79R5885 JHS-D

By:  Naishtat                                                     H.R. No. 448



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The year 2005 marks the 100th birthday anniversary 
of Lone Star musical pioneer Bob Wills, and the Texas House of 
Representatives is pleased to recognize March 3, 2005, as Bob Wills 
Day at the Capitol in celebration of the life and cultural 
contributions of this true Texas original; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Limestone County on March 6, 1905, James 
Robert Wills was the eldest of 10 children and a musical prodigy who 
found his calling at a young age, making his professional debut at 
the age of 10; the undisputed King of Western Swing, he continued 
his lifelong love affair with music until his passing in May 1975, 
at the age of 70, in Fort Worth; and
	WHEREAS, A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Mr. Wills 
cut his musical teeth playing fiddle at square dances, traveling 
with a medicine show, and performing with the Wills Fiddle Band, 
Aladdin's Laddies, and the Light Crust Doughboys, one of the era's 
most successful bands; and
	WHEREAS, Following an acrimonious split with manager W. Lee 
"Pappy" O'Daniel, Mr. Wills and several erstwhile Doughboys 
reformed as Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys; the group broke new 
musical ground by combining traditional country music with the 
popular big band style, and this visionary fusion redefined 
American musical tastes and propelled Bob Wills and His Texas 
Playboys to national prominence; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Wills and his world-renowned band produced 
several major hit records during their extraordinary career, 
including "New San Antonio Rose," "Ida Red Likes the Boogie," 
"Faded Love," and the band's biggest hit, "New Spanish Two Step," 
which topped the charts for 16 weeks; and
	WHEREAS, Bob Wills left an indelible mark on the landscape of 
popular music, inspiring future generations of musicians to explore 
the boundaries of the musical terrain, and his contributions will 
undoubtedly continue to have a positive and lasting effect for 
years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 3, 2005, as Bob Wills Day at the 
Capitol and pay tribute to the memory of this iconic Texas musician.