Texas has its share of legendary characters, but few are so unfamiliar to America as Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing. Jimmie Rogers may have popularized the cowboy music genre, but Bob Wills made it danceable. Western Swing may be even more obscure, but it paved the way for contemporary C&W. Some of us like Bob's music anyway.

Bob Wills Memorial (In a valiant attempt to reclaim the airwaves, Turkey tried to launch twin fiddles into orbit. Sadly, funding ran out.)

On the last weekend in April, folks in Turkey, Texas throw quite a shindig for their favorite son. Hundreds of motorhomes roll in, parking around the high school and doubling the town's population. Come Friday night, veterans of Bob Will's Texas Playboys take the stage and conjure the past with twin fiddles and steel guitar. When the show winds down, folks grab their own instruments and head for an all-night jam in an old ex-church, converted just for that purpose by the CowJazz band. During the day, impromptu swing sessions fire up every block or so, filling the hours between performances with more performances. Nobody leaves town without being able to at least hum Roly Poly, San Antonio Rose, or Across The Alley From The Alamo.

Sunday afternoons aren't too shabby, either. Out on the football field, the Playboys put on a free concert with lots of guest artists. The dance floor isn't much, but it's a dandy way to wind up the weekend.

Bobby Koefer "King of Comedy Steel Guitar", and a legend in his own right.

Curly Lewis Texas Playboy in the 40's and 50's

The Lawn Ranger?