Muscovalley/Muskeyvalley Family Reunion 1992 Poem by James B. Earley

Address

Delivered

June 13,1992

At

Rock Island, Illinois

Family, a special good evening to you! It is a pleasure, and indeed a privilege to be in your midst, seeing your faces, once again. My son, James sends his thanks, and wants you to know his appreciation of the generous honor afforded him this evening in your presentation of “Outstanding Family Achievement Award, ” in recognition of his varied accomplishments within the music industry.

Regretting, that prior studio commitments have prevented his being with us this evening, he sends love and affection to all, and “a special bundle of kisses, ” he says to Grandma Leola.

Most of you are aware that James, in concert with the incomparable Felton Pilate were the Producers of M C Hammer’s mega album, “Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em.” This recording has sold in excess of 14 million units in the United States alone. In recognition of this work, James was designated a 1991 Grammy nominee, as best album producer of the year.

I’ve just returned from New York City, where on Monday June 8, I attended a music celebration sponsored by (ASCAP) American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. The gathering honored writers and publishers of those songs having reached the top ten on music charts during 1991.

James was presented with, and I had the honor of accepting on his behalf, two awards in recognition of his contribution as a writer and publisher of Hammer’s hit recording, “2 Legit 2 Quit.”

Though thrilled with those esteemed presentations, non greater he says, than that of “my Outstanding Family Achievement Award, ” heartfelt…..from all of you!

Thank you so much, good evening.