SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 95

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the rich artistic tradition of zydeco music, which has played a vital role in maintaining the culture and customs of Houston's historic Frenchtown community and is being honored with an official Texas Historical Marker; and

WHEREAS, A fusion of jazz and blues with the traditional Creole music known as la-la, zydeco music formed one of the bedrocks of cultural identity for the Louisiana "Creoles of Color" who settled the Frenchtown community; and

WHEREAS, Anchored by the accordion and backed by washboard percussion and sometimes a fiddle, zydeco music was an essential element in the social gatherings of the community known as la-las; and

WHEREAS, This distinct musical style flourished as several Frenchtown venues, including the Silver Slipper and the Continental Lounge and Zydeco Ballroom, showcased such popular performers as Lonnie Mitchell and Clifton Chenier; and

WHEREAS, Zydeco music enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the late 20th century, which helped generate interest in the historic Frenchtown community; this singular music style has played a dynamic role in the rich cultural and social history of our state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend the men and women who worked to maintain and preserve the vitality of zydeco music in the Frenchtown community; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared to commemorate the enduring influence and cultural legacy of zydeco music in the Frenchtown community.

Gallegos

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 2, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate