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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 68
BY REPRESENTATIVE GUILLORY
COMMENDATIONS: Commends Gerald "Gerry" James McGee, renowned Cajun
musician
A RESOLUTION1
To commend Gerald "Gerry" James McGee of Eunice, Louisiana, famous Cajun musician.2
WHEREAS, Gerald "Gerry" James McGee was born in Eunice in 1937, the son of3
famous Cajun fiddler Dennis McGee; and4
WHEREAS, Gerry McGee's musical career began at the age of fourteen amidst his5
South Louisiana family, friends, and community, all of whom spoke Cajun French and set6
the stage for his music stylings; and7
WHEREAS, Mr. McGee joined the United States Army, and for three years, he8
honed his guitar expertise by playing with other musician soldiers; and9
WHEREAS, following his tour of duty in the United States Army, Mr. McGee spent10
time in Atlanta where he played on the "Georgia Jubilee" show; he was offered the11
opportunity to play on the Louisiana Hayride and moved to Shreveport; there he met12
prominent guitarist James Burton, who suggested that Mr. McGee might find greater success13
with his musical skills in California; and14
WHEREAS, upon arriving in California, Mr. McGee's talents turned toward acting15
when he was selected to portray roles in "Heaven's Gate", "A Star Is Born", and "Convoy",16
and "Dirty Rice", which was filmed in South Louisiana; he also appeared in several17
television shows, including the mini-series "North and South"; and18
WHEREAS, Mr. McGee maintained his musical career as a sessions musician by19
playing at the Palomino Western Night Club in North Hollywood, and his musical gigs20
provided the perfect venue for meeting talented musicians, writers, and singers who in turn21 HLS 14RS-2869 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 68
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led him to an abundance of work; in his first California recording session, he played for1
Bobby Darin; and2
WHEREAS, Mr. McGee recorded and produced records and albums for many3
famous artists, including playing lead guitar on "Great Balls of Fire" for Jerry Lee Lewis,4
and recording with Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, John Mayhall, The Monkees, Delaney &5
Bonnie, Booker T and the MG's, Nancy Sinatra, Patti Paige, and Emmy Lou Harris; and6
WHEREAS, Mr. McGee began playing with Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge7
in 1974, during which time he appeared on the cover of Guitar Player magazine; in the8
accompanying article, Mr. Kristofferson said: "Gerry McGee is the best guitar player I9
know, and I know Chet Atkins"; Vintage Guitar featured Mr. McGee in a story focusing on10
his talent and the influences his music had on other guitar players of the time; and11
WHEREAS, Gerry McGee has played with other notable artists including Eric12
Clapton, The Everly Brothers, Tanya Tucker, Roseann Cash, and The Ventures; he has been13
recognized in the international world of music for his unique, creative guitar playing style;14
each year, Mr. McGee and The Ventures tour musically for two months in Japan, and15
Mr. McGee has made major contributions to many genres of America's music; and16
WHEREAS, the music of Gerry McGee expresses his Southern music roots of Cajun17
blues, Rockabilly, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop; he credits Merle Travis and Chet Atkins as18
major influences of his musical style; and19
WHEREAS, Gerald "Gerry" James McGee has been inducted into the Rock and Roll20
Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame; and21
WHEREAS, Gerry McGee recently turned his attention to the field of film22
production by producing and acting in a movie based on his father's life, which is being23
filmed in the South Louisiana area of Eunice where he was born, and it is appropriate to24
commend Gerald "Gerry" James McGee for the tremendous pride and honor his talent brings25
to the state.26
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the27
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Gerald "Gerry" James McGee for his28
musical career and does hereby acknowledge that he is a treasure trove of talent that has29
contributed to the special musical recognition Louisiana enjoys in the world.30 HLS 14RS-2869 ORIGINAL
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted1
to Gerald "Gerry" James McGee.2
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Guillory HR No. 68
Commends musician Gerald "Gerry" James McGee of Eunice.