88R6419 EME-D
By: Springer S.R. No. 73
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, For a half century, singer and guitarist Joe Paul
Nichols distinguished himself as one of the Lone Star State's
premier country and gospel musicians; and
WHEREAS, The son of O. W. and Myrtle Nichols, Joe Paul
Nichols was born in Cundiff in 1941; he learned to play guitar at
age nine, and his first break in the music industry came when he was
hired to contribute to the weekly country show Cowtown Hoedown;
after graduating from Jacksboro High School in 1960, he was a
regular performer on the Big D Jamboree television program; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, Mr. Nichols formed his own band, The Five
Pennies, and the group gained acclaim with their blend of country,
western swing, and country gospel music; over the course of his
prolific career, he shared the stage with numerous country music
luminaries and recorded 26 albums and more than 300 songs; he scored
a number one hit on the country gospel charts with "Jesus is the
Same in California," and in 2006, his song "Eleven Eighteen Nadine
Lane" captured Song of the Year honors from the Academy of Western
Artists; among his numerous accolades, he was inducted into the
Texas International Music Association Hall of Fame, and the
International Country Gospel Music Association named its lifetime
achievement award in his honor; moreover, he served as the music
director at Cundiff Baptist Church for 48 years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nichols maintained a day job throughout his
musical career, working as a state inspector for the Texas
Department of Transportation for 34 years and serving as the county
commissioner in Jack County for a decade; he retired from music in
2008 and passed away on July 27, 2011, at the age of 69; and
WHEREAS, With his exceptional talent and dedication to his
craft, Joe Paul Nichols earned a special place in the hearts of
innumerable people, and his musical legacy will continue to
resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby commend Joe Paul Nichols for his contributions to country
and gospel music and pay tribute to the life and legacy of this
beloved Texas musician; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do
so in honor of Joe Paul Nichols.