Today on the program, we’re proud to present the story behind the King of Western Swing, Bob Wills. One of the most influential and iconic bandleaders and musicians of the 1930’s-1950’s, Bob came from a humble life of a poor sharecropping family, and was deeply influenced by old time and breakdown fiddle through his Texas state champion family of fiddlers in his father and uncle. Bob also loved all the turn of the century and 1920’s black music, and this confluence of cultures would help him create the craze that became Western swing, and the details of his journey to get there will surprise you.
Story by Brent Davis and Nicholas Edward Williams
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Story Credits:
Brent Davis - Research, Writing
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing editing, recording and distribution
Homecoming: Reflections on Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, 1915-1973, Charles R.
Townsend.
The Life and Times of Bob Wills
Country Music, an Illustrated History, Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns.
Country Music, a PBS documentary by Florentine Films, Ken Burns, director; Dayton Duncan,
writer.
Life and Times of Bob Wills (TNN)
The Country Music Pop-Up Book, by the staff of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Hag: The Life, Times, and Music of Merle Haggard, Marc Elliot.