By Wise                                          H.R. No. 299

      75R8439 JTR-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, On March 9, 1997, noted musician Juan Lopez will

 1-2     celebrate his 75th birthday, and this memorable milestone in his

 1-3     life is an outstanding opportunity to honor his great contributions

 1-4     to the music and culture of Texas; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Born March 8, 1922, in Jackson County, Mr. Lopez

 1-6     took up the accordion as a child, and by the age of 18 he and his

 1-7     brothers were playing professionally, delighting their friends and

 1-8     neighbors with the lively polkas, mazurkas, and redovas that

 1-9     characterize conjunto music; and

1-10           WHEREAS, In the 1950s Mr. Lopez came into his own as a

1-11     regional conjunto star, and in addition to making a number of fine

1-12     recordings, he continued to enthrall listeners and dancers across

1-13     the Lone Star State with live performances of his memorable music;

1-14     a staunch traditionalist, he became known as "El Rey de la Redova"

1-15     for his mastery of this musical form; and

1-16           WHEREAS, Mr. Lopez's lifetime of artistry was recognized in

1-17     1989 when he was inducted into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame, and

1-18     since that time he has continued to weave his distinctive accordion

1-19     magic wherever he performs; and

1-20           WHEREAS, The blend of European and Mexican influences that

1-21     comprise conjunto music is an apt expression of the rich diversity

1-22     of Texan traditions, and Juan Lopez's accomplishments in this

1-23     unique art form have earned him a special place in the musical

1-24     history of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

 2-1           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-2     Legislature hereby congratulate Juan Lopez on the occasion of his

 2-3     75th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued

 2-4     success and happiness in the future; and, be it further

 2-5           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 2-6     prepared for Mr. Lopez as an expression of high regard by the Texas

 2-7     House of Representatives.