H.R. No. 18
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The year 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the
death of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the passage of that milestone
provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on the life and music of
this Texas guitar legend; and
WHEREAS, In the early morning hours of August 27, 1990, Mr.
Vaughan, then just 35 years of age, was killed in a helicopter crash
following a concert in Wisconsin; while his tragic death robbed the
world of a tremendous talent, it could not diminish the many
achievements this gifted musician realized during his short but
brilliant career; and
WHEREAS, The pride of Oak Cliff, he was born in that Dallas
community in 1954 and began playing in area bands while still a
student in junior high school; at age 17, he headed for Austin,
developing his explosive, blues-based style in the city's music
clubs; Stevie Ray's years of hard work began to pay off after he
began performing with his legendary backup group, Double Trouble,
in the early 1980s; he got his first widespread exposure when he
played guitar on the David Bowie album Let's Dance, and he released
his own debut, Texas Flood, in 1983 to rave reviews; and
WHEREAS, Over the next seven years, Stevie Ray Vaughan
claimed his spot as one of the most influential rock and blues
guitarists of all time, with his smoldering fret work inspiring
everyone from music superstars to kids trying to learn their first
chords; all five albums he released during his lifetime became
million sellers, and his artistry was recognized with five Grammy
Awards, two of which were bestowed after his death; he also received
numerous other honors, and he and Double Trouble sold out concert
halls around the globe; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional success, this
revered musician was able to overcome his addiction to drugs and
alcohol in the mid-1980s, and in the years that followed, he lent a
helping hand to other musicians who struggled with substance abuse;
and
WHEREAS, Stevie Ray Vaughan's popularity has endured in the
decades since his passing, with younger generations embracing his
masterful guitar playing and heartfelt singing; fiery, evocative,
and full of Texas soul, his music has earned a special place in the
annals of American popular culture and is a source of pride and joy
for countless residents of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the legacy of Stevie Ray Vaughan
following the 20th anniversary of his death and honor his
contributions to our state's rich musical heritage.
Alonzo
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 18 was adopted by the House on May 12,
2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House