H.R. No. 722
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Manuel Donley was recognized by the Austin History
Center in conjunction with its exhibit Mexican American Firsts:
Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County; and
WHEREAS, Honoring the important contributions made by
Mexican Americans to Central Texas, the Austin History Center and
its association joined with the Austin Public Library to organize
the show, which ran from August 21, 2010, through January 16, 2011;
Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County
celebrated the pioneering achievements of 32 remarkable men and
women and provided the public with an opportunity to learn more
about their lives; and
WHEREAS, One such individual, Manuel "Cowboy" Donley was
honored for his achievements in the arts; now considered "the
Godfather of Tejano Music," he was performing seven nights a week by
the time he was 17; he developed his signature sound playing
requinto guitar in Los Heartbreakers, the first Mexican American
band in Austin to play rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Donley found national success after forming Las
Estrellas in 1955; his compositions and innovative, horn-fueled
arrangements filtered Mexican rancheras, polkas, boleros, and
ballads through such influences as big band, rock, and R&B, and the
group's high-profile performances included a concert at the
Smithsonian Institute for the United States Bicentennial; in
addition to mentoring countless musicians as a bandleader, he
taught for many years at Huston-Tillotson University; he was
inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame in 1986 and is featured
in the Austin Latino Music Association Trail of Tejano Legends; and
WHEREAS, Manuel "Cowboy" Donley has made a positive
difference in his community, and his outstanding accomplishments
are a source of pride and inspiration to many people; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Manuel Donley on his selection as a
Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County and extend
to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Donley as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Rodriguez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 722 was adopted by the House on March
17, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House