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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 68
BY REPRESENTATIVE GUILLORY
A RESOLUTION
To commend Gerald "Gerry" James McGee of Eunice, Louisiana, famous Cajun musician.
WHEREAS, Gerald "Gerry" James McGee was born in Eunice in 1937, the son of famous
Cajun fiddler Dennis McGee; and
WHEREAS, Gerry McGee's musical career began at the age of fourteen amidst his South
Louisiana family, friends, and community, all of whom spoke Cajun French and set the stage for his
music stylings; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McGee joined the United States Army, and for three years, he honed his
guitar expertise by playing with other musician soldiers; and
WHEREAS, following his tour of duty in the United States Army, Mr. McGee spent time
in Atlanta where he played on the "Georgia Jubilee" show; he was offered the opportunity to play
on the Louisiana Hayride and moved to Shreveport; there he met prominent guitarist James Burton,
who suggested that Mr. McGee might find greater success with his musical skills in California; and
WHEREAS, upon arriving in California, Mr. McGee's talents turned toward acting when he
was selected to portray roles in "Heaven's Gate", "A Star Is Born", and "Convoy", and "Dirty Rice",
which was filmed in South Louisiana; he also appeared in several television shows, including the
mini-series "North and South"; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McGee maintained his musical career as a sessions musician by playing
at the Palomino Western Night Club in North Hollywood, and his musical gigs provided the perfect
venue for meeting talented musicians, writers, and singers who in turn led him to an abundance of
work; in his first California recording session, he played for Bobby Darin; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McGee recorded and produced records and albums for many famous artists,
including playing lead guitar on "Great Balls of Fire" for Jerry Lee Lewis, and recording with Ricky
Nelson, Elvis Presley, John Mayhall, The Monkees, Delaney & Bonnie, Booker T and the MG's,
Nancy Sinatra, Patti Paige, and Emmy Lou Harris; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 68
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WHEREAS, Mr. McGee began playing with Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge in 1974,
during which time he appeared on the cover of Guitar Player magazine; in the accompanying article,
Mr. Kristofferson said: "Gerry McGee is the best guitar player I know, and I know Chet Atkins";
Vintage Guitar featured Mr. McGee in a story focusing on his talent and the influences his music had
on other guitar players of the time; and
WHEREAS, Gerry McGee has played with other notable artists including Eric Clapton, The
Everly Brothers, Tanya Tucker, Roseann Cash, and The Ventures; he has been recognized in the
international world of music for his unique, creative guitar playing style; each year, Mr. McGee and
The Ventures tour musically for two months in Japan, and Mr. McGee has made major contributions
to many genres of America's music; and
WHEREAS, the music of Gerry McGee expresses his Southern music roots of Cajun blues,
Rockabilly, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop; he credits Merle Travis and Chet Atkins as major influences
of his musical style; and
WHEREAS, Gerald "Gerry" James McGee has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Gerry McGee recently turned his attention to the field of film production by
producing and acting in a movie based on his father's life, which is being filmed in the South
Louisiana area of Eunice where he was born, and it is appropriate to commend Gerald "Gerry" James
McGee for the tremendous pride and honor his talent brings to the state.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature of
Louisiana does hereby commend Gerald "Gerry" James McGee for his musical career and does
hereby acknowledge that he is a treasure trove of talent that has contributed to the special musical
recognition Louisiana enjoys in the world.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Gerald "Gerry" James McGee.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES