SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 953
In Memory
of
John Paul Gimble
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins citizens
across the state in mourning the loss of beloved fiddler John
Paul Gimble, who died May 9, 2015, at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Gimble was born in Tyler on May 30, 1926;
inspired by his uncles' musical talent, he began playing fiddle
at age 10, and within two years he was performing with his
brothers in his first band, the Rose City Swingsters; and
WHEREAS, His legendary music career took off in 1949, when
he began playing fiddle and electric mandolin for Bob Wills'
Texas Playboys, a renowned western swing band; he left Texas in
1968 to join the Nashville music scene and found success as a
session musician and as a regular on the famed television series
Hee Haw; and
WHEREAS, His love for Texas eventually drew him back to his
home state, and in the ensuing years he worked with such greats
as Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson; his extraordinary talent was
brought to the big screen in films like Honkytonk Man and
Honeysuckle Rose; and
WHEREAS, Between 1975 and 1990, Johnny won a total of 14
Musician of the Year awards, and his timeless talent was woven
into modern country music through his work with stars, such as
Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, and Ray Benson of Asleep at the
Wheel; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Gimble was a treasured son of the Lone Star
State, and he and his musical legacy will live on in the hearts of
his countless fans and loved ones; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of John Paul Gimble; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Johnny Gimble.
Kolkhorst
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 22, 2015, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate