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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO HARVEY SCALES
______
HON. GWEN MOORE
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my deepest condolences to
Mrs. Rochella Scales and her family on the loss of Milwaukee's
``Godfather of Soul'', Harvey Scales. Harvey was born in Osceola,
Arkansas, on September 27, 1941, and passed away on February 11, 2019.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, relative and
friend to many here in Milwaukee and around the world.
Harvey's family moved to Milwaukee when he was a young child where
his father found work at American Motors. He attended both Roosevelt
Junior High and North Division High Schools. For over 60 years, Harvey
Scales has entertained us all beginning as a teen with doo wop bands in
the 50's with such renowned Milwaukee contemporaries as the late Al
Jarreau until he ultimately formed the band, Harvey Scales and the
Seven Sounds in 1961. Harvey Scales and the Seven Sounds' first gig was
at the Wisconsin State Fair. Harvey was able to perform in places in
Milwaukee and Wisconsin where African Americans were not allowed and
sought to break barriers through his music by playing at venues that
drew an integrated crowd.
He was signed at various record labels over the years including the
legendary soul labels of Chess and Stax. Harvey was signed by
Casablanca Records after co-writing the platinum-selling song ``Disco
Lady'' in 1976 for Johnny Taylor. In fact, it would be the biggest hit
of Taylor's career, and the first song certified as platinum by the
Recording Industry Association of America. Casablanca Records released
Harvey's albums ``Confidential Affair'' in 1978 and ``Hot Foot: A
Funque Dizco Opera'' in 1979.
Harvey proved himself to be more than an entertainer; he was also a
person who endeavored to unite everyone through the love of music. He
was both a social and a fun person to be around; he had friends
throughout the industry including MC Hammer and the late Aretha
Franklin to name but a few. Harvey continued to perform well into his
70s; in fact, one of his last shows was at Summerfest in 2017. The
songs he wrote would be later sampled and recorded by a new generation
of musicians including the Beastie Boys and Pete Rock.
Harvey leaves family and friends to cherish his memory including his
wife Rochella Scales; Children: Tonya Stoudermire, David Vela, Daniel
Vela, Dorothea Felder, Theresa Sheppard, Rodney Sheppard, Cornell
Scales, Eric Scales, Harvey Scales, Jr., Jewel Henry, Kim Brown,
Michael Brown, Rochelle Brown, Michelle Brown, and Bobby Brown; 40
grandchildren and a host of other relatives.
Harvey Scales, my friend and fellow Blue Devil will be greatly missed
because of the positive impact he left on the lives of so many. While
his death leaves a huge void, he will be remembered for his lifetime as
a music artist who continues to inspire future generations. The legacy
of his music continues with his son, Harvey Scales, Jr., rapper JR
Scalez who collaborated with his father, as well as, the many musicians
who continue to both perform and record his music.
Madam Speaker, Harvey Scales has positively impacted the 4th
Congressional District, the State of Wisconsin and the world. As family
and friends gather to remember and celebrate the life of this loving
and remarkable man; I applaud him and his legacy.
____________________
