Died On This Date (May 13, 1975) Bob Wills / The King Of Western Swing
themusicsover James “Bob” Wills
March 6, 1905 – May 13, 1975
Bob Wills was a Texas born western swing musician and songwriter. He is referred to as the “King of Western Swing.” As a child, when Wills wasn’t picking cotton, he was learning to play the mandolin and fiddle. Throughout the ’40s, Wills and his Texas Playboys were the most popular musical act in the country not only because they were outstanding musicians, but because Wills continued to “break the rules” of popular music. Wills continued to draw sizable crowds and sell plenty of records throughout the ’50s. In 1962, he suffered his first of two heart attacks in as many years. After his recovery, he continued on until 1962 when he suffered a life changing stroke in that he was left paralyzed on his right side. Another stroke in December of 1973 left Wills in a coma until his death on May 13, 1975.
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