Songs of Service: Bob Wills, Ferlin Husky, and the Rhythm of Duty

Mae Out West Radio Show — Veterans Day Feature

When America called, even its biggest dance-hall stars answered.

In 1942, Bob Wills,already a household name from Hollywood to Tulsa,traded his tailored western suits for Army khaki. Newspapers ran headlines like “Bob Wills Leaves for U.S. Army,” noting the cowboy-bandleader’s induction at Tulsa after completing his film Suicide Range.

But Wills’ service went far beyond his enlistment. As the Bryan Texas Eagle reported in 1949, his loyalty to country and community showed up in the way he rallied Americans to invest in the war effort. During the Third War Bond drive, Bob threw himself into statewide tours across Oklahoma and Texas—helping both states soar more than $1.5 million over quota. Out west, a single night at the Alcazar Theatre in Bell, California, brought in an incredible $158,000 in war bonds—tickets sold not for cash, but for patriotism.

Thank you, Bob, for your service, your example, and for giving America a swing beat to march home to.

 (And somewhere up there, I’m sure he’s still wincing at the old headline that labeled his music “hill-billy.”)

Personal Note

I’ve always held a deep affection for the United States Marine Corps , my father and my husband both served through Camp Pendleton.

 Pop was a Vietnam veteran who carried the weight and aftereffects of that war long after coming home.

 My husband was among the first group of Marines deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11, another generation answering the call.

 That spirit of service, duty, and quiet strength has always played like an undertone in my life and my music.

Another name that carries that tune is Ferlin Husky.

CLIP OF BOB WILLS MILITARY SERVICE - COURTESY OF BOB WILLS FOUNDATION FACEBOOK. | CHECK OUT EPISODE #3 OF MAE OUT WEST FOR THE VETERAN’S EPISODE

ferlin huskey “Simon crum” served in the beloved corps

 Before his chart-topping hits, Husky spent five years in the Merchant Marine during World War II, entertaining fellow sailors on transport ships. His ship took part in the D-Day invasion of Cherbourg, and those long nights at sea inspired his comic alter-ego Simon Crum — born from the stories he told to keep morale high.

Five years of service.

 Songs on the water.

 Laughter in the dark.

That’s the kind of courage you can still hear between the notes.

On this Veterans Day, we honor every artist who traded stages for service—reminding us that music and patriotism share the same heartbeat: hope.

🎧 Listen to this week’s Mae Out West episode: “Songs of Service,” streaming on my substack.