82R21323 JGH-D
By: Harper-Brown H.R. No. 1444
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
death of pianist and composer Giorgio Joseph Primo of Irving on
March 4, 2011, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, George Primo was born on February 2, 1922, in
Detroit, Michigan, to Dominic and Angeline Casale Primo; he was one
of six musically talented children, each of whom played a different
instrument, and in 1939, he wrote the graduation song for his class
at MacKenzie High School; and
WHEREAS, Turning to music full-time, Mr. Primo began his
career as a pianist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and he went
on to serve as staff pianist at WXYZ radio in Detroit from 1940 to
1946, accompanying such popular singers as Dee Parker and Betty
Clooney; in 1947 and 1948, he scored two ballets for the Detroit
Civic Light Opera Company, Mother Goose Fantasy and Fate Ballet;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Primo later toured the country as the featured
pianist with Henry Bussey and his orchestra and eventually settled
in Las Vegas, where he performed in musical revues, composed
jingles for television and radio commercials, and accompanied many
entertainers; in 1972, he was commissioned to compose and perform a
song for the inauguration of President Richard Nixon, and during
the 1977-1978 television season, he had a recurring role on the hit
private-eye series Vegas; and
WHEREAS, Hired in 1982 as the house pianist of what is now the
Omni Mandalay Hotel, Mr. Primo settled in Irving and soon became a
popular local performer, often lending his talents to charitable
and civic events; well into his 80s, he began composing religious
music, including "Lullaby for Baby Jesus" and an interpretation of
the Lord's Prayer; he attended St. Michael's Catholic Church in
Bedford, where he sang with the choir; and
WHEREAS, This dynamic performer was inducted as an honorary
member of the Irving Rotary Club in 2004, serving as the club's
"composer in residence," and he was nominated as a Texas State
Musician in 2006; the following year, he received the City of
Irving's High Spirited Citizen Award; moreover, he was a lifetime
member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of
Television and Radio Artists; and
WHEREAS, A skilled and engaging performer, George Primo
delighted audiences in the Lone Star State and beyond, and he leaves
behind a record of achievement that will not soon be forgotten; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Giorgio Joseph Primo
and extend sincere condolences to his son, Gregg County
Commissioner Darryl Primo, and to his other relatives and many
friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of George
Primo.