WHEREAS, Bob Wills, born in 1905, began playing fiddle in his youth before moving with his band, the Texas Playboys, to Oklahoma in 1934 to pursue business and creative opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wills became known as the King of Western Swing as he helped originate and popularize a unique genre of music rooted in folk, jazz, and blues that would lead to the development of rock and roll and modern country music; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wills entertained millions of people during his heyday, performing twice weekly at what would become the historic Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, playing live daily radio broadcasts, touring across the country, and appearing in more than a dozen movies; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wills was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and was named one of the 40 Greatest Men of Country Music by Country Music Television; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wills' family has contributed his archival and artifacts collection to the Oklahoma Historical Society to be featured for future generations across from Cain's Ballroom at the forthcoming OKPOP Museum; and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Arts Council and Oklahoma Historical Society have partnered to revive the tradition of Bob Wills Day at the Capitol, celebrating one of Oklahoma's most significant figures in the history of popular music who continues shining a bright light on our state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 59TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Senate recognizes March 4 as Bob Wills Day at the Capitol.

THAT the Senate offers sincere thanks to the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Arts Council for reviving this tradition.

THAT copies of this resolution be distributed to Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Trait Thompson and Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples.