Bob Wills Is Still The King (Live in Texas - September 1974)

About the song

Waylon Jennings and the King of Western Swing

As a singer, songwriter, and outlaw country icon, Waylon Jennings was known for his rebellious spirit and his smooth, rich baritone voice. Throughout his career, Jennings recorded several songs that paid tribute to his musical heroes, including “Bob Wills Is Still the King”.

Written by Jennings and released in 1975 on his album Dreaming My Dreams, “Bob Wills Is Still the King” is a heartfelt homage to Bob Wills, a legendary figure in Western swing music. Wills was a pioneer of the genre, blending elements of jazz, blues, and country to create a unique and exciting sound. His band, The Texas Playboys, was one of the most popular Western swing bands in the country, and Wills himself was known as the “King of Western Swing.”

Jennings’ song is a tribute to Wills’s musical legacy. The lyrics praise Wills’s talent as a musician and bandleader, and his impact on Western swing music. Jennings sings about how Wills’s music made people dance and brought joy to their lives. He also references Wills’s signature song, “San Antonio Rose”, and his famous fiddle playing.

“Bob Wills Is Still the King” is a rousing, upbeat song that perfectly captures the spirit of Western swing music. Jennings’s vocals are passionate and sincere, and the song’s lyrics are full of admiration for Wills. The song is a must-listen for any fan of Western swing music, and it is a fitting tribute to one of the genre’s greatest pioneers.

Here are some additional details about the song and its significance:

  • The song was released as a single in 1975 and reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
  • It was later included on Jennings’s 1976 greatest hits album Waylon Jennings’ Greatest Hits.
  • The song has been covered by many other artists, including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and George Strait.
  • In 2004, “Bob Wills Is Still the King” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“Bob Wills Is Still the King” is a classic country song that celebrates the life and music of a true American legend. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed by fans of Western swing music for many years to come.

Video

Lyrics

“Bob Wills Is Still The King”

 

Well the honky-tonks in Texas were my natural second home
Where you tip your hats to the ladies and the rose of San Antone
I grew up on music that we called western swing
It don’t matter who’s in Austin,Bob Wills is still the king

Lord I can still remember,the way things were back then
In spite of all the hard times,I’d live it all again
To hear the Texas playboys and Tommy Duncan sing
Makes me proud to be from Texas where Bob Wills is still the king

You can hear the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville Tennessee
It’s the home of country music,on that we all agree
But when you cross that ol’ Red River hoss that just don’t mean a thing
Cause’ once you’re down in Texas,Bob Wills is still the king

Well if you ain’t never been there then I guess you ain’t been told
That you just can’t live in Texas unless you got a lot of soul
It’s the home of Willie Nelson,the home of western swing
He’ll be the first to tell you,Bob Wills is still the king

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