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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E467-E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE 60TH REUNION OF ``THE EL COROLS BAND AND SHOW''
______
HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON
of the district of columbia
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 15, 2019
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of
Representatives to join me in honoring members of ``El Corols Band and
Show'' (El Corols) on their 60th reunion celebration, which will take
place on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church
in Southwest, Washington, D.C.
[[Page E468]]
In 1959, a group of students in the music department at Shaw Junior
High School formed El Corols, the first rhythm and blues band in the
District of Columbia. El Corols was highly sought-after for school and
private parties all over the city and beyond. The band performed for
many charitable and community organizations throughout the city. During
the summer, the group spent the majority of its time performing at
Carr's Beach, a public beach for African Americans in Annapolis,
Maryland. (African Americans were not welcome at any of the ``white''
beaches. Although our nation was segregated, many found comfort and joy
through the vibrant musical talents of El Corols.)
The band consisted of teenagers, yet the members were honored and
privileged to be the ``house band'' at the beach. The band was
presented with opportunities to perform and accompanied many of the
famous stars of that era, including Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle and
the Bluebells, Bobby ``Blue'' Bland, Billy Stewart, Gene Chandler, and
James Brown, to name a few. As teenagers, the band members had no idea
that they were making history. They were simply excited about playing
music and entertaining.
The apex of El Corols' experience was their performance with Nat King
Cole in 1963 at Eastern High School, where United States Attorney
General Robert F. Kennedy was an honored guest. Another highlight of El
Corols' experience was the invitation to perform at the Debutante
Cotillion of New York Socialite Fernanda Wetherhill Wannamaker in South
Hampton, Long Island.
As the members of El Corols reflect on their teenage years, they
continue to cherish the lifelong memories and experiences they were
afforded simply due to their dedication to and love of music.
El Corols is indebted to its manager, Captain William Rumsey, who was
Dunbar High School's Military Science Teacher. Captain Rumsey later
became the Principal of McKinley Technical High School, and upon his
retirement from the public school system, he became Director of the
District of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. Captain Rumsey
was a strict disciplinarian and assured the band members' parents that
they were in capable hands and would be well cared for under his
management. Captain Rumsey never failed in his commitment to the band
and stands in a proud space in history alongside the members of El
Corols.
Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the rich history of
El Corols on the occasion of its 60th reunion. I ask my colleagues to
join me in this recognition.
____________________