By Martinez Fischer H.R. No. 185 77R4593 MW-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Valerio Longoria of San Antonio on 1-2 December 15, 2000, at the age of 75, has brought a great loss to 1-3 the family, friends, and fans of this notable Texas musician; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born on December 27, 1924, Mr. Longoria demonstrated 1-5 his exceptional ability early in life; at the age of seven, he 1-6 taught himself to play an old accordion given to him by his father, 1-7 after he had already learned to play the guitar and harmonica; and 1-8 WHEREAS, This talented musician developed into a major force 1-9 in conjunto music, or musica nortena, a musical tradition popular 1-10 in Texas and Northern Mexico; known for his innovative approach, 1-11 Mr. Longoria customized his instrument to create his own sound, was 1-12 one of the first to sing while playing the accordion, and 1-13 introduced modern drums into the genre; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Contributing to his community as much as to conjunto 1-15 music, this distinguished Texan taught for 20 years as the master 1-16 accordion instructor at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, where 1-17 he shared his knowledge and expertise with students from San 1-18 Antonio's West Side; he also answered his country's call to duty in 1-19 1942, serving in the United States Army during World War II; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Mr. Longoria was deservedly honored in 1982 with 1-21 induction into the Tejano Conjunto Hall of Fame; in 1986, he 1-22 received the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship Award, the 1-23 highest accolade bestowed on a folk artist, from the National 1-24 Endowment for the Arts; and 2-1 WHEREAS, His relatives and friends, colleagues in the music 2-2 industry, students, and many fans were all deeply touched by 2-3 Mr. Longoria's genius, and his contributions to their lives, to his 2-4 community, and to the venerable conjunto music tradition ensure 2-5 that his legacy will always endure; now, therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Valerio Longoria and 2-8 extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 2-9 Rebecca; to his sons, Valerio III, Alex, Juan, and Flavio; to his 2-10 brothers, Steve and Rudy; and to his other relatives, friends, and 2-11 loved ones; and, be it further 2-12 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-13 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-14 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-15 Valerio Longoria.