By: Luna S.R. No. 799
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
1-3 recognize Ruben Blades for his contributions to the United States,
1-4 the international Hispanic community, and the nation of his birth,
1-5 Panama; and
1-6 WHEREAS, Internationally recognized for his music, Mr. Blades
1-7 has actively dedicated himself to successfully organizing a new
1-8 political movement, Papa Egoro, in his native country; and
1-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Blades has been successful in fostering respect
1-10 and understanding among people of different educational, social,
1-11 economic, political, and linguistic backgrounds; and
1-12 WHEREAS, Mr. Blades has volunteered to host a dinner theater
1-13 "Una Noche Encantada" on May 2, 1993, to benefit the membership
1-14 drive of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio; and
1-15 WHEREAS, Born in Panama in the 1950s, Ruben Blades grew up
1-16 in a family that loved music and his life was influenced by the
1-17 music of the region; and
1-18 WHEREAS, As a young man he attended the School of Law and
1-19 Political Sciences of the National University of Panama and
1-20 graduated from Harvard Law School; Ruben joined some musical
1-21 groups and performed in public shows in the city until his
1-22 professors pressured him to quit; and
1-23 WHEREAS, In 1968 Ruben Blades travelled to New York where he
2-1 had his first recording experience with Pete Rodriguez's Orchestra;
2-2 he returned to Panama to finish his law studies and found his family
2-3 involved in a difficult political situation which forced them to
2-4 leave the country for Miami in 1973; and
2-5 WHEREAS, After joining his family in Miami, Ruben returned to
2-6 New York to seek opportunities in the music field, soon becoming
2-7 the vocalist for Ray Barreto's band; in 1976, the young vocalist
2-8 joined Willie Colon's band and recorded his first LP record which
2-9 had a great impact on the public and salsa professionals; his next
2-10 recording, "Siembra," became one of the all-time Latin American
2-11 music favorites, selling more than a million copies; and
2-12 WHEREAS, After forming his own group, he recorded
2-13 "Seis de Solar" which earned a Grammy award and recognition
2-14 for his innovative theories for Carribean popular music; and
2-15 WHEREAS, Ruben Blades has made several movies, including his
2-16 first important role with Robert Redford in "Milagro Beanfield War"
2-17 and his most recent work, "The Josephine Baker History"; and
2-18 WHEREAS, His music has influenced not only the Latin musical
2-19 scene of the 1970s and 1980s, but also future generations of
2-20 musicians; his musical style expanded from a purely festive
2-21 manifestation to a social and cultural expression while
2-22 retaining its entertaining aspects; and
2-23 WHEREAS, Ruben Blades recently signed a contract with Sony
2-24 Music International which will open new doors for his expanding
2-25 career; now, therefore, be it
3-1 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-2 73rd Legislature, hereby commend Ruben Blades for his generosity
3-3 in hosting "Una Noche Encantada" to aid the San Antonio Guadalupe
3-4 Cultural Arts Center; and, be it further
3-5 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared
3-6 for Mr. Blades as an expression of the appreciation of the
3-7 Texas Senate.
3-8 _____________________________________
3-9 President of the Senate
3-10 I hereby certify that the
3-11 above Resolution was adopted by
3-12 the Senate on April 29, 1993.
3-13 _____________________________________
3-14 Secretary of the Senate
3-15 _____________________________________
3-16 Member, Texas Senate