By: Wentworth S.C.R. No. 35
(Miller of Comal)
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized a
variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of
the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and
WHEREAS, In the field of music, Texas has nurtured important
developments in a variety of genres, but of the many styles that
have thrived here, one is particularly emblematic of our state's
unique character: western swing; and
WHEREAS, A lively sound that has enjoyed enduring popularity
over the course of nearly a century, western swing reflects the
ethnic diversity of Texas by encompassing many of the musical
traditions that were introduced to the state by the groups that
settled here; and
WHEREAS, The genre, also known by the fitting name of Texas
swing, traces its origins to the 1920s and is rooted in the fiddle
music of Anglo, Irish, and Scottish immigrants; it borrows heavily
from many other sources, however, including such African American
influences as blues and jazz, the Hispanic genres of conjunto and
mariachi, and the polkas, waltzes, and schottisches brought to
Texas by German and Czech settlers; and
WHEREAS, Though western swing has become popular throughout
the Southwest and beyond, its origins are firmly tied to the Lone
Star State; growing out of the music that was played in the state's
small-town dance halls, the style became better known through the
work of Texans Milton Brown and Bob Wills, two of the most famous
and influential swing artists of all time; these pioneers formed
the Light Crust Doughboys in the Fort Worth area in the early 1930s
and then went on to even greater fame while leading individual bands
of their own; and
WHEREAS, A key to the appeal of this spirited music is its
exceptional ability to get people dancing; this quality, too, is
evocative of Texas, a state in which dance halls have historically
been central to the social life of its communities; today, the
foot-tapping tempo of western swing continues to be heard all
across our state, with countless Texans repeating the time-honored
steps that have been kicking up sawdust on Texas dance floors for
generations; and
WHEREAS, Born and bred in Texas, western swing is a musical
melting pot that represents the diverse groups that have
contributed to the growth and prosperity of our state and the
distinctive way of life that has flourished here, and it is indeed a
fitting symbol for the rich cultural heritage that is shared by all
Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate western swing as the official State Music of
Texas.