Forgotten Treasures Links Contact Us Search CDNOW Home

Western Swing


Some of the best American music of the past several decades is represented in a musical style called western swing. Western swing made an indelible imprint on the history of country music via the innovative efforts of Bob Wills. Much of what is heard today under the "western swing" heading can be traced to musical innovations generated by the Wills organization. Wills and his Texas Playboys defined and refined the modern big-band sound of country music. The essence of Wills' style germinated from his employment of huge bands, comprised of amplified fretted instruments, multiple fiddles and horns, jazz instruments, as well as guitars, pianos and drums.

As Wills' style of music swept across the United States, scores of western swing bands emerged and vitalized country music. In the postwar years, Wills and the Texas Playboys remained popular, even though most big bands folded. Wills' style of music has remained fresh through the efforts of Hank Thompson, Johnny Gimble, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Asleep at the Wheel and George Strait. In 1968, Wills was elected to the prestiges Country Music Hall of Fame.

back Revised: 12/9/1999 | Thanks for visiting!