Biography
The three Willis siblings—James, known as Guy; Charles, nicknamed Skeeter; and John, called Vic—began their musical journey during childhood on the family farm. Forming the Oklahoma Wranglers as teenagers back in 1932, they performed a mix of Western swing and cowboy tunes. Skeeter handled vocals and fiddle duties, while Guy took lead singing and guitar; their oldest brother Joe was also part of that initial group. Throughout the 1930s, the ensemble broadcast from KGEF in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Joe departed in 1939 following his marriage, prompting the addition of Vic, whose contributions included accordion, piano, and singing. Relocating to Kansas City, they performed on Brush Street Follies right up to 1942, at which point the group paused for military service. Upon regrouping in 1946, the Willis Brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry, inked a deal with Sterling Records, and notably supported Hank Williams during his debut recording sessions. Their departure from the Opry occurred in 1949, after which they accompanied Eddy Arnold on tour through 1957 and featured in the motion pictures Feuding Rhythm and Hoe Down. To reach listeners outside the Western genre, they abandoned the Oklahoma Wranglers moniker in favor of the Willis Brothers. Steady recording sessions followed with Mercury, RCA, and Coral, leading to a contract with Starday; their breakthrough arrived in 1964 via the truck-driving country success "Give Me 40 Acres (To Turn This Rig Around)". They returned to the Opry and stayed until Vic's passing in a 1995 automobile accident at age 73.
Albums
