81R8518 BPG-D
By: Flynn H.R. No. 564
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The 80th birthday of an illustrious Texan calls for
a real celebration, and appropriately, country music singer Tony
Douglas of Athens is marking this milestone with family, friends,
and devoted fans at a special concert at the Canton Civic Center on
April 18, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Born in Martins Mill on April 12, 1929, Mr. Douglas
began performing while serving his country in the U.S. Army during
the Korean War; when his tour of duty ended, he and his wife, Mim,
moved to Athens and he sang at weekend shows in small towns before
winning a regular spot on the Cowtown Hoedown program in Fort Worth;
on hearing his warm, clear voice, Johnny Horton's manager invited
him to guest on the famed Louisiana Hayride, and Mr. Douglas soon
joined the cast of the show; and
WHEREAS, This compelling vocalist began recording in 1956,
and the next year he got his big break; the Grand Ole Opry offered
him a three-year contract, but when he learned he would be required
to move to Nashville, he decided to remain with the Hayride; he and
his band, the Shrimpers, also toured the country on the strength of
such popular recordings as "Shrimpin'," "His and Hers," and "Thank
You for Touching My Life"; and
WHEREAS, Although country radio and the music business have
changed immensely, Mr. Douglas has remained ever true to his roots
and to such influences as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell; for a
few years, Mr. Douglas quit performing and turned his attention to
his produce stand, Papa T's, but his fans were not ready for him to
retire, and today his concerts continue to delight aficionados of
pure, unadulterated country music; and
WHEREAS, Tony Douglas put his love of Texas above the siren
call of fame, and his fellow citizens are fortunate indeed to have
this gifted musician call the Lone Star State home; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Tony Douglas on the occasion of his
80th birthday and extend to him best wishes for continued success
and happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Douglas as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.