Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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WILLIS BROTHERS

Also known as the Oklahoma Wranglers, for many years one of the foremost country groups and long-time Grand Ole Opry members. Playing a blend of Western swing, cowboy and truckin' music, formed in 1932 with Guy (b James Ylysis Willis, 5 July '15, Alex AR, d 13 April '81) on guitar, vocals and leader, Skeeter (b Charles Ray Willis, 20 Dec. '17 Coalton OK; d 5 March '76) on fiddle and vocals and Vic (b John Victor Willis, 31 May '22, Schulter OK; d 15 Jan. '95) on accordion, piano and vocals. A farming family, all sang and played musical instruments. Original line-up featured eldest brother Joe along with Guy and Skeeter performing on radio KGEF, Shawnee OK '32; they continued to appear on various radio shows throughout the '30s. Joe left to get married '39 when Vic joined. They moved on to Kansas City MO to appear on weekly Brush Street Follies '40-42. Disbanded '42 due to war service; reunited '46, joined Grand Ole Opry and signed to Sterling Records, backing Hank Williams on first recordings. Left Opry '49 and went on the road with Eddy Arnold '50-7, also appeared in movies Feuding Rhythm and Hoe Down. At Arnold's suggestion they changed their name to the Willis Brothers to avoid being known as just a western band. Recorded throughout '50s for Mercury, RCA and Coral before landing on Starday and making a chart breakthrough in '60s with trucking song 'Give Me 40 Acres' '64. By this time they were back on the Opry, where they remained until Vic's death; known in later years as the Vic Willis Trio. Albums incl. Code Of The West '63, Road Stops - Juke Box Hits '65, The Willis Brothers Goin' To Town '66, Hey Mister Truck Driver '68, Bummin' Around '69, For The Good Times '71 all on Starday; The Singing Cowboy Rides Again and Return Of the Singing Cowboy '77 both with Johnny Bond on CMH.