Recognizing the Life, Legacy and Memory of Mr. Ronald McFadden

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLEAVER. Mr Speaker, today I rise saddened to share the news of the premature demise of one of Kansas City's greatest treasures and a dear friend of mine. Mr. Ronald McFadden. Ronald and his brother Lonnie formed the iconic duo known throughout the world as the McFadden Brothers. The McFadden Brothers graduated from Lincoln High School and after countless hours of musical and tap lessons, performed their first official McFadden Brothers act on July 30, 1983, at the Music Hall with Oleta Adams. Since then, this team performed before thousands of audiences around the world, beginning in Japan in 1976 and later performances with Wayne Newton in Las Vegas during the 1990s. But what some people don't know is that they started performing at the old Muehlebach Hotel in downtown Kansas City, Missouri at the tender ages of 6 and 7 years old where they were led by their father, an extraordinary musician in his own right.

These two were more than just musicians, they were the consummate entertainers. They could sing with the best vocalist, their harmony allowed their audiences to float on clouds, their tap dancing style and choreography evoked memories of the famous Nicholas Brothers, their coordination, timing and precision awed each audience member from every end of the world. Their energy was so electrifying that it captured each audience from the time they stepped upon the stage until their final bow, after what was certainly a memorable experience. Their dynamic brand of multi-discipline performance demonstrated talents that were honed after countless hours of practice and dedication to their craft. In 2016, the McFadden Brothers received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Jazz Museum, and they received the Living Legends Awards from Tapology in October of 2017. In 2022, the McFadden Brothers received the distinction of being enshrined into the Jazz Walk of Fame in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, where I personally congratulated them. During a recent interview after Ronnie's death, Lonnie was asked how significant it was to lose his brother, and Lonnie explained that everyone who knew Ronnie feels as if they lost their closest friend. Lonnie's words reflect my own feelings at the moment, but I have no doubt that Ronnie's presence will continue to be felt for generations to come thanks to his music and the lives he touched.

Mr. Speaker, please join me and all of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District in celebrating the life and legacy of world renowned jazz legend and Kansas City's own, Mr. Ronald McFadden. May his memory be a blessing.

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