SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 60
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
congratulate Freddy Fender, a Texas music legend, who will be 
honored with a "Hometown of Freddy Fender" sign emblazoned on a 
new water tower to be constructed in San Benito; and
	WHEREAS, Freddy Fender has had three successful musical 
careers, as an Hispanic pop star in the late 1950s, as a country 
pop star in the 1970s, and as a member of the Grammy-winning Texas 
Tornadoes in the 1990s; and
	WHEREAS, Freddy Fender was born Baldemar Huerta in 
San Benito; the first music he played was Tejano, conjunto, and 
Tex-Mex; he later integrated rhythm and blues and Cajun funk into 
his own unique musical style; and
	WHEREAS, Freddy's early hit records were Spanish 
language versions of Elvis Presley's "Don't be Cruel" and 
Harry Belafonte's "Jamaica Farewell"; among his biggest hits 
were "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" and "Before the Next 
Teardrop Falls," which reached number one on Billboard's pop and 
country charts; and
	WHEREAS, In a career that has spanned more than four 
decades, Freddy Fender has recorded many albums and soundtracks, 
and he has appeared in videos, films, and television shows; he 
has won awards from the Country Music Association, the Music 
Operators of America, and the Grammy Awards; he has also been 
honored by the Tejano Music Hall of Fame, the North America 


Country Music Association International Hall of Fame, and 
numerous other entertainment and music organizations; and
	WHEREAS, Freddy Fender has used his musical gifts and 
talents to bring the sheer delight of Tejano and country music 
to many throughout our great state and nation, and he is truly 
deserving of legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby commend Freddy Fender
for his many contributions to Texas music and extend to him 
congratulations on the singular honor bestowed on him by his 
native San Benito; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                           Lucio




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 3, 2004.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate