By Chavez                                              H.R. No. 759

         75R13128 JTR-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, On April 30, 1997, El Paso saxophonist Arthur "Art"

 1-2     Lewis will celebrate his 61st birthday, and this happy event is

 1-3     truly worthy of special recognition; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Lewis first honed his craft

 1-5     while growing up in Houston, and he began his professional career

 1-6     in area rhythm and blues bands, performing with such legendary

 1-7     musical figures as T-Bone Walker, Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland,

 1-8     and Bobby "Blue" Bland; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, In 1960 Mr. Lewis resettled in El Paso, and since

1-10     that time he has continued to develop and refine his distinctive

1-11     saxophone playing and vocal ability; a gifted jazz musician, he

1-12     also maintains close ties to his roots in rhythm and blues, and his

1-13     versatility and talent as a performer have made him sought after by

1-14     eager audiences and fellow musicians alike; and

1-15           WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis is also well known as a dedicated mentor

1-16     to aspiring musicians, and a number of his young colleagues have

1-17     benefited from his practical wisdom and broad experience; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Art Lewis has established himself as a gifted

1-19     musical artist and a vital and valued asset to his community, and

1-20     it is indeed fitting to honor him for his many achievements at this

1-21     time;  now, therefore, be it

1-22           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

1-23     Legislature hereby honor Arthur "Art" Lewis on the occasion of his

1-24     61st birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued

 2-1     success and happiness in the future; and, be it further

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

 2-3     prepared for Mr. Lewis as an expression of high regard by the Texas

 2-4     House of Representatives.