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.