H.R. No. 354



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of Ronnie Dawson of Dallas, known 
professionally as the "Blonde Bomber," on September 30, 2003, at 
the age of 64, has deeply saddened not only his family and many 
friends but also the multitude of fans of this beloved musician; and
	WHEREAS, The Waxahachie native's music career began in the 
1950s, when he was known as "Ronnie D." and became one of Dallas's 
first teen rock stars, singing "Action Packed" and "I Make the Love" 
among the popular songs he performed at the Big D Jamboree; this 
electrifying entertainer became widely known for his showmanship, 
including jumping from the stage, running through the audience, and 
playing guitar while standing on a table; and
	WHEREAS, Shy and soft-spoken off-stage, this multitalented, 
upbeat individual credited his mother's church choir singing with 
inspiring him as a performer; and
	WHEREAS, In the late 1950s, Mr. Dawson turned to rhythm and 
blues and the stage name Snake Monroe before briefly signing with 
Columbia Records; he next joined local western swing pioneers the 
Light Crust Doughboys before playing with the Levee Singers, a folk 
music act that appeared on The Danny Kaye Show and The Jimmy Dean 
Show; he organized a country music band named Steel Rail and later 
sang radio and television jingles; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Dawson's outstanding career included 
involvement in the 1980s rockabilly revival as well as performances 
during the past decade on Late Night With Conan O'Brien and at New 
York's Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, after which the New York 
Times dubbed him "a guitar-toting answer to Jerry Lee Lewis"; and
	WHEREAS, Ronnie Dawson was a man of rare talent and 
creativity, and although he will be deeply missed, his spirit will 
surely live on in the hearts of the many individuals whose lives he 
touched; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Ronnie Dawson and extend sincere sympathy to his wife, Chris 
Dawson; to his brother, Louis Dawson; and to all those who mourn the 
passing of this exceptional singer, musician, and performer; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ronnie 
Dawson.

                                                                           Pitts


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 354 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on October 10, 2003.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House