[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 43 (Thursday, March 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E490-E491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING TEJANO MUSIC: 19TH ANNUAL TEJANO MUSIC AWARDS CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 18, 1999

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce legislation today 
that will recognize one of the unique sounds sweeping across the Nation 
today--Tejano music. All across America the sounds of tejano have 
become the music of choice. From deep in the heart of south Texas to 
the Great Plains, from the east coast to the west coast, the pulsating 
rhythms of a loud drumbeat, a bajo-sexto guitar and an ubiquitous 
accordian are taking over the Nation to the beat of Tejano.
  During the last several years Tejano artists have captured a large 
percentage of the Latin music market and continue to rise in 
popularity. From the legendary Selena to the incomparable Little Joe 
the sweet sounds of

[[Page E491]]

Tejano continue to climb the American music charts with one hit after 
another. The sound of Tejano is the sound of a people. For those of us 
in south Texas, Tejano is the tradition and history of the people's 
thoughts, feelings and aspirations. Tejano is more than just the high 
energy mix of Rock 'n Roll, Country, Jazz and Rhythm & Blues, it is the 
music of our people that helps move us and express our emotions.
  This week, the city of San Antonio--known as the Tejano capitol of 
the world--will be host to the 19th Annual Tejano Music Awards. The 
awards presentation will take place on Saturday, March 20, 1999, at the 
Alamodome in San Antonio and pay tribute to the best and brightest in 
the Tejano music industry.
  A testament to the success of Tejano music and this annual awards 
show is the more than 40,000 people expected to attend the event this 
year. The Annual Tejano Music Awards, which began in 1980 with an 
enthusiastic 1,300 in attendance, is now one of our Nation's premier 
and fastest growing musical celebration.
  Today, I offer up this resolution to commemorate the 19th Annual 
Tejano Music Awards and the spirit and history behind the music that 
will be celebrated and honored this week in San Antonio.

                          ____________________