“On This Date…” May 13th 1975: Remembering Bob Wills

On this date, May 13th, 1975, The King of Western Swing, Bob Wills would pass away at the age of 70.
Wills and his band The Texas Playboys would perform across the country from the 1930's into the 1960's.
He is counted as a great influence to Country Music legends such as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings (Jennings going so far as to record a song in 1974 entitled "Bob Wills is Still the King"
His addictions and financial struggles began taking a toll on his career in the 1950's.
He continued to work through the 1960's despite having 2 heart attacks but in 1969 a stroke would leave him partially paralyzed and effectively end his performing career.
Bob Wills would die in Fort Worth, Texas on May 13th, 1975.
Note
During the recording I mistakenly say the name "Buck Owens" while making a point about "Bob Wills". I note it during the video but thought I would also address it here. I would have rerecorded the section but my kids are home from school now we're watching a Spider-Man movie.

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