H.R. No. 568
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, April 10, 1995, marks the first anniversary of the
1-2 death of Tom Hughes, a giant within the Dallas arts community and a
1-3 man who was widely recognized throughout the entertainment industry
1-4 as one of our nation's leading theater producers; and
1-5 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Hughes was graduated from
1-6 Carrollton High School and pursued his higher education at the
1-7 University of North Texas, where he distinguished himself as vice
1-8 president of the student body and president of the student senate;
1-9 his undying love of the theater was already evident during his
1-10 tenure as a student at North Texas, for he tirelessly devoted his
1-11 time and energies throughout college to serve as producer and
1-12 director of the Varsity Club shows and the Spring Music Festival;
1-13 and
1-14 WHEREAS, In 1955, he was named house manager of the State
1-15 Fair Musicals, known today as the Dallas Summer Musicals, and began
1-16 a remarkable career with that organization that would span four
1-17 decades; having proven himself in positions of increased
1-18 responsibility over the course of six years, Mr. Hughes was named
1-19 managing director of the Dallas Summer Musicals in 1961; and
1-20 WHEREAS, In the ensuing years, this gifted producer elevated
1-21 the national perception of the performing arts in the Metroplex
1-22 area by coupling his trademark flair for the dramatic with his
1-23 seemingly innate understanding of how to please an audience; and
1-24 WHEREAS, Among the many legendary actors and actresses who
2-1 came to Dallas to perform in his lavish productions were such
2-2 Hollywood giants as Katherine Hepburn, Richard Burton, Yul Brynner,
2-3 Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, and Carol Burnett; and
2-4 WHEREAS, A keen judge of untapped talent as well, Mr. Hughes
2-5 carefully cultivated the abilities of Sandy Duncan and Tommy Tune,
2-6 both of whom benefited immeasurably from his able guidance and
2-7 encouragement; and
2-8 WHEREAS, Determined to create the broadest possible avenue
2-9 for dramatic expression within his community, Mr. Hughes
2-10 established the Tom Hughes Foundation to bring national touring
2-11 companies of dramas and musicals to the Majestic Theatre and the
2-12 Music Hall during the months when the Summer Musicals are inactive;
2-13 Mr. Hughes also joined with actress Martha Gaylord to establish a
2-14 scholarship at his alma mater for deserving drama students; and
2-15 WHEREAS, For his many notable achievements, Mr. Hughes was
2-16 given an honorary doctorate and a Distinguished Alumnus Award by
2-17 the University of North Texas and was designated a recipient of the
2-18 TACA Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts; and
2-19 WHEREAS, Tom Hughes was a gentleman of rare talent and
2-20 dedication whose extensive achievements in the arts greatly
2-21 enriched the lives of countless residents of and visitors to the
2-22 Metroplex area; although he has been deeply missed in the year that
2-23 has passed since his death, his memory lives on in the hearts of
2-24 his family, friends, and many fans; now, therefore, be it
2-25 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
2-26 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Tom Hughes and extend
2-27 sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Anne
3-1 Kouri Hughes; to his children, Kenneth Thomas Hughes, Ryan Alexis
3-2 Hughes, and Kyle Elizabeth Hughes; to his aunt, Ruby Aiello; to his
3-3 uncles, J. C. Bond and Walter Bond, Sr.; and to the many other
3-4 friends and relatives of this esteemed gentleman; and, be it
3-5 further
3-6 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-7 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas
3-8 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
3-9 Tom Hughes.