Country Star Bob Wills

Bob Wills, born James Robert Wills in 1905, was a country music star for over forty years. He is credited with popularizing country swing music and was the band leader and key musician in all the bands he headed. He had shows on the radio and toured the country, playing Western swing music. He was been dubbed the "King of Western Swing" by his fans. In his lifetime he had over 25 "top forty" hits and he had his own show on KVOO radio from 1934 to 1942. This program went a long way toward boosting his popularity.

Bob Wills put on his first show at the age of ten in Hall County, Texas, when he went on for his father, who was too drunk to play. For the next 60 years, the stage was more his home than any house he owned. He was the consummate showman, always seeking ways to get his audience up and dancing. He always kept up a constant patter, telling jokes and charming the audience. He was a magnetic presence on stage, tall, charming and well dressed. He disliked the “hillbilly” image of country music and always strove to put on a classy, sophisticated show.

Bob Wills was not only a band leader and performer, he also starred in a number of movies. Like his counterpart, Gene Autrey, he and his band appeared in dozens of cowboy movies. Bob Wills started many ventures over the years, Tiffany Music being the first. The company was formed to record live music sessions that were then sold to radio stations all over the country to play. Tiffany Music only lasted a few years, but it kept Bob Wills career alive.