SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 722
By Senator Clabough
A RESOLUTION to designate David Nelson as "Cowboy Poet Laureate of
Tennessee."
WHEREAS, the timeless legacy of the American Cowboy and his rugged,
independent spirit are etched forever on the American character; and
WHEREAS, Cowboy Poetry is one of America's oldest forms of storytelling;
it is an art form that entertains by spinning tales in rhyme and meter.
The tradition of Cowboy Poetry is as rich as the cowboy lifestyle that
gave birth to it; and
WHEREAS, David "Buffalo Bill" Nelson of Townsend, Tennessee, is a
renowned spirit are etched forever on the American character; and
WHEREAS, David "Buffalo Bill" Nelson of Townsend, Tennessee, is a
renowned Cowboy Poet, storyteller and humorist; and
WHEREAS, a popular performer who entertains young and old alike, David
Nelson has appeared at countless events across Tennessee and our great
nation, bringing laughter and smiles to thousands; and
WHEREAS, it has been said that David Nelson's cowboy poems and stories
resonate with the spirit of all Americans and accurately portray the
essence of being a Tennessean; and
WHEREAS, in constant demand, David Nelson has been a headline performer
at the Arkansas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the National Cowboy Symposium
in Texas and the Charlie Russell Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Montana; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nelson has performed as an opening act for numerous musical
performers such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio, Johnny Paycheck and the
legendary Tammy Wynette; and
WHEREAS, David Nelson has received extensive local and national media
coverage during his career which has included featured appearances and
articles in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, on National Public Radio
and Florida Public Television; and
WHEREAS, with performances of his show "Cowboy Comedy Hour", David
Nelson has provided clean, family entertainment that explains the
influence Tennessee had on the great cowboy movements of the 1880s
thereby both educating and enchanting his audiences; and
WHEREAS, as an original member of the planning committee of the
Department of Tourism in Pigeon Forge, David Nelson was a driving force
in the establishment of the "Saddle Up" festival held in Pigeon Forge
which annually draws entertainers and audiences from across the country
to celebrate the American Cowboy through performances by Cowboy Poets
and Western musicians; and
WHEREAS, David Nelson's outstanding contribution to tourism and the
quality of life in the Blount County region is respectfully acknowledged
by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and the Smoky Mountain
Convention and Visitors Bureau along with numerous friends and
supporters; and
WHEREAS, David Nelson has a "cowboy heart" which is best exemplified by
the donation of 15 percent of his earnings from the sales of his CDs and
tapes to the Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund, which provides
scholarships to needy students; and
WHEREAS, this exemplary and talented man of words and deeds has
established himself as truly an Ambassador of Goodwill for Tennessee and
is especially deserving of the recognition and title of Cowboy Poet
Laureate of Tennessee; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that
in recognition and appreciation for his laudable service to Tennessee
and his numerous contributions to Cowboy Poetry and storytelling in the
finest traditions of the American Cowboy, David Nelson is hereby
designated as "Cowboy Poet Laureate of Tennessee".
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be
prepared for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy. |