By: Dutton H.C.R. No. 12
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Country-pop superstar Kenny Rogers is visiting the
State Capitol, and this occasion presents an ideal opportunity to
recognize one of the Lone Star State's most famous sons; and
WHEREAS, Born in Houston, Mr. Rogers took up guitar and
fiddle and formed a rockabilly band called the Scholars as a high
school student; the local success of two singles earned the group a
spot on American Bandstand; although he briefly attended The
University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Rogers soon found work as a
bassist in a jazz combo, and in 1960, he played bass on the Mickey
Gilley single "Is It Wrong"; and
WHEREAS, This talented Texan joined the New Christy Minstrels
in 1966, and a year later he and three other members left to form the
First Edition; in 1968, their pop-psychedelic song "Just Dropped In
(To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" became a top five hit,
and they changed their name to Kenny Rogers & the First Edition; the
group went on to record such million-sellers as "Ruby, Don't Take
Your Love to Town" and "Reuben James"; and
WHEREAS, After launching a solo career, Mr. Rogers scored a
mammoth hit with "Lucille"; the No. 1 country single crossed over to
the pop charts and reached No. 5, beginning a phenomenal string of
country and pop smashes that included "She Believes in Me," "You
Decorated My Life," and "Coward of the County"; he teamed with
Dottie West for a series of top ten duets, among them "Every Time
Two Fools Collide" and "What Are We Doin' in Love"; and
WHEREAS, The 1980s brought even greater triumphs, as Mr.
Rogers spent six weeks at the top of the pop charts with "Lady" and
recorded such chart-topping duets as "We've Got Tonight," with
Sheena Easton, "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer," with Kim Carnes,
and "Islands in the Stream," with Dolly Parton; he starred in five
movies based on his perennial favorite "The Gambler" and in a number
of other movies and television productions; and
WHEREAS, In more recent years, Mr. Rogers has returned to the
country airwaves with such songs as "The Greatest" and "Buy Me a
Rose," and he continues to delight his legions of fans with
concerts, television appearances, and albums; his most recent
release, The Love of God, is a collection of inspirational songs; in
addition, he has established himself as a photographer, author, and
off-Broadway musical theater star, and he has given generously of
his time, talents, and resources to such charities as the Kenny
Rogers Children's Center; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of a career spanning more than half a
century, Kenny Rogers has sold more than 120 million records
worldwide, and he remains one of America's most enduringly popular
artists and a source of pride to his fellow Texans; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby honor Kenny Rogers for his remarkable achievements and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Rogers as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives and Senate.