79R3949 JTR-D

By:  Hopson                                                     H.C.R. No. 40 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The Lone Star State is known throughout the world 
for the excellence, richness, and variety of its contributions to 
American country music, and indeed it is all but impossible to 
imagine a Texas without this popular and durable art form; and
	WHEREAS, Of the many cities and towns that have contributed 
to the greatness of Texas country music, Carthage is distinguished 
not only by the stellar musical talent to have emerged from this 
area but also by its citizens' noteworthy efforts to preserve and 
celebrate country music's sweeping legacy; and
	WHEREAS, Two of the most beloved and successful performers in 
the history of country music were born in Panola County near 
Carthage, and the disparate but equally compelling styles of the 
singing cowboy star Tex Ritter and the sophisticated country 
crooner "Gentleman" Jim Reeves, both members of the Country Music 
Hall of Fame, aptly illustrate the music's great range and 
diversity; and
	WHEREAS, Inspired by fond memories of these international 
legends, the people of Carthage have committed themselves to honor 
all those Texans who have contributed to the greatness of country 
music through the creation of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame 
and the Tex Ritter Museum, and this worthwhile endeavor has further 
underscored the importance of Carthage to Texas country music; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby designate Carthage the Country Music Capital of Texas and 
extend to its citizens sincere gratitude for their important 
contributions toward a better understanding of the state's musical 
history.