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  • Jul 5, 1915
    Guitarist James "Guy" Willis is born in Alex, Arkansas. He joins two siblings to form The Willis Brothers, who become Grand Ole Opry fixtures during the 1960s. They play on Hank Williams' first recording session and tour with Eddy Arnold for 10 years
    Dec 20, 1917
    Fiddler Charles "Skeeter" Willis is born in Coalton, Oklahoma. With brothers Guy and Vic, he forms The Willis Brothers, who back Hank Williams and Eddy Arnold on their way to a lengthy membership in the Grand Ole Opry
    May 31, 1922
    "Vic" Willis is born in Schulter, Oklahoma. A member of the Grand Ole Opry through his work with The Willis Brothers and, later, the Vic Willis Trio, he spends his final 13 years as the secretary for the musicians' union in Nashville
    Jun 6, 1944
    Allied troops invade Normandy, France, during a World War II battle better known as D-Day. Marine Ferlin Husky is among the Americans who hit the shore. Future Opry star Vic Willis is injured in the battle and receives a purple heart and bronze star
    Dec 11, 1946
    Hank Williams has his first recording session, for Sterling Records, at the WSM Studios in Nashville, backed by The Willis Brothers and bass player Chuck Wright. Among the songs recorded are "Never Again (Will I Knock On Your Door)" and "Wealth Won't Save Your Soul"
    Oct 31, 1947
    Concert promoter Connie B. Gay books Eddy Arnold for the first-ever country show at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Also on the evening's bill are The Willis Brothers and comedians Minnie Pearl and Rod Brasfield
    Nov 3, 1949
    The movie "Feudin' Rhythm" debuts in theaters with leading man Eddy Arnold and his backing band, The Willis Brothers, turning in a version of "The Cattle Call"
    Jun 1, 1950
    The movie "Hoedown" debuts with Eddy Arnold performing "Just A Little Lovin' (Will Go A Long, Long Way)" and "Bouquet Of Roses." The Willis Brothers, working under the name The Oklahoma Wranglers, and Carolina Cotton are also featured
    Nov 13, 1973
    Three days after he was murdered, David "Stringbean" Akeman is laid to rest in Nashville. Attending the funeral are Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, Grandpa Jones, Bill Carlisle, Tex Ritter, Roy Acuff, The Willis Brothers and Bill Anderson
    Jan 28, 1976
    Fiddler Skeeter Willis dies in a Nashville hospital. He was a member of The Willis Brothers, who played on numerous Eddy Arnold hits and backed Hank Williams on his first recording session

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