SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 930

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the Barkays for their talent and their many years of 
outstanding musical performances; and

	WHEREAS, James Alexander, Larry Dodson, and The Legendary 
Barkays are the featured entertainers at a reception for 
May Walker, candidate for Harris County Constable, in Houston 
on May 30, 2003; and

	WHEREAS, The Barkays are noted for their spontaneity and 
the excitement they create when they perform; the band today is 
the result of the evolving musical group that began in the 1960s 
as a house band with Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee; and

	WHEREAS, The Barkays' first single, "Soul Finger," was a 
smash hit on rhythm and blues charts in the 1960s, but a short 
time later, four members of the band were killed in a tragic 
airplane crash along with legendary soul singer Otis Redding; the 
surviving members of the band, James Alexander and Ben Cauley, 
regrouped and, with the help of the late Allen Jones, continued 
to rebuild the band and maintain its standards of professionalism 
and showmanship; and

	WHEREAS, Larry Dodson soon joined the band and became its 
lead singer as well as the cornerstone for the rebuilding of the 
Barkays; throughout the 1970s, the band was the backup to some of 
the most distinguished names in rhythm and blues music, and they 
produced a string of their own hits; and

	WHEREAS, After a hiatus in the 1980s, the band regrouped 
again in 1991, when the talents of Harvey Henderson and Winston 
Stewart were added to those of James Alexander and Larry Dodson; 
the combination of the older professionals with the exuberance 
of the younger members made for a broader spectrum of music 
appealing to a diverse audience; and

	WHEREAS, Now working on their 28th album, the Barkays can 
expect to add to their string of hits; they have five gold albums 
and one platinum album to their credit and 37 singles with 28 
singles in the Top Ten; and

	WHEREAS, The music of the Barkays has found a place 
in the repertoires of numerous new artists, and after an 
outstanding performance on a Home Box Office special in 1997, 
the band has experienced a boost in their career; today the 
band tours to sold-out audiences with their "funky" rhythm and 
blues-jazz-rock-and-roll music; and

	WHEREAS, The Barkays were honored recently by a request by 
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a garment from their colorful 
stage wardrobe and a piece of equipment to add to the museum's 


collection; the success of the Barkays is a lasting testimonial 
to the musicians' tenacity and the popularity of their music; 
now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby commend the Barkays for the enduring 
legacy of their music and the entertainment they provide to 
people of all ages; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an 
expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 21, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate