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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 537
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to |
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recognize Ray Benson, who has been named the 2011 Texan of the |
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Year by the Texas Legislative Conference; and |
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WHEREAS, A living legend in the music industry, Ray Benson |
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is also a strong community leader who has been selected Texan of |
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the Year for his advocacy on behalf of the health of aging |
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musicians and his volunteer work with a number of health-related |
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foundations; and |
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WHEREAS, Long dedicated to carrying on the tradition of |
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western swing, Ray Benson founded Asleep at the Wheel in 1970, |
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and he and his band moved to Austin in 1973 at the suggestion of |
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country music legend Willie Nelson; and |
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WHEREAS, Famous for its spirited brand of western swing, |
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Asleep at the Wheel has released more than 25 albums, has won nine |
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Grammy Awards, and has entertained countless audiences across |
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the nation; and |
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WHEREAS, In addition to his band's huge success, Ray Benson |
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has earned acclaim as the coauthor of a play that is a tribute to |
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the life of the late Bob Wills; he was named the 2004 Texas State |
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Musician by the Texas House of Representatives, and he is a |
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recent recipient of the Texas Medal of the Arts award; and |
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WHEREAS, Ray Benson's extensive work on behalf of the |
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community includes founding the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, |
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which raises money to help aging Rhythm and Blues artists, and |
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serving as a founding board member of the SIMS Foundation, which |
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provides low-cost mental health services for Austin musicians; |
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he is also a founding member of the Health Alliance for Austin |
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Musicians; and |
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WHEREAS, An exemplary gentleman who is beloved by his peers |
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and fans, Ray Benson has received numerous awards for his |
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remarkable musical talents, and he equally deserves accolades |
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for his volunteerism and his generous assistance to those in |
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need; he will receive his well-deserved award as Texan of the |
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Year on March 24 at a special reception in his honor in New |
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Braunfels; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd |
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Legislature, hereby commend Ray Benson on his unique musical |
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talents, his generous spirit, and his outstanding community |
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leadership and extend congratulations to him on earning the 2011 |
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Texan of the Year award; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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him as an expression of highest esteem from the Texas Senate. |
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Wentworth |
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________________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on March 22, 2011. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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Member, Texas Senate |