensory' teaching methods to the world.
In addition to her work with the Music Project, Bernadette is a professor of performance and voice at Northwest University. When she joined the university, she donated music manuals and songbooks worth over $10,000 to the school library, and she has since provided vocal training to hundreds of NU students.
Bernadette has received numerous accolades and awards over the years, including a 2013 Emmy Award for a documentary about the Music Project entitled ``Bernadette's Touch.'' No doubt, more than any of the acclaim she has received, it is the impact that she has had on young people that brings Bernadette the most joy.
Mr. Speaker, Bernadette Bascom has lived a life devoted to creating art and serving others. She has helped countless young Americans embrace their voices and find joy in music, and she has more than earned the plaudits that she has received over her career. I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to her.
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