2018 is coming to a close, allowing music fans and politicians alike to look back and document the year that was before charging ahead into 2019. From the governmental side of things, whatever that even means anymore, members of the United States Congress can document its proceedings and debates from their sessions year as part of the Congressional Record. For those who may not be aware, the Congressional Record is a document published by the U.S. Government Publishing Office to be issued whenever Congress is in session.
Thankfully, some folks in Congress are also notable music fans, like Democratic Rep. Cheri Bustos, who represents Illinois’ 17th congressional district. That district in the northwest part of the state includes the city of Aledo, where rising Americana singer/guitarist Margo Price was born and raised. In a fitting tribute to the singer, who now resides in Nashville and has recently performed with artists like Phil Lesh, Willie Nelson, and Widespread Panic, Bustos made a point to reference some of Price’s accomplishments in the latest Congressional Record, which was published last Friday, December 21st. As the record notes,
“[Price’s] first album, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,” went to number 10 on the U.S. Country chart and her second album, “All American Made,” went to number 12 on the U.S. Country chart.
It is because of talented artists such as Ms. Price that I am especially proud to serve Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Ms. Price on her Grammy nomination and her commitment to making music for so many fans to enjoy across the country.”
The “Mr. Speaker” who Bustos references in her note would be none other than Paul Ryan, who will be retiring from his position as Speaker of The House in the coming year. Ryan may or may not be as avid of a music fan as former President Barack Obama, but surely he appreciates someone from small-town middle America rising up to become one of the hotting emerging names in contemporary country music at the moment.
Margo Price has been on a tear since releasing her first two studio albums as mentioned above in 2016 and 2017. 2018 saw Price recognized as one of the nominees for “Best New Artist” at the upcoming Grammy Awards, in addition to performing at events like LOCKN’ and, more recently, sharing an honest new music video for “All American Made”.
Margo Price will close out her breakout year with a run of shows with Lily Hyatt in Philadelphia and New Jersey leading up to her New Year’s Eve performance at New York City’s Music Hall of Williamsburg on Monday night. Tickets for her remaining 2018 concerts can be purchased here.
[H/T Nashville Scene]