WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Senate of the State of Washington to honor the achievements and talents of Washington's artists and to recognize their contribution to their communities; and
     WHEREAS, Bonnie "Guitar" Buckingham is one of the biggest stars to emerge from the Pacific Northwest's music scene; and
     WHEREAS, Buckingham produced songs that established her as an early "crossover" artist; and
     WHEREAS, The multitalented artist devoted her skills as a unique female session instrumentalist, talent scout, record label executive, audio engineer, and session producer to the success of many aspiring young talents; and
     WHEREAS, Buckingham will be remembered as a female pioneer in a music industry traditionally dominated by male artists; and
     WHEREAS, Buckingham was one of the few female singers in country music during her fame and is one of the few country singers to have had a hit on the Billboard Magazine's Country charts and Pop charts simultaneously during the late 1950s; and
     WHEREAS, Buckingham performed for the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium numerous times and was offered a regular spot on the Grand Ole Opry, but declined; and
     WHEREAS, In the late 1950s, Buckingham formed her own record label called Dolton Records, formerly called Dolphin Records, with cofounder Bob Reisdorff; and
     WHEREAS, Buckingham is credited as one of the people who helped launch The Fleetwoods as well as The Ventures upon signing the two groups to Dolton Records during the late 1950s; and
     WHEREAS, Buckingham made television appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand as well as West Coast programs like the Ranch Party and Gene Autry's Melody Ranch show; and
     WHEREAS, Buckingham resumed her own music career and charted for the first time in many years in 1980 with the single "Honey on the Moon"; and
     WHEREAS, Seattle's Northwest Area Music Association recognized how Buckingham's talents had significantly impacted the recording arts in the Pacific Northwest and inducted her into their NAMA Hall of Fame in 1989; and
     WHEREAS, Upon retiring in 1996, Buckingham has called Soap Lake, Washington home and continues to give back to her community through her musical talent and warm generosity; and
     WHEREAS, This body recognizes the effect Buckingham and her music have on the viability, well-being, and economy of local communities and this state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington express its appreciation of Washington's very own Bonnie "Guitar" Buckingham for her continued efforts in producing music, her dedication to music and her community, and her contribution to the success of other performing artists and groups; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Bonnie "Guitar" Buckingham.