R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Friends, colleagues, and admirers will join Connie 1-2 Kirk in celebrating her birthday on June 7, 1997, and this occasion 1-3 offers an excellent opportunity to honor this talented musician; 1-4 and 1-5 WHEREAS, Ms. Kirk has distinguished herself among her musical 1-6 peers as an inspirational and intense performer whose vocal 1-7 dexterity and range have thrilled audiences throughout the world; 1-8 combining elements of jazz, blues, salsa, and soul, she is a 1-9 formidable presence in the world of music, and has performed with 1-10 such legendary figures as Freddie Hubbard, Pharoah Sanders, and 1-11 Pete Escovedo; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Following a 12-year stint in Northern California, 1-13 where she was named Blues Female Vocalist of the Year, this amazing 1-14 woman returned to Austin and has since become a fixture in the 1-15 Capitol City; in 1992, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce 1-16 presented her with the Ethnic Arts Award for her lasting 1-17 contributions to the community, and she had the further distinction 1-18 of being the first African-American to receive that award; and 1-19 WHEREAS, A respected voice for many charitable endeavors as 1-20 well, Ms. Kirk has done benefits for the Austin Ballet and the 1-21 United Negro College Fund and has offered her support in the fight 1-22 against child abuse and AIDS, and her dedication as both a musician 1-23 and an activist has earned her nominations to the Dr. Connie 1-24 Yerwood African-American Women's Hall of Fame and the Texas Music 2-1 Hall of Fame; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Connie Kirk has given much to the community in her 2-3 dual role as performer and citizen, and the members of this chamber 2-4 are proud to recognize her longtime service to her fellow man; now, 2-5 therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby commend Connie Kirk for her exemplary 2-8 contributions to the Lone Star State and extend to her sincere best 2-9 wishes for a memorable birthday and continued success and happiness 2-10 in the years to come; and, be it further 2-11 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-12 prepared for Ms. Kirk as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-13 House of Representatives. Dutton _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1390 was adopted by the House on June 2, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House