H.R. No. 18
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
 
         
  WHEREAS, The year 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the
 
  death of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the passage of that milestone
 
  provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on the life and music of
 
  this Texas guitar legend; and
         
         WHEREAS, In the early morning hours of August 27, 1990, Mr.
 
  Vaughan, then just 35 years of age, was killed in a helicopter crash
 
  following a concert in Wisconsin; while his tragic death robbed the
 
  world of a tremendous talent, it could not diminish the many
 
  achievements this gifted musician realized during his short but
 
  brilliant career; and
         
         WHEREAS, The pride of Oak Cliff, he was born in that Dallas
 
  community in 1954 and began playing in area bands while still a
 
  student in junior high school; at age 17, he headed for Austin,
 
  developing his explosive, blues-based style in the city's music
 
  clubs; Stevie Ray's years of hard work began to pay off after he
 
  began performing with his legendary backup group, Double Trouble,
 
  in the early 1980s; he got his first widespread exposure when he
 
  played guitar on the David Bowie album Let's Dance, and he released
 
  his own debut, Texas Flood, in 1983 to rave reviews; and
         
         WHEREAS, Over the next seven years, Stevie Ray Vaughan
 
  claimed his spot as one of the most influential rock and blues
 
  guitarists of all time, with his smoldering fret work inspiring
 
  everyone from music superstars to kids trying to learn their first
 
  chords; all five albums he released during his lifetime became
 
  million sellers, and his artistry was recognized with five Grammy
 
  Awards, two of which were bestowed after his death; he also received
 
  numerous other honors, and he and Double Trouble sold out concert
 
  halls around the globe; and
         
         WHEREAS, In addition to his professional success, this
 
  revered musician was able to overcome his addiction to drugs and
 
  alcohol in the mid-1980s, and in the years that followed, he lent a
 
  helping hand to other musicians who struggled with substance abuse;
 
  and
         
         WHEREAS, Stevie Ray Vaughan's popularity has endured in the
 
  decades since his passing, with younger generations embracing his
 
  masterful guitar playing and heartfelt singing; fiery, evocative,
 
  and full of Texas soul, his music has earned a special place in the
 
  annals of American popular culture and is a source of pride and joy
 
  for countless residents of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be
 
  it
         
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
 
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the legacy of Stevie Ray Vaughan
 
  following the 20th anniversary of his death and honor his
 
  contributions to our state's rich musical heritage.
 
  Alonzo
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 18 was adopted by the House on May 12,
  2011, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House