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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The 80th birthday of an illustrious Texan calls for |
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a real celebration, and appropriately, country music singer Tony |
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Douglas of Athens is marking this milestone with family, friends, |
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and devoted fans at a special concert at the Canton Civic Center on |
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April 18, 2009; and |
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WHEREAS, Born in Martins Mill on April 12, 1929, Mr. Douglas |
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began performing while serving his country in the U.S. Army during |
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the Korean War; when his tour of duty ended, he and his wife, Mim, |
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moved to Athens and he sang at weekend shows in small towns before |
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winning a regular spot on the Cowtown Hoedown program in Fort Worth; |
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on hearing his warm, clear voice, Johnny Horton's manager invited |
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him to guest on the famed Louisiana Hayride, and Mr. Douglas soon |
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joined the cast of the show; and |
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WHEREAS, This compelling vocalist began recording in 1956, |
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and the next year he got his big break; the Grand Ole Opry offered |
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him a three-year contract, but when he learned he would be required |
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to move to Nashville, he decided to remain with the Hayride; he and |
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his band, the Shrimpers, also toured the country on the strength of |
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such popular recordings as "Shrimpin'," "His and Hers," and "Thank |
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You for Touching My Life"; and |
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WHEREAS, Although country radio and the music business have |
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changed immensely, Mr. Douglas has remained ever true to his roots |
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and to such influences as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell; for a |
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few years, Mr. Douglas quit performing and turned his attention to |
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his produce stand, Papa T's, but his fans were not ready for him to |
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retire, and today his concerts continue to delight aficionados of |
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pure, unadulterated country music; and |
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WHEREAS, Tony Douglas put his love of Texas above the siren |
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call of fame, and his fellow citizens are fortunate indeed to have |
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this gifted musician call the Lone Star State home; now, therefore, |
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be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby congratulate Tony Douglas on the occasion of his |
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80th birthday and extend to him best wishes for continued success |
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and happiness; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Douglas as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |