By Dutton                                             H.R. No. 1390

         75R17594 JHS-D                           

                                 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.