TITLE: Congratulating Manuel "Cowboy" Donley on his selection by the Austin History Center as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Manuel "Cowboy" Donley on his selection by the Austin History Center as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Manuel Donley was recognized by the Austin History Center in conjunction with its exhibit Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County;and WHEREAS, Honoring the important contributions made by Mexican Americans to Central Texas, the Austin History Center and its association joined with the Austin Public Library to organize the show, which ran from August 21, 2010, through January 16, 2011; Mexican American Firsts: Trailblazers of Austin and Travis County celebrated the pioneering achievements of 32 remarkable men and women and provided the public with an opportunity to learn more about their lives; and WHEREAS, One such individual, Manuel "Cowboy" Donley was honored for his achievements in the arts; now considered "the Godfather of Tejano Music," he was performing seven nights a week by the time he was 17; he developed his signature sound playing requinto guitar in Los Heartbreakers, the first Mexican American band in Austin to play rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues;and WHEREAS, Mr. Donley found national success after forming Las Estrellas in 1955; his compositions and innovative, horn-fueled arrangements filtered Mexican rancheras, polkas, boleros, and ballads through such influences as big band, rock, and R&B, and the group's high-profile performances included a concert at the Smithsonian Institute for the United States Bicentennial; in addition to mentoring countless musicians as a bandleader, he taught for many years at Huston-Tillotson University; he was inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame in 1986 and is featured in the Austin Latino Music Association Trail of Tejano Legends; and WHEREAS, Manuel "Cowboy" Donley has made a positive difference in his community, and his outstanding accomplishments are a source of pride and inspiration to many people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Manuel Donley on his selection as a Mexican American Trailblazer of Austin and Travis County and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Donley as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Rodriguez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 722 was adopted by the House on March 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House