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2003S0785-1 03/25/03


By:  Madla                                                      S.C.R. No. 33 



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.