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Written by Scott Evans
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Tuesday, 18 August 2009 12:19 |
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On July 10, 2009 Bob Willis a/k/a Mr. Country-Gospel a preacher, songwriter, singer and musician passed away while at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Louisville, KY. Bob Willis was 75 years old and was best known for his songwriting while recording 15 albums throughout his career. Bob Willis wrote over 1000 Country-Gospel songs and licensed 142 songs with BMI. In 1967 Willis wrote and recorded "Guilty Of Love (In The First Degree)" This song was then recorded and released as a single by Country Duo Carl and Pearl Butler on Columbia Records. In 1970 The Florida Boys and The Happy Goodman Family recorded "Guilty Of Love (In The First Degree)" on Canaan Records and the song stayed on the Top 20 of the Singing News Gospel Music Charts for 52 straight weeks.
Bob Willis also had 15 of his songs recorded by Jimmie Davis, Songwriting, Country and Gospel Hall Of Fame member. Willis' songs are published by Peermusic and or Personified Music, anyone wishing to record his music is encouraged to contact these companies or contact bobwillismusic.com for more information.
The family of Bob Willis would like to thank Songwriter and Record Producer Doug Johnson and Country Singer and Songwriter Marty Brown for taking time to work with Bob Willis over the past few years. Bob Willis co-wrote three Country-Gospel songs with each of these gentlemen and they helped to make the last few years of Bob Willis' life more enjoyable. The Willis family would also like to thank Country Music Singer and Hall Of Fame member Little Jimmy Dickens for offering to help Bob Willis over the years. Jimmy Dickens sung at Robert's Stadium in Evansville Indiana year ago and Bob sang some of his songs to Jimmy Dickens after the concert. Jimmy gave his phone number to Bob Willis and told him to call when he came into Nashville. When Bob Willis, Jr. first traveled to Nashville 21 years ago he went to Jimmy's house and Jimmy said he would allow Bob Jr. to go backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy helped the family numerous times and they appreciate him and his family very much.
Bob Willis is survived by his wife of 43 years Gayle Willis and 6 sons. They would like to thank each and every individual who has helped support them during this ordeal and most of all they would like to thank God for allowing Bob Willis to be here with them until the age of 75.
Other popular songs written by Bob Willis are "The Last Walk," "Two Glasses Of Buttermilk," "The Last Few Miles (I've Traveled On My Knees)," "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down," "With A Cross On His Back," "The Battle Is The Lords," "God Looks Upon The Heart," "The Last Mountain," "The Other Side Of The River," and many more.
If you go to bobwillismusic.com, you can download a free copy of "God Looks Upon The Heart" and a free copy of sheet music for "Guilty Of Love (In The First Degree)." Bob Willis wrote "God Looks Upon The Heart" about himself and recorded it in 1978. These songs will be available free for a limited time.
If you would like to sign Bob Willis' guest book, you can do so at Bobwillismusic.com |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 13:19 |