Congresswoman Brown Launches Rock Caucus for 118th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D- OH-11), announced the launch of the Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus for the 118th Congress. The bipartisan caucus will be co-led by Congressman David Joyce (R-OH-14), Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR-AL) Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11). 

To mark the launch of the caucus, Congresswoman Brown also released a Playlist on Spotify [link]to celebrate artists who have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later this month, Congresswoman Brown will also release a playlist highlighting Black artists as part of Black History Month.

The Caucus aims to celebrate the substantial contributions music has had on our nation and those that it has yet to make. The Caucus highlights the importance of cultural organizations across the United States, like Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that further the positive impacts of music, bring communities together, and support art and music education.

Former Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, now HUD Secretary, launched and led the Rock Caucus during previous Congresses.

“Rock and Roll, as well as Jazz, Blues, and the many genres it was born out of, are the heartbeats of American culture. When we celebrate and advance the American musical tradition, we are also helping preserve the work of the countless artists that built it,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. “I’m honored to launch the Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus this Congress with colleagues from across the country, representing all the different genres and points of view that have shaped our music. I am hopeful that the caucus can also help highlight the importance of arts education and music education, as well as the cultural and economic value of the arts. The ability to make politically challenging music is also vital to the right to free speech – supporting art institutions and artists also supports that right.”

“I am glad to be a part of a caucus where we share a universal language: our love for music.  Protecting and educating the life-changing stories influenced by all genres of music is important,” said Congressman Bennie Thompson.

“Ohio played an instrumental role in the popularization of Rock and Roll with Alan Freed coining the term and broadcasting it from the heart of Cleveland in the 1950s,” said Congressman Joyce. “Rock and Roll goes beyond music; it symbolizes innovation and unity. With the re-launch of the Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus, we will continue to support organizations, like Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to celebrate the impact and power of music,” said Congressman David Joyce.

“Over the years, Rock and Roll has transcended boundaries, influencing global music to reach a variety of stages in Spanish and other languages, and inspiring subgenres like indie rock and country rock. In my district of Puerto Rico, music unites us. It is the birthplace of Bomba, Plena, Salsa, Bolero, Reggaeton and many others, and we take pride in our globally recognized artists,” said Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón. “I am excited to join the Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus, and to celebrate Rock and Roll's contributions to music and our communities.”

"As a member of the Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus, I am excited to honor the legacy of Motown, Detroit's gift to the world of music. This genre mirrors the soul and resilience of Detroit, and through this caucus, we celebrate its enduring influence on our culture and community," said Congressman Shri Thanedar.

“New York is home to some of the most renowned concert venues, top music studios and has produced some of our time’s most iconic rock stars like the Ramones, Billy Joel and Huey Lewis,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Establishing the bipartisan Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus will help us recognize the positive contributions the genre has had on our country and support the cultural organizations that preserve and educate our youth about American rock and roll today.”

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