88R19762 BPG-D
By: Morales of Harris H.R. No. 627
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Cumbia legend Fito Olivares of Houston passed away
on March 17, 2023, at the age of 75, bringing a great loss to his
family, friends, and legion of fans; and
WHEREAS, Born Rodolfo Olivares in Ciudad Camargo,
Tamaulipas, Mexico, in 1947, Fito Olivares began playing saxophone
professionally in his teens; he was recruited by the group Dueto
Estrella, which performed his first song, "Ya No Eres Mía"; in the
1970s, he settled in the Bayou City, where he formed Grupo La Pura
Sabrosura with his brothers, Javier on vocals and Jaime on
keyboards; and
WHEREAS, The band eventually signed to Gil Records, and it
began its rise in the 1980s with such hits as "La Gallina" and "La
Negra Catalina"; songs such as "Juana la Cubana" and "El
Colesterol" became party staples, played at many weddings and
quinceañeras; more than 50 other artists recorded "Juana la
Cubana," and "El Colesterol" received an ASCAP award for Best Song
in the Regional Mexican category; and
WHEREAS, With a distinctive, sax-fueled style rooted in his
native Mexico, Mr. Olivares ushered in a new era of cumbia; his
influence has endured, and in recent years, he was featured on a
remix of "Thrift Shop" by rappers Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and his
classic "Cumbia de la Cobra" went viral on TikTok; and
WHEREAS, Fito Olivares brought joy to innumerable people,
filling dance floors at countless celebrations, and although he
will be deeply missed, his music will continue to enrich the lives
of listeners for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Fito Olivares and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Griselda Olivares; to his children, Rodolfo, Alexandra, and
Juan Pablo; and to his other relatives, many friends, and all who
mourn his passing; 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 Rodolfo
"Fito" Olivares.