SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 42
In Memory
of
John William Herrera
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Corpus Christi in mourning the loss of John William Herrera, who died on September 10, 2003, at the age of 73; and WHEREAS, Born in Mercedes, Texas, on February 9, 1930, Johnny Herrera graduated from Mercedes High School, where he was the first male student to serve as a cheerleader; he graduated from Del Mar College and earned a bachelor's degree in music from North Texas State Teachers College in Denton; he was married to the late Sara Prado Herrera; and WHEREAS, Johnny began to compose songs at an early age; by the time he turned 15, he was playing his music at a local venue, and his compositions were heard on the local radio station; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Johnny's songs of love, romance, passion, and family were recorded and popularized by both American and Mexican musical stars; in the 1940s and 1950s, his songs "De Rodillas Vendras" and "Por Ningun Motivo" were performed by the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and the singing star Maria Victoria; in 1981, one of his greatest songs, "Si Quieres Verme Llorar," became a popular hit for Tejano music singer Lisa Lopez; in the 1990s, his popularity continued with Selena's recording of "La Tracalera" and Eddie Gonzalez's rendition of "Botonicito De Carino"; and WHEREAS, For his outstanding accomplishments as a composer of Tejano music, he was inducted into the Texas Talent Musicians Association's Tejano Hall of Fame in 1983; and WHEREAS, In addition to his work as a composer, Johnny Herrera was the owner of The House of Music, where he often spent time conversing with visitors about music, family, and current events; and WHEREAS, He will be remembered fondly by many aficionados of Tejano music as a man of great creativity and deep humility who possessed a quick wit, a full-bodied laugh, and dancing eyes; and WHEREAS, Johnny Herrera lived his life to the fullest and was a devoted brother and uncle, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 78th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of John William Herrera: his brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Yolanda Herrera; his sisters, Mary Dillaha, Irene Hagley, and Elida Gannon; and his many beloved nieces and nephews; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Johnny Herrera. Hinojosa ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 23, 2003, by a rising vote. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate