Bob Wills

Bob Wills was able to combine a variety of styles in the mid-1930s to bring about an infectious style called Texas swing. He combined hillbilly, bluegrass, Mexican music, the blues and big band swing. He also featured a number of important guitarists that must have influenced a young Charlie Christian. His band, The Playboys, was unusual because of the inclusion of a drummer and a horn section. This combination of musicians and the energy they brought to their music made it infectious.

Bob Wills - Episode 1

Compositon	Artist	Year
You're Okay	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1938
Get With It	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1935
Who Walks in When I Walk Out?	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1935
Osage Stomp	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1935
Steel Guitar Rag	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1936
White Heat	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1937
Whoa Baby	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1938
Liza, Pull Down the Shades	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1938

Bob Wills - Episode 2

Wills often used 3 guitars like a sax section in a big band--sometimes using a violin section also. By the early 1940’s Bob Wills and his Playboys had relocated to California. You can hear a boogie woogie influence mixed with Kansas Riff style in his music. By the late 1940’s he led one of the busiest and most financially successful bands on the west coast.

Composition	Artist	Year
Ida Red Likes to Boogie	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1949
Twin Guitar Special	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1941
Takin' It Home	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1941
Roly Poly	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1945
Stay a Little Longer	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1945
Fat Boy Rag	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1946
Boot Heel Drag	Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys	1949