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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
HOUSE
RESOLUTION 1007 By: Steagall
AS INTRODUCED
A Resolution designating March 10, 2025, as Bob Wills
Day at the Capitol; celebrating the life and legacy
of Oklahoma's son, thanking the Oklahoma Arts
Council, the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, and the
Oklahoma Historical Society for their work; and
directing distribution.
WHEREAS, Bob Wills, born in 1905, began playing fiddle in his
youth before moving with his band, t he Texas Playboys, to Oklahoma
in 1934 to pursue business and creative opportunities ; and
WHEREAS, Bob Wills became known as the King of Western Swing as
he helped originate and popularize a unique genre of music rooted in
folk, jazz, and blues that would lead to the development of rock and
roll and modern country music; and
WHEREAS, Bob Wills entertained millions of people during his
heyday — performing twice weekly at what would become historic
Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, playing live daily radio broadcasts ,
touring across the country, and appearing in more than a dozen
movies; and
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WHEREAS, Bob Wills was inducted into the Country Music Hall of
Fame in 1968 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and was
named one of the 40 Greatest Men in Country Music b y Country Music
Television; and
WHEREAS, Bob Wills' family has contributed his archival and
artifacts collection to the Oklahoma Historical Society to be
featured for future generations across from Cain 's Ballroom at the
forthcoming Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture; and
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Arts Council , the Oklahoma Film and Music
Office, and the Oklahoma Historical Society have partnered to revive
the tradition of Bob Wills Day at the Capitol, celebrating one of
Oklahoma's most significant figures in t he history of popular music
who continues shining a bright light on our state.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives recognizes March 1 0,
2025, as Bob Wills Day at the Capitol.
THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives celebrates the life
and legacy of Oklahoma 's son, Bob Wills.
THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives thanks the Oklahoma
Arts Council, the Oklahoma Film and Music Offic e, and the Oklahoma
Historical Society for their work to honor Bob Wills and revive this
special celebration at the Capitol.
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THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the Oklahoma
Arts Council, the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, and the Oklahoma
Historical Society.
60-1-13004 JL 02/27/25