Let’s play a game. We’ll call it the, “The Let’s See How Much You Think You Know About Texas Music Trivia Versus What You Actually Know,” game.

On second thought, let’s just call it “Red Dirt Trivia.” Here’s how it works: I’ll provide a set of clues regarding a famous musician. The player’s job is to figure out the name of the celebrity in as few clues as possible. But, we’re on the honor system here. No looking ahead to sneak a peek at the answer. Ready? Here goes.

This famous musician was born in Kosse, Texas. During his early years, he alternated careers as a barber and musician before moving to Ft. Worth to perform in a medicine show where he learned a great deal about the comic timing that later became a staple of his live performances. Later, he moved to Oklahoma City and played live shows every Monday through Friday on 50,000-watt radio station KVOO, originating from the stage of Cain’s Ballroom. About a year after beginning his daily show, he found himself unable to get along with a man who was not only the host of his show, but also a future governor of Texas. The person in question was eventually fired from his job on the radio show due to excessive binge drinking and missed performances.

So, how’s it coming? Had any brainstorms? OK, some more clues.

Later, he moved to Hollywood, where his 23-member band was an enormous success, playing to larger crowds than those attending performances by Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. His strongwilled character ruffled some conservative country music feathers, as he defied a previous ban by the Grand Ole Opry, bringing drums to the hallowed stage as part of a crosscountry tour with his band. In the twilight of his life, he was inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968, and later into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1970 he was the subject of a tribute album, recorded by Merle Haggard. His musical efforts were not overlooked by today’s heroes, as he was identified by Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel as a major musical influence. Sadly, he died in 1975 after suffering a major stroke.

The answer? The king of western swing, the one—and only—Bob Wills.

Yep, the fiddle player extraordinaire not only experienced a long and successful career, but additionally influenced such household names as Willie and Haggard, who in turn sparked a musical flame in current Red Dirt heroes, such as Cross Canadian Ragweed.

So, how did this superstar get his start? What was his first claim to fame? He became a doughboy.

He became a doughboy. Nope, not a baker, but a fiddleplaying phenom for the Light Crust Doughboys, one of music’s greatest western swing bands. In 1931, Wills, along with guitarist Herman Arnspiger and vocalist Milton Brown persuaded Burrus Mill and Elevator Company in Ft. Worth to sponsor the band on a radio show advertising the mill’s Light Crust Flour. Though canceled after two weeks, thousands of fan requests brought the group back to the air for their own daily show at noon. However, two years later, Wills was fired by Burrus Mill president W. Lee (Pappy) O’Daniel for missing broadcasts due to his excessive drinking. Wills quickly rebounded that same year to form Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, and for the next four decades continued to create such musical classics as “San Antonio Rose,” and “Take Me Back To Tulsa,” a revered classic covered by many artists, including George Strait and Cross Canadian Ragweed. Sadly, Wills succumbed to a stroke on May 13th, 1975.

Then, what about the Light Crust Doughboys? Did Wills’ departure derail the Texas swing powerhouse?

Hardly. Between 1935 and World War II, the Doughboys experienced staggering musical success. By the 1940s they were broadcast over 170 radio stations in the South and the Southwest regions of the United States, with millions of listeners tuning in to dance and tap their toes to the Doughboys’ swing and jazzbased tunes.

By 1942, band members left to pursue military careers or to work in warrelated industry, and Burrus Mill decided to put an end to the Doughboys’ radio show. In 1946 the mill attempted to revive the band’s radio performances, but the broadcast never regained strength. Though attempting to boost ratings through the hiring of Hank Thompson and Slim Whitman as band members, the appeal of television ended the domination previously enjoyed by radio. Though off the air since 1950, the Doughboys still perform at concerts and festival across the United States, entertaining fans with their toetapping classics.

In March of 2005, folks from the town of Quitman, Texas (Population of 2,030) had an interest in providing a home to honor the Doughboys’ past, as well as a facility available to house exhibits and memorabilia. After conversations with Doughboy member and Grammy winner Art Greenhaw, their dream became a reality, and the Light Crust Doughboy Hall of Fame & Museum was opened to the public. Located on the grounds of Jim Hogg Park, the museum brings to life the history of a band responsible for bringing the swing to Texas Music.

Entering the museum, visitors are greeted in the same manner that fans of the group were serenaded at the beginning of each radio broadcast, as a large sign at the entrance reads;

The Light Crust Doughboys are On The Air.
Now listen everybody from near and far
If you want to know who we are
We’re the Light Crust Doughboys
From Burrus Mill

Like our song, think it’s fine
Sit right down and drop a line
To the Light Crust Doughboys
From Burrus Mill…

With Doughboy music playing in the background to set the mood, a journey through the Hall of Fame brings to life the past of hardworking band that traveled thousands of miles bringing joy to folks during tough times. The 1930s and 40s found a nation in the deathgrip of the Depression and World War II, and the Doughboys did their part to bring a momentary smile to those who sorely needed it. Included are musical instruments, such as the Celesta, a small keyboard instrument used by 1930s tenor banjo player Smoky Montgomery to compose songs, and the original Bogen stateoftheart sound system that was built into the Doughboys’ bus and used at various tour stops. Additionally, visitors can view original song contracts, postcards, photos, stage outfits, and guitars belonging to band members through the years. A journey through the museum will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The cost of admission is a mere $3 for adults and $1 for students, a small price to pay to keep alive the memories of a band that revolutionized Texas Music. For those wishing to purchase CDs, tshirts, or other band memorabilia, a gift shop is located inside the building.

Though the museum houses items highlighting the band’s past, the Doughboys themselves are by no means history. Still performing at events around the country, the current band lineup will reunite in Quitman on Saturday, May 5th, to perform at the 2nd Annual Spring Swing Festival, taking the stage from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on the grounds of Jim Hogg Park.

For more information on the museum or the Spring Swing Festival, call (903) 7632701, visit the web at www.quitmanheritage.org.

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