Blind Lemon JeffersonTexas Heritage Songwriters Collection
On May 22, 2003, The Texas Legislature passed a House Concurrent Resolution (H.C.R.) to honor the Texas Heritage Songwriters Collection. H.C.R. No. 248 was adopted by the House on May 22, 2003, by a non-record vote; it was also adopted by the Senate on May 22, 2003, by a viva-voce vote:
WHEREAS, Texas songwriters, past and present, reflect in
rhythm and rhyme the essence of our culture; they are the poets of
their time and have become the symbolic troubadours of our state;
and
WHEREAS, Both heralded and unsung heroes of the past have
laid the foundation for those who have followed in their footsteps,
and contemporary Lone Star musicians continue to build on Texas'
rich tradition of inspired music and songwriting; acknowledging
these unique artists, developing a permanent archive of their work,
displaying their photographs and related artifacts, and
highlighting their performances are the mission of the Texas
Heritage Songwriters Collection, which is housed in the historic
Hill's Cafe in Austin on South Congress Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Located on Old Highway 81, Hill's Cafe once provided
lodging to hundreds of traditional Texas musicians who played the
dance halls and clubs in the area from the 1940s through the 1960s;
today the restaurant remains dedicated to showcasing the remarkable
work of the songwriters and balladeers of the Lone Star State, and
all Texans may take pride in this cultural landmark's enduring
contribution to the musical legacy of Texas; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize Hill's Cafe as the home of the Texas Heritage
Songwriters Collection and commend all those associated with this
worthy project for their support of this significant Texas
tradition; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Hill's Cafe as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Collection - a permanent archive of the work of both heralded and unsung heroes of the past displaying their photographs and related artifacts - is housed in the historic Hill's Cafe in Austin at 4700 South Congress Avenue. The Songwriters Collection is maintained under the stewardship of The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association, a non-profit organization in association with Celebrate Texas, (501c3), and the Center for Texas Music History, (501c3) at Texas State University, San Marcos.
Current Texas Heritage Songwriters Association "honor roll" honorees include:
Texas Heritage Songwriting Legends Sammy Allred Aaron Barker Larry Gatlin Kris Kristofferson Freddy Powers Billy Joe Shaver Sonny Throckmorton
© 1995-2008, State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Texas Music Office
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