From: "Thomas P. Washburn" 

Dear Mr. Zurich:	

I just ran across your Lil' Ol' Web Page from Texas.  Great site!

Last Thursday, May 15, 1997, I was at the Texas Capitol, doing some
lobbying work in my day job.  While listening to the Texas House of
Representatives in the process of imposing more inane statutes on the
people of Texas, Rep. Ron Wilson from Houston introduced the following
resolution:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, on May 15, 1997, Governor George W. Bush will welcome Texas rock band ZZ Top to the State Capitol, and it is indeed fitting at this time to recognize the group's many achievements; and

WHEREAS, First formed in 1969 by bandmates Frank Beard, Billy F. Gibbons and Dusty Hill, ZZ Top was forged in the furnace of Houston's legendary blues scene, and by imbuing the swing and savor of classic blues with the aggressive crackle of live-wire rock, the group created a supercharged sonic cyclone that was to influence an entire generation of musicians across the country and around the world; and

WHEREAS, In their more than a quarter-century of playing together, this talented trio have conspired to create some of the era's most memorable music, including such perennial favorites as "Legs," "Tush," "La Grange," and "Sharp Dressed Man"; peerless performers, their Texas-sized sense of showmanship has ensured that each ZZ Top tour is more eagerly awaited than the last; and

WHEREAS, Famous throughout the globe as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas," ZZ Top has for years been among the Lone Star State's most gregarious goodwill ambassadors, and in recent years they have taken their show on the road to such far-flung locales as the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, South Africa, and Alaska; and

WHEREAS, although known for their undisputed mastery of chopped and channeled high-tech rock, the members of ZZ Top have always returned to their roots in the blues for sustenance and inspiration, and they have established themselves as worthy heirs to the rich tapestry of Texas traditions that have shaped the state's musical heritage; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby declare May 15, 1997, ZZ Top Day in Texas and extend to the members of the band sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness in the years to come; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate."

	The Boys and Bill Ham then appeared at the Speaker's podium.  Billy
Gibbons said that he had heard that the House was scheduled to be in
session through midnight, and that coincidentally, ZZ Top was also
working until the wee hours, but that they would come back another day
and party with the legislators.  Pete Laney, the House Speaker,
presented the trio with his gavel.