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