Foy Willing

American singer, songwriter (ASCAP IPI# 33005439), musician, actor and bandleader, born May 14, 1914, Iredell, Texas; died July 24, 1978, Nashville, Tennessee. Performed Western music and appeared in Western movies. As a teen, sang on radio and performed with a gospel chorus. Began career in Texas in radio. Relocated to New York in 1933 and worked in radio with the Crazy Water Crystals Gang, then to Oklahoma in 1940, and California in 1942. Co-founded Foy Willing & The Riders Of The Purple Sage with Al Sloey in 1942, which became a popular "singing cowboy" group. Disbanded in 1952. Was manager of KSBW radio station in Salinas, California. Moved to Hollywood in 1961. Married [a=Sharon Lee Willing], on November 6, 1966, in Hollywood, California, separated 1968.