Bob Wills Day 2023: Bob Wills Day, celebrated on April 29, honours The King Of Western Swing, Bob Wills, annually on the last Saturday of April. Tens of thousands of admirers have attended the Bob Wills Day festival in Turkey, Texas, since 1972. The music of Bob Wills takes Country and Swing music fans on a journey down memory lane, reminding them of the heyday of Western music. Others find it to be a festival with excellent music and dancing.
HISTORY OF BOB WILLS DAY
Bob Wills, an American-Western musician and bandleader, was born on a farm near Kosse, Texas, on March 6, 1905. He developed an interest in music at a tender age, picking up the mandolin and fiddle as a child.
Wills performed live and on air on South and West radio stations until 1934, when he formed the Texas Playboys with Tommy Duncan on vocals, banjoist Johnnie Lee Wills, guitarist June Whalin, guitarist and bassist Kermit Whalin, and himself on the violin. In 1937, when guitarist Eldon Shamblin joined the ensemble, the group’s musical style was altered to include a touch of jazz. With the additions of Leon McAuliffe, Smokey Dacus, and Al Stricklin over the years, the band’s musical style grew even more diverse. The Texas Playboys routinely performed in Oklahoma, and radio station KVOO played their music.
The band ascended to prominence during the 1940s with songs such as ‘New San Antonio ascended,’ ‘Steel Guitar Rag,’ and ‘Stars and Stripes on Iwo Jima.’ Wills’ musical group signed contracts with Columbia, Vocalion, and M.G.M., among others. Wills’ mega-hit compositions ‘Ida Red Likes the Boogie’ and ‘Faded Love’ dominated the charts in the 1950s, but he suffered from poor health and financial difficulties. As Rock and Roll emerged, the band’s popularity declined. Nonetheless, he resumed his performances. Wills’ heart attack in 1962 led to the dissolution of the Texas Playboys, but he continued to perform solo.
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BOB WILLS DAY ACTIVITIES
Fans, pull out your old recordings and relive the magic that was Bob Wills’ music by listening to his discography. Now is the time to listen to his music if you’ve never done so before.
Attend the Festival of Bob Wills
By attending the Bob Wills Festival in Turkey, Texas, you can celebrate with admirers from across the nation. For additional details, please visit the festival’s official website.
Have a joyous celebration!
If you cannot attend the Bob Wills festival, throw your own swinging celebration with a Bob Wills theme. Invite your family and neighbours!
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5 FACTS ABOUT BOB WILLS, THE KING OF WESTERN SWING
He was a devoted Texas resident.
Bob Wills was born in Texas on a cotton plantation owned by his family.
Bob Wills originated from a musical ancestry.
Wills had several renowned relatives who played the violin and instrument, including his own father.
His first solo performance
Wills gave his first solo performance at age 15.
He had many roles
Prior to his fame, Wills supported himself through construction and other manual labour tasks.
His attire was iconic.
His cowboy headdress and cigar contributed to his statement.
WHY WE LOVE BOB WILLS DAY
It honours an American symbol
Bob Wills’ Western music is legendary, and he has given us timeless melodies that are now considered classics. On Bob Wills Day, his life, accomplishments, and contributions to American music are celebrated.
It preserves Western music
Bob Wills Day helps preserve Western music. Older generations reminisce about the golden age of Western music, while younger generations discover it.
The Bob Wills festival is magnificent.
The Bob Wills Festival is an annual event that is well worth attending. The event will feature the finest swing music and dancing.
BOB WILLS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 30 | Saturday |
| 2023 | April 29 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 27 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 26 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 25 | Saturday |
