IV 
113TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 179 
Recognizing ‘‘International Jazz Day’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 24, 2013 
Mr. CONYERS submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing ‘‘International Jazz Day’’. 
Whereas Jazz music originated in the United States in the 
early part of the 20th century with roots in both African 
and European music traditions, and has been character-
ized as the United States greatest musical contribution to 
the world; 
Whereas Jazz music has been enjoyed for more than a cen-
tury by people from varied cultural and socioeconomic 
backgrounds and has been a consistent unifying force 
among diverse populations; 
Whereas Ahmet Ertegu¨n, the founder of the Atlantic 
Records, and his brother Nesuhi, the sons of Turkey’s 
second Ambassador to the United States, in the 1930s 
and 1940s organized the first-ever racially integrated jazz 
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•HRES 179 IH 
concerts at the Turkish Embassy Residence at a time 
when Washington, DC, was still segregated; 
Whereas in November 2011, the United Nations Educational, 
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially 
designated April 30 of each year as ‘‘International Jazz 
Day’’, recognizing the role played by Jazz music in unit-
ing people from all over the world; 
Whereas legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Han-
cock has served as co-chair of ‘‘International Jazz Day’’ 
festivities in his capacity as UNESCO Ambassador for 
Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Thelonius 
Monk Institute of Jazz; 
Whereas the Thelonius Monk Institute played a primary role 
in promoting the first annual ‘‘International Jazz Day’’ 
in 2012, which was celebrated throughout the world with 
concerts, education programs, seminars, lectures, book 
readings, public jam sessions, and other events, in more 
than 100 countries around the world; 
Whereas among the worldwide 2012 ‘‘International Jazz 
Day’’ events were 3 high profile celebrations, including a 
daylong festival in Paris, France, a sunrise concert at 
Congo Square in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a sunset 
concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in 
New York City, New York; and 
Whereas Istanbul, Turkey, will be the host city for ‘‘Inter-
national Jazz Day’’ in 2013, with a series of official cele-
brations, concerts, and educational programs taking place 
throughout the city to compliment worldwide events, cul-
minating in an evening celebration concert at Topkapi 
Palace: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
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(1) congratulates the Republic of Turkey and 
the city of Istanbul for hosting the 2013 ‘‘Inter-
national Jazz Day’’ and commends the Thelonius 
Monk Institute for its role in coordinating the world-
wide celebration; 
(2) recognizes the historic connection between 
Turkey and the jazz music through the contributions 
of the Ertegu¨n brothers; and 
(3) thanks Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet 
Davutoglu, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tour-
ism Omer Celik, and Turkish Ambassador Namik 
Tan for their assistance in assuring that the ‘‘Inter-
national Jazz Day’’ celebration in Istanbul, Turkey, 
will be an important cultural and diplomatic success. 
Æ 
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