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