H.R. No. 396
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of a respected figure in the Texas music
community drew to a close with the passing of Johnnie Ray High, Jr.,
of Bedford on March 17, 2010, at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, As the founder and owner of Johnnie High's Country
Music Revue, this noted impresario helped launch the careers of
numerous entertainment stars, and his long-running variety show was
beloved by countless North Texas music fans and musicians; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 1, 1929, in Robinson, Mr. High grew up in
McGregor and got his hands on his first guitar at age 13; a year
later, he began his own live radio show in Waco, singing and playing
for the station's early morning listeners five days a week; and
WHEREAS, Though he was a skilled musician in his own right, he
later became increasingly interested in helping others to find a
place in the spotlight; in 1974, he and a partner bought the Palace
Theatre in Grapevine and began presenting the Grapevine Opry, which
later developed into Johnnie High's Country Music Revue; rather
than focusing on established stars, Mr. High specialized in
developing new talent, and he soon proved his gift for recognizing
exceptional performers; and
WHEREAS, During the 35 years that he produced his weekly
show, many of the artists he featured went on to major show business
success, among them LeAnn Rimes, the Dixie Chicks, Lee Ann Womack,
and Gary Morris; while this generous promoter had a well-deserved
reputation for creating stars, he was equally devoted to less
famous individuals seeking to develop their musical talents; each
year, hundreds of people took part in his show's open auditions, and
Mr. High was renowned for the kind advice and encouragement that he
provided to each of them; and
WHEREAS, The show moved to the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort
Worth after its initial years in Grapevine, and it was later staged
at the Shannon Auditorium in Haltom City; since 1995, it has been
based at the Arlington Music Hall, and its presence there played a
part in sparking a resurgence in the city's central business
district; in recognition of Mr. High's contributions to the local
community, he was named the city's Man of the Year in 1999 and was
inducted into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Mr. High also gave back to his fellow citizens by
supporting worthwhile causes such as the American Cancer Society
and the American Heart Association; his humanitarian work was
acknowledged when he received the Anson Jones Award from the Fort
Worth Scottish Rite Foundation in 2003, and his honors also
included induction into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the
Miss Texas Organization Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. High enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Wanda, and the two enjoyed a rewarding
marriage that spanned 61 years; he had the satisfaction of having
several members of his family go to work at the revue, including his
granddaughter, Ashley Smith, who has performed on the show since
childhood and cohosted it with her grandfather in recent years; and
WHEREAS, With his dedication and his passion for the music he
loved, Johnnie High pioneered an iconic Texas entertainment show
that has had an enduring and positive influence on numerous people
over the course of three and a half decades, and his contributions
to country music and to his community will continue to be
appreciated for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Johnnie Ray High, Jr.,
and extend deepest condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Wanda High; to his daughter, Luanne Dorman, and her husband,
Johnny; to his grandchildren, Ashley Smith, Trey Dorman and his
wife, Ashley, and Jared Dorman; and to his other relatives and
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 Johnnie
High.
Patrick
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 396 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 3, 2011.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House