Doc Williams (Born Andrew Smik Jr.)
June 26, 1914 – January 31, 2011
Doc Williams was a pioneering country music singer and band leader who, over a career that spanned nearly 80 years, entertained millions either on the road or over the airwaves of radio powerhouse, WWVA-AM. On clear nights, his voice could be heard across most of the eastern 2/3 of the United States and much of Canada. Williams was in the tenth grade when he dropped out of school to help support his family. He soon launched his music career, forming and band and landing performances on local radio stations. He eventually found himself performing on WWVA’s long running Jamboree program which was later renamed Jamboree USA when it’s broadcast stretched to further points of the country. Doc Williams & His Border Riders quickly became the most popular act on the program while their traveling show put them in front of fans across the U.S., Canada and even England. Williams met the future Chuckie Williams after she sent him a letter asking if she could come on his show. They soon became singing partners and were married in 1939. Doc Williams retired from music in 2006. He was 96 when he passed away on January 31, 2011.
Thanks to Fred Jasper for the assist.