Bob Wills And Western Swing

James Robert Wills was born in Texas on March 6th, 1905. Since his father was a fiddle player, he grew up with music in his home. He learned to play the fiddle and also the mandolin, while his siblings played the piano and guitar.

When he was older he earned a living in any way he could find work. He attended barber school and made a living at that for some time. He was married and then moved to New Mexico and then back to Texas, while pursing his barbering career. He earned a living with the barbering, but played music and did a comedy routine every chance he got.

Eventually he was in a group called the Wills Fiddle Band, which was later changed to the Light Crust Doughboys. He was with this group until 1933 and left because of his drinking. He and Tommy Duncan then formed a new group called The Playboys and went to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He then went to Tulsa, Oklahoma and changed the name of the group to the Texas Playboys and began doing what became a very popular radio show.

He joined the Army in 1942, but was discharged because of medical reasons in 1943. He then moved to California where he became a big hit. By the late 40s, he was drinking more and would not show up to play. Then, in 1949, he moved back to Oklahoma and ended up in a business venture that left him broke. He continued to tour for more than 10 years.

Bob Wills' legacy will live on forever in what is known as Western Swing music.