Died On This Date (July 10, 2009) Bob Willis / “Mr. Country Gospel”
themusicsover Bob Willis
February 23, 1934 – July 10, 2009
Bob Willis was a preacher and respected country singer and songwriter, so much so that he has been called “Mr. Country Gospel.” Willis began writing straight country songs when he was just twelve years old but switched to country gospel when he turned his focus to the ministry at age 26. Over his career, Willis published over 140 songs and had songs recorded by over 100 artists including Jimmie Davis. Bob Willis passed away at the age of 75.
Born where Riverfront Stadium now stands in Cincinnati, Ohio, Roy Rogers moved to California at eighteen to become a singer. He formed the Sons of the Pioneers and released such early country hits as “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” “Cool Water” and “Don’t Fence Me In,” a later hit by the Talking Heads. By the mid-40s, Rogers was making westerns and becoming a matinee idol. Rogers married film actress, Dale Evans in 1947, beginning a life long partnership both on and off screen. The two starred together in films and on their weekly variety show, which was famous for it’s Evans penned sign-off tune, “Happy Trails To You.” Rogers died of congestive heart failure at the age of 86.
Known as the “King of the Strings,” Joe Maphis was arguably one of country music’s most accomplished electric guitarists, or at the very least, one of its most exciting to watch and hear. Maphis began making a name for himself as part of the Bakersfield scene of the ’40s and ’50s. He released several records, the most successful being “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and Loud, Loud Music).” Throughout his career, Maphis played with such luminaries as Wanda Jackson, 
Along with his wife,