SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 644

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Mary McCoy of Conroe, who was recently awarded the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a female radio host and personality; and

WHEREAS, Mary first started on the path that led to her career in radio in 1951 at the age of 12; after entering a talent show for KMCO radio in Conroe, Mary impressed the station's listeners with her singing during a 15-minute program, and four months later, she hosted her first show for the station; the show received a sponsorship, after which the station kept her on as a file clerk, and five years later, in 1956, she became an on-air personality; and

WHEREAS, A talented musical artist and vocalist, Mary debuted her first album, "Deep Elem Blues," in 1960; she has performed alongside music legends Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves, The Browns, Loretta Lynn, and Roy Acuff at such historic venues as the Louisiana Hayride, a radio and television country music show broadcast from Shreveport, Louisiana, and the Huntsville Prison Rodeo; and

WHEREAS, KMCO became KIKR and then KVST, and now at KVST K-Star Country, Mary McCoy cohosts the two-hour Country Classics show six days a week with Larry Galla; she was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2010, and she remains a staple in Texas country music radio after nearly 72 years as a radio host; and

WHEREAS, Mary was awarded the Guinness World Record for longest-serving female radio presenter in 2023, which surpasses the previously held record by four years; she has interviewed numerous country music stars over the past seven decades, and her expert knowledge of American country music and passion for both music and radio have set a standard of excellence for music broadcasting; and

WHEREAS, Mary's dynamic talent and her enthusiastic and uplifting radio presence have resonated with generations of listeners in the Conroe area, and her unwavering dedication to listeners throughout her long and impressive career has made her a celebrated and beloved figure in Southeast Texas; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend Mary McCoy on her many contributions to music and radio in the Lone Star State and extend to her congratulations on achieving a Guiness World Record and on her exceptional career in radio; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Creighton

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 23, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate