MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Moran, Burton, Gollott, Hudson, Polk, Blackwell, Seymour, Parks, Jolly, Tindell, Wilemon, Chassaniol, Parker, Younger, Barnett, Caughman, Dearing, Jackson (32nd), Watson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SALUTING THE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXCELLENCE OF MISSISSIPPI'S PRO RODEO MASTER COMEDIAN LECILE HARRIS.
WHEREAS, one of the most popular features of the Dixie National Rodeo show is the annual appearance of Pro Rodeo's Master Comedian Lecile Harris. Lecile has become one of the most famous Rodeo Clowns in history and he is a native Mississippian. He was born on November 6, 1936, in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, where his parents had moved from Alabama. Apparently, the doctor who delivered Lecile couldn't type very well, and the name on the birth certificate came back as "Lecile" instead of "Cecil." He learned to fight and defend himself early in life to defend his name; and
WHEREAS, as a Rodeo Clown, Lecile Harris seems to have been blessed with all essential parts. His walk, talk and actions seem to effuse comedy. He is tall, thin, gangly and awkward looking, yet athletic even for his age. Enormously creative and spontaneous, his arena character and antics combine a blend of magic, slapstick and stand-up comedy in a curious way that leaves his audiences wanting more. Lecile Harris is one of those people who commands attention whether he is entering the arena in costume or just entering a room. Rodeo audiences love his "Walkin and Talkin," which he created in 1968 in Detroit, Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Lecile wasn't always a rodeo funny man. Like many rodeo clowns, he got his start at a rodeo where he had entered the bull riding and the bullfighter failed to show. Lecile, being young, fearless and athletic, stepped in to fill the void. That is where any similarity to other rodeo clowns seems to begin and end. During these early years, Lecile was a talented, creative and innovative bullfighter. He developed moves, methods and the business of studying a fighting bull's habits when the event/sport was still in its infancy. Some of his wrecks and antics are now legendary and some can be found on Sports Greatest Wrecks. Today, his experiences are put to good use working with and advising the new generation of bullfighters and barrel clowns. His son Matt, who does the other end of Lecile's acts, is a Barrelman who has gained much knowledge from Lecile's coaching. In thirty-six years of fighting bulls, Lecile has contributed much to taking the event from thrill show to the skillful art form it is today. He is thought of as the "Dean of Bullfighters," teaching future greats; and
WHEREAS, though Lecile's primary job in those days as a bullfighter clown was to protect the cowboy and thrill the crowd, his natural tendency for comedy began developing more and more. Today his catalog of acts, skits and characters are legendary, some date back more than 50 years, but still timeless today. His comedy mannerisms, acts and jokes are copied by clowns and showmen everywhere in the business, which is the ultimate compliment; and
WHEREAS, rodeo wasn't Lecile's only arena to showcase his talents. In the 1950s and 1960s, he was a session drummer at the now famous Memphis Sun and Hi Studios, playing on many hits of the era. He landed a regular role in the early years of the TV series, "HEE HAW," remaining there for over five years. He also had parts in the movies, "Walking Tall: Final Chapter," "The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James," "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings" with Burt Reynolds, "Elvis," the series, as well as other movies and television shows; and
WHEREAS, in July 2007, Lecile achieved the highest honor in professional rodeo. He was unanimously inducted into the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association's Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Four times named Pro Rodeo's CLOWN OF THE YEAR, Lecile is well at home in the rodeo arena. Considered by his peers, rodeo producers, cowboys and fans alike as the very best in the business, he is in big demand working over 125 performances a year, including many of the biggest rodeos in the world. Today, Lecile is at the pinnacle of his comedy career. For over 50 years, his bullfighting and comedic ability have saved many a cowboy and brought smiles and laughter to literally millions of people. He is truly one of rodeo's living legends:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby salute the sports and entertainment excellence of Mississippi's Pro Rodeo Master Comedian Lecile Harris and welcome him as an unofficial "Sports and Comedy Ambassador for the State of Mississippi" on February 16, 2017.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Lecile Harris, forwarded to Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Cindy Hyde-Smith and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.