TITLE: In memory of country music legend George Jones.

SUMMARY: In memory of country music legend George Jones.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Country music fans in the Lone Star State and around the world bid farewell to a legendary performer with the passing of George Jones on April 26, 2013, at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, A proud son of East Texas, Mr. Jones was born on September 12, 1931, in Saratoga and grew up in Beaumont, where he began playing music on the city's street corners shortly after receiving his first guitar at age nine; he cut his first record in 1954 and scored his initial hit the following year with "Why, Baby, Why?"; and WHEREAS, He followed with a phenomenal run of country songs that would become classics of the genre, all rendered in a voice that managed to combine immense range and nuance with heart-wrenching expressiveness; from honky-tonk stompers, such as "White Lightning" and "The Race Is On," to moving stories of heartbreak, like "The Window Up Above" and "She Thinks I Still Care," he managed to record at least one top-10 hit each year between 1958 and 1971; and WHEREAS, Further success followed in the 1970s and 1980s, as he climbed the charts with the many duets he recorded with his wife, Tammy Wynette, while also delivering exquisite lovelorn ballads as a solo artist, including "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)"; fame took its toll, however, and for a time, Mr. Jones became notorious for living out his tragic songs of excess and despair; happily, he found his way to a more stable way of life, and his career continued into the 21st century with new albums and a steady schedule of concert dates; at the time of his death, he was in the midst of a farewell tour, which drew legions of admirers to shows around the nation; and WHEREAS, Revered throughout the music world, Mr. Jones was lauded by performers as diverse as Frank Sinatra and Keith Richards, and his artistry earned some of the most prestigious accolades in the industry; he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, received the National Medal of the Arts, was selected as a Kennedy Center honoree, and accepted a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012; and WHEREAS, George Jones was also the recipient of a less formal but perhaps more profound tribute: he was widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of country music, and that legacy is certain to endure; while his departure from the stage brings great sadness to all who have appreciated his work through the decades, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on his incomparable career and to recognize his contributions to the rich musical tradition of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby honor the life of George Jones and extend deepest sympathy to all those 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 George Jones. White Raymond Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2072 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 17, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House