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“Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not His benefits… (Psalm 103:1 KJV)” is my theme as I reflect on a life in gospel music that is still overflowing with God’s favor.
A few [months] ago, a video of a song by the “Bob Wills Family” was posted on my Facebook page and received tremendous response. The fabulous comments from multitudes of friends filled me with thankfulness for the privilege of helping pioneer a gospel singing family who traveled the highways, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am thankful my brother Bob and his family are carrying on that gospel music heritage that began in 1938 when Pop Wills formed the first Wills Family Quartet with my older sister Rene and brother Calvin. I was included in the quartet, a ten-year-old alto who could read shaped notes and knew every song by heart. I still love being on the platform. The twins, Bob and Betty, were born that same year and took their place in the family group at a very early age.
In 1941, Pop and Mom and all of us kids moved from Texas to California seeking new opportunities to sing the gospel. In 1943 another Wills kid, Norma Jo, was born, destined to grow up singing with the family. Mom didn’t sing but she worked hard and supported our dreams.
In 1944 we moved home to Texas at the invitation of Frank Stamps to attend the Stamps Quartet Music School and represent the company in our travels. We settled in Fort Worth, and this city remains home to the “Bob Wills Family” where Bob’s middle son, Don Wills, pastors First Baptist Church. Don sings with the family when his schedule permits, with Ron, Angel, and Bob. Oldest son Bobby Lee, his wife Annette, children Bethany and Landry are on the road full time across the nation, singing the gospel.
My brother Bob is remembered by many for his male quartet “Bob Wills and The Inspirationals” in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, featured on our nationally syndicated TV show “Wills Family Inspirational Time,” one of the first series to be taped in color. In 1976, Bob and his wife formed the “Bob Wills Family” and launched a song ministry that is still going strong.
About three years ago, Bob began a weekly Friday night concert series at “Dove Creek Café” in Roanoke, Texas, in the Fort Worth/Dallas area. Many gospel music legends have performed there, as well as local talent. Bob’s twin Betty lives in Nashville, Tennessee, still singing and loved by all who know her. She and her husband Walt are very busy serving our Lord at Victory Baptist Church. Norma Jo is married to Dr. Billy Hamm, celebrating 35 years as pastor of Mountain States Baptist, Denver, Colorado. Promoting the message of Jesus Christ in gospel music is what our family is all about, and I thank God for the Wills Family heritage.
Bless the Lord O My Soul!
Lou Wills Hildreth
Lou Wills Hildreth’s Life, Love and Legends appears monthly in SGN Scoops digital magazine. To view the latest issue of SGN Scoops, click on the SGN Scoops main page.