Req. No. 1839 Page 1 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
SENATE
RESOLUTION 4 By: Dossett
AS INTRODUCED
A Resolution recognizing March 10 as Bob Wills Day at
the Capitol; celebrating the life and legacy of
Oklahoma’s son; thanking the Oklahoma Historical
Society, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the Oklahoma
Film and Music Office for their work; and directing
distribution.
WHEREAS, Bob Wills, born in 1905, began playing fiddle in his
youth before moving with his band, the Te xas Playboys, to Oklahoma
in 1934 to pursue business and creative opportunities; a nd
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 the historic
Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, playing live daily radio broadcasts,
Req. No. 1839 Page 2 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
touring across the country, and appearing in more than a dozen
movies; and
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 by 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 OKPOP Museum; and
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Historical Society , the Oklahoma Arts
Council, and the Oklahoma Fil m and Music Office have partnered to
present Bob Wills Day at the Capitol, celebrating one of Oklahoma ’s
most significant figures in the history of popular music who
continues shining a bright light on our state.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 1 ST SESSION
OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT the Oklahoma Senate recognizes March 10 as Bob Wills Day at
the Capitol.
THAT the Oklahoma Senate offers sincere t hanks to the Oklahoma
Historical Society, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the Oklah oma Film
and Music Office.
THAT copies of this resolution be distributed to Oklahoma
Historical Society Executive Director Trait Thompson, Oklahoma Arts
Req. No. 1839 Page 3 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Council Executive Dir ector Amber Sharples, and Oklahoma Film and
Music Office Director Jeanette Stanton.
60-1-1839 MB 3/6/2025 11:50:13 AM