Comments on: Forgotten Artists: The Willis Brothers/Oklahoma Wranglers/Vic Willis Trio

By: Mike Dalton

Mike Dalton — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 21:29:16 +0000

I have a 45rpm with a CORAL record label, the songs are ( Who pptp tobacco and lonesome polecat )the artist is listed as the Willis Brothers, it was my Fathers, He had as long as I can remember and I am 58,

By: Scott Lewis

Scott Lewis — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:39:26 +0000

As a child, I would spend many hours staring at the orange album at the top of the post here. It’s still probably my favorite all time album cover. I disagree that the Willis Brothers were not at their best when doing the truck driving songs, but my entry point into their music was the album above, so I’m biased (not to mention my dad was a trucker). I still prefer their versions of the truck songs to other renditions I’ve heard.

By: Fred Stover

Fred Stover — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 01:16:32 +0000

I remember the Willis Brothers as being very good musicians, with very good harmony an well dressed, as they toured with Eddy Arnold.
As far as I`m concerned, they were at their best, when they sang the Western Classics, such as Cimarron, Cool Water and Tumbling Tumbleweeds.
Their Indian Pal, Chuck Wright, was one of the best up-right base player I had seen.
Since Guy, Skeeter and Vic have deceased, I wonder if Chuck Wright is still with us.
Fred Stover, Atlanta, GA

By: Randy Neal

Randy Neal — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:42:00 +0000

My grandfather, Dave Johnson, was said to have played with the Oklahoma Wranglers when they were in Kansas City in the early 1940′s . I was just wondering if that is documented anywhere? He played guitar, banjo, fiddle. Any recollection or article would be appreciated. Dave and Juanita Johnson’s home was in and around Osawatomie, Kansas. He played on the radio station in Kansas City for a short time in the Twin Towers building. He taught me to play some of those old songs.

Randy Neal

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:52:27 +0000

Awhile back I purchased an old copy of the Starday “Give Me 40 Acres” LP album and in spite of the ticks, pops, and warping its still fun to listen to!

Back in the 60′s my parents purchased for me a country double album advertised on the TV as “50 Country Artists, 50 Hits!” and “Give Me 40 Acres” was my favorite song in the lot. I recently purchased an excellent condition version of the “50 Hits” album and the sound quality is horrible! They just recorded cheesy copies of the songs from 45′s or album cuts and then cut them short sometimes as well! (lol)

I enjoy listening to the old 60′s Opry shows they will play some nights on WSM and many of those old shows feature the Willis Brothers in all of their energetic zaniness. Unfortunately most of the time they do not sing “Give Me 40 Acres”, but when they do they go bonkers! (lol)