James Robert Wills, the first of 10 children, was born in Kosse near Waco, Texas. He was from a musical family as his father played the fiddle and soon Jim Rob began playing the mandolin. The family lived on a farm in West Texas where he picked cotton. His first love growing up was the blues, black jazz, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Jimmy Rodgers. From Turkey, Texas the family moved to Memphis, Texas where he began playing the fiddle for square dances. He moved to Ft. Worth forming a duo with guitarist Herman Arnspiger playing dances in the early 30’s becoming “Bob” Wills. His first group was called “The Wills Fiddle Band” and after adding Milton Brown (vocalist) became “The Light Crust Doughboys” where Tommy Duncan would replace Brown. In 1933 when Wills was fired from The Doughboys for drinking too much he took Tommy Duncan and Johnny Lee Wills with him forming “The Texas Playboys”. In 1935 he wrote/recorded fiddle instrumental “Spanish Two Step” which evolved into “New San Antonio Rose” in 1944 with Tommy Duncan (vocals) that went to #3 on the country charts and #11 on the pop charts selling one million copies. After the success of “San Antonio Rose” Bob appeared in many western movies in the 40’s. At one time The Texas Playboys grew to 18 pieces that included reeds, brass, drums, amplified guitars and fiddles. During 1944-45 Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys had 10 top 5 songs. In 1946 another version of Bob’s 1935 “Spanish Two Step” was recorded entitled “New Spanish Two Step”. This version burned up the charts staying #1 for 16 weeks plus crossing over into the pop charts. During this period The Texas Playboys, with their blend of big band, swing, jazz, blues, & honky tonk, were outselling big name bands such as Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. With trademark white hat, fiddle and stogie Bob became Western Swing’s most visible, vocal star, often hollern’ “A—Haaa” when the band guys took a solo. In his prime Bob Wills was a superb bandleader and one of the most entertaining fiddle players of all time. Some of the most important members of his groups were: Herman Arnspiger, Leon McAuliff, Tommy Duncan, Eldon Shamblin, Tiny Moore, Al Striclin, Jesse Ashlock, Joe Holley, Sleepy Johnson, Herb Remington, Jimmie Widener & Johnny Gimble. Bob’s biggest disappointment came when Tommy Duncan left the band. Bob Wills was leader of the finest Western Swing band to ever grace country music. His heyday was in the 40’s and with a total of 26 charted songs adds credibilty to the popular saying: “Bob Wills Is Still The King” Bob Wills Day is held annually in Turkey, a town he called home, near Plainview in West Texas. Bob is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Counrty Music Hall of Fame.