City of Houston Honors Popular Native Son with "Robert Earl Keen Day" Proclamation

New CD, What I Really Mean, set for May 10 release

The City of Houston welcomed Robert Earl Keen back home to his birthplace of Houston this past weekend by proclaiming April 1, 2005 as "Robert Earl Keen Day."

The proclamation was presented by Houston City Council Member Michael Berry in conjunction with Keen's headlining appearance at Frontier Fiesta at The University of Houston.

The proclamation read: Robert Earl Keen graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Journalism. It was at A&M where Mr. Keen learned to play the guitar. He coupled his musical talents with his creative writing to produce a unique sound with catchy lyrics. Mr. Keen became one of the pioneers of alternative country music. He quickly became a tremendous hit. After briefly moving to Nashville, he returned to Texas realizing he needed the inspiration only Texas could provide him. Today, Robert Earl Keen is considered a top-ranked country folk artist. Currently his fans range from eight to eighty.

Robert Earl Keen's success has not prevented him from knowing his roots. He continues to perform at colleges where his concerts draw huge crowds. The campuses like songs like "Farm Fresh Onions," his newest album, and the all-time favorite, "The Road Goes On Forever." Robert Earl Keen joins the annual event, Frontier Fiesta at The University of Houston. Frontier Fiesta attracts celebrities and visitors from across the country.

The City of Houston welcomes Mr. Robert Earl Keen back home to his birthplace of Houston, and congratulates and commends him on this important occasion, and extends best wishes for many years of continued success. Therefore, I, Bill White, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim April 1, 2005 as Robert Earl Keen Day in Houston, Texas."

Keen is set to release his highly-anticipated 11th album project, What I Really Mean, on May 10. The album is receiving great early response with features in Billboard and No Depression plus a review in Entertainment Weekly. Produced by guitar great/band member Rich Brotherton and mixed by Grammy Award-winning engineer Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy), the CD features special guests Ray Price (vocals), Danny Barnes (banjo) and is sprinkled with some eclectic touches (gospel singers and Mariachi players among them).