H.R. No. 47 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Country music is an indispensable part of the 
history and culture of the Lone Star State, and those artists who 
dedicate themselves to the creation and performance of this classic 
American art form truly merit the high esteem in which they are 
held; and
	WHEREAS, Leona Williams is one such artist, and over the 
course of her remarkable career she has delighted countless 
audiences around the world, both as a solo performer and in 
collaboration with some of country music's greatest names; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Missouri, she first established herself 
as a recording star in Nashville in the 1960s, making a series of 
well-received recordings, appearing at the Grand Ole Opry, and 
accompanying Loretta Lynn on upright bass and vocal harmony; and
	WHEREAS, She went on to become Merle Haggard's partner both 
personally and professionally, and, during the six years they were 
married, she wrote some of his biggest hits and contributed her 
distinctive vocals to a number of his records; and
	WHEREAS, A gifted musician, Ms. Williams possesses a range 
and versatility as a songwriter that have secured her stature as one 
of country music's brightest lights, and, in addition to 
Mr. Haggard and Ms. Lynn, her songs have been performed by Tammy 
Wynette, Randy Travis, Moe Bandy, Ray Price, and George Jones; 
moreover, she has been inducted into the Country Music Association 
of Texas Hall of Fame and the Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame 
and has received the prestigious George D. Hay Award; and
	WHEREAS, A longtime admirer of the music of the Lone Star 
State, Ms. Williams has recorded her most recent album on the Heart 
of Texas record label backed by Texas musicians of the first order; 
and
	WHEREAS, With this musical tribute to Texas, Leona Williams 
has reaffirmed the state's unique importance in the history of 
country music and given her many fans yet another recording they 
will long enjoy; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby recognize Leona Williams as 
an honorary Texan with all the privileges and perquisites accorded 
those individuals native to the Lone Star State; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Ms. Williams as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                      Hilderbran

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 47 was adopted by the House on April 
27, 2006, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House