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By: Madla S.C.R. No. 33
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Robert Weston Smith, known to his many fans as
"Wolfman Jack," was a true giant in the field of radio, and his
passing in 1995 has not diminished his contributions to American
culture as a radio, film, and television personality; and
WHEREAS, A native of Brooklyn, this remarkable individual
burst onto the airwaves in the early 1960s as a disc jockey at
powerful radio station XERF in Ciudad Acuna; at that time, the
nation was experiencing a period of great unrest due to the
assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the onset of the
Vietnam War, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights led by Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Wolfman Jack's contributions during this turbulent
period went beyond the role of an entertainer; by promoting such
traditionally black music styles as the blues, rhythm and blues,
and soul, which quickly gained acceptance from his fan base, he
fostered the cause of racial and cultural diversity, becoming a
unifying force in a divisive political and social climate; and
WHEREAS, He went on to earn two platinum albums and three gold
records during his career and was an inductee of the Radio Hall of
Fame in 1996; from 1973 to 1981, his fame was so widespread that he
was named one of the top 10 most easily recognized television
celebrities in the country by the Advertising Council of America;
and
WHEREAS, This multitalented individual also had numerous
parts in feature films, including playing himself in an integral
role in the blockbuster hit American Graffiti and in its sequel More
American Graffiti; in addition, he hosted the television series The
Wolfman Jack Show and made many other television appearances
throughout the years; and
WHEREAS, Many individuals and organizations are working to
create a fitting tribute for Mr. Smith in Del Rio by erecting a
statue of the famous deejay, and supporters of this worthy endeavor
include his widow, Lou Lamb Smith, sculptor Michael Maiden, and the
Wolfman Jack Memorial Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Truly the voice of rock and roll for an entire
generation of music lovers, Wolfman Jack made contributions to the
industry he loved that were as unique and memorable as the
gravel-voiced delivery of his radio persona, and it is appropriate
that his remarkable legacy be preserved into the 21st century; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the myriad accomplishments of Robert "Wolfman
Jack" Smith and extend support to those who are working to ensure
his memory; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared in
memory of and in honor of Wolfman Jack.