SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 292
WHEREAS, The year 2005 marks the 100th birthday anniversary
of Lone Star musical pioneer Bob Wills, and the Texas Senate 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 of 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 Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby recognize March 3, 2005, as Bob Wills
Day at the Capitol and pay tribute to the memory of this iconic
Texas musician.
Deuell
Armbrister Gallegos Seliger
Averitt Harris Shapiro
Barrientos Hinojosa Shapleigh
Brimer Jackson Staples
Carona Janek Van de Putte
Duncan Lindsay Wentworth
Ellis Lucio West
Eltife Madla Whitmire
Estes Nelson Williams
Fraser Ogden Zaffirini
Dewhurst, President of the Senate
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 3, 2005.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate