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Rep. Marsha Blackburn

Mr. Speaker, the Tennessee 7th Congressional District is full of great land, great people, and great music. From the annual Fiddler's Convention in Clarksville to the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival in Clifton, this area of the country is known for its ``noted'' legacy. I rise today in celebration of another great tribute to our distinct sound, the Emissaries of Memphis Music.

In its fourth year, the Emissaries of Memphis Music honors those who grow the creative and musical culture of Memphis. From Estelle Axton at Stax Records, to the women being honored this year by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission, the function that women play in our musical legacy cannot be overlooked. Through writing, producing, recording, performing, or leading, women have long dedicated their time, talents, and treasures to expanding excellence in the music industry.

Their accomplishments differ from woman to woman, but their influence on and dedication to their craft remains steady. I rise to congratulate Ann Peebles, Wendy Moten, Anita Ward, Alexis Grace, Bethany Paige, Bev Johnson, Anita Makris, and Anne Pitts on their being named the 2012 Emissaries of Memphis Music. I ask my colleagues to join with me in celebration of the unique contributions each of these women offers to the great musical heritage of Tennessee.