SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 73

WHEREAS, For a half century, singer and guitarist Joe Paul Nichols distinguished himself as one of the Lone Star State's premier country and gospel musicians; and

WHEREAS, The son of O. W. and Myrtle Nichols, Joe Paul Nichols was born in Cundiff in 1941; he learned to play guitar at age nine, and his first break in the music industry came when he was hired to contribute to the weekly country show Cowtown Hoedown; after graduating from Jacksboro High School in 1960, he was a regular performer on the Big D Jamboree television program; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, Mr. Nichols formed his own band, The Five Pennies, and the group gained acclaim with their blend of country, western swing, and country gospel music; over the course of his prolific career, he shared the stage with numerous country music luminaries and recorded 26 albums and more than 300 songs; he scored a number one hit on the country gospel charts with "Jesus is the Same in California," and in 2006, his song "Eleven Eighteen Nadine Lane" captured Song of the Year honors from the Academy of Western Artists; among his numerous accolades, he was inducted into the Texas International Music Association Hall of Fame, and the International Country Gospel Music Association named its lifetime achievement award in his honor; moreover, he served as the music director at Cundiff Baptist Church for 48 years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Nichols maintained a day job throughout his musical career, working as a state inspector for the Texas Department of Transportation for 34 years and serving as the county commissioner in Jack County for a decade; he retired from music in 2008 and passed away on July 27, 2011, at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS, With his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft, Joe Paul Nichols earned a special place in the hearts of innumerable people, and his musical legacy will continue to resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend Joe Paul Nichols for his contributions to country and gospel music and pay tribute to the life and legacy of this beloved Texas musician; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in honor of Joe Paul Nichols.

Springer

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 24, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate