Long Hard Ride Into The Sunset With Foy Willing Of The Riders Of The Purple Sage

Foy Willing was a country music singer and songwriter who was best known for his work with the Riders of the Purple Sage. He was born in 1914 in Oklahoma and began his career in music as a teenager. Willing joined the Riders of the Purple Sage in 1935 and quickly became one of the group's most popular members. He sang lead vocals on many of the group's biggest hits, including "Riders in the Sky" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds." Willing left the Riders of the Purple Sage in 1940 to pursue a solo career. He continued to record and perform until his death in 1994.

Willing was a talented singer and songwriter with a distinctive voice. He was also a skilled guitarist and yodeler. His music was a blend of traditional country and western styles, and he was known for his heartfelt and emotional performances.

No One to Cry To: A Long, Hard Ride into the Sunset with Foy Willing of the Riders of the Purple Sage

by Joyce Landorf Heatherley

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	198 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Willing's career spanned more than five decades, and he recorded over 50 albums. He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983. Willing's music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

The Early Years

Foy Willing was born in 1914 in Oklahoma. He grew up on a farm and began singing and playing guitar at an early age. Willing's father was a fiddle player, and his mother sang in the church choir. Willing's early musical influences included Jimmie Rodgers, Gene Autry, and Bob Wills.

Willing began his career in music as a teenager. He played at local dances and rodeos and sang on the radio. In 1935, Willing joined the Riders of the Purple Sage, a Western swing band that was based in Oklahoma City. The Riders of the Purple Sage were one of the most popular Western swing bands in the country, and Willing quickly became one of the group's most popular members.

The Riders Of The Purple Sage

The Riders of the Purple Sage were formed in 1934 by Bob Wills. The band's original lineup included Wills on fiddle, Milton Brown on guitar, Durwood Brown on bass, and Leon McAuliffe on drums. Willing joined the band in 1935, and he quickly became one of the group's most popular members. Willing sang lead vocals on many of the group's biggest hits, including "Riders in the Sky" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds."

The Riders of the Purple Sage were one of the most successful Western swing bands in the country. They toured extensively and recorded over 50 albums. The band was also featured in several films, including "Riders of the Purple Sage" (1941) and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (1953).

Willing left the Riders of the Purple Sage in 1940 to pursue a solo career. He continued to record and perform until his death in 1994.

The Solo Years

After leaving the Riders of the Purple Sage, Willing began a successful solo career. He recorded over 50 albums and had several hit songs, including "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)" and "Ashes of Love." Willing also starred in several films, including "The Singing Cowboy" (1940) and "Riders in the Sky" (1941).

Willing's solo career was successful, but he never forgot his roots. He continued to perform Western swing music throughout his career, and he was a regular guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Willing was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983.

The Later Years

Willing continued to perform and record until his death in 1994. He was a beloved figure in the country music community, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Legacy

Foy Willing was one of the most popular and influential country music singers of his generation. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and his music helped to define the sound of Western swing. Willing's music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire country music singers for generations to come.

Foy Willing singing with the Riders of the Purple Sage

No One to Cry To: A Long, Hard Ride into the Sunset with Foy Willing of the Riders of the Purple Sage

by Joyce Landorf Heatherley

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	198 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE