James Robert "Bob" Wills (March 6, 1905 – May 13, 1975) was an American musician, songwriter, and bandleader. Considered by music authorities as the founder of Western swing, [1][2][3] he was known widely as the King of Western Swing (although Spade Cooley self-promoted the moniker "King of Western Swing" from 1942 to 1969).

A bandleader, fiddler, singer, and songwriter, Bob Wills is the most famous exponent of the popular musical amalgam now known as western swing, which synthesized ragtime, traditional fiddle tunes, New Orleans jazz, blues, Mexican songs, and big band swing.

Bob Wills was more than a legendary performer. Widely known as the "king of western swing" Bob Wills blended genres of all kinds to create a distinctly American sound. Bob got 110% from his musicians like a good football coach. He was feared and loved by his men; the man. the thousands who turned out to listen. – Texas Playboy. Al Stricklin.

Mar 2, 2025 · Bob Wills was an American bandleader, fiddler, singer, and songwriter whose Texas Playboys popularized western swing music in the 1930s and ’40s. Taught to play the mandolin and fiddle by his father and other relatives, Wills began performing in country string bands in Texas in the late 1920s.

Dec 28, 2023 · In the record books of country music history, Bob Wills holds a revered place as an innovator who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of the genre. His audacious move to introduce drums at the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s remains a watershed moment in …

With the YouTube Music app, enjoy over 100 million songs at your fingertips, plus albums, playlists, remixes, music videos, live performances, covers, and hard-to-find music you can’t get...

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

Bob Wills, fiddler and band leader of Bob Wills & his Texas Playboys, was an influential developer of the western swing music style in the late 1930s through the 1940s. Recorded extensively for Columbia, Decca, MGM and others.

Nov 25, 2015 · Explore the life and legacy of Bob Wills, the influential musician who pioneered western swing music, his contributions to American music, and his lasting impact on the genre.

May 23, 2018 · Known as “ the king of western swing, ” Bob Wills left an indelible mark on country-and-western music across five decades, and has been an influence to numerous modern country artists.