Chuck Webb Bio

Gary Williams was born in Plainview, TX and grew up in Kress. Gary was around music early in his life as his dad's side of the family was involved in music. Gary's dad played on a radio show, going by the name 'The Texas Cowboy". Hank Thompson played on this radio show as well. Gary was also around horses at an early age, as his mother's family was involved in professional rodeo and were ranchers. He has an uncle and a cousin who are both world champions.
Gary started learning to play guitar when he was very young from his dad. He later was taken to a teacher to learn more. Over the next few years, he learned to play guitar, bass, mandolin and fiddle. At age twelve, Gary started playing in his dad's band and by age fourteen, he was the lead guitar player. At this time, Gary got to back up Lefty Frizzell in several shows about a year before Lefty died. Two people who influenced Gary in music were Tiny Moore and Joe Holley.
Gary went to college for a music degree and a minor in business. Gary's professional music career began when he was seventeen and met Dugg Coliins. Dugg helped Gary get a job playing with Johnny Paycheck. This later led to playing with Johnny Bush, Leona Williams, Johnny Rodriguez, David Frizzell, Shelly West, and many others. A roping accident that resulted in a broken wrist nearly ended it all. It was nearly two years before he was able to play again. He was never able to get it all back, but the fun was still there.
The greatest blessing in his life were his two sons, Cory and Justin, his very best friends. He had the
honor of teaching both of them to play music. Cory, the oldest, has made a wonderful fiddle player, even playing with Ray Price. Justin was also very talented. When Justin passed away in May of 2010, Gary endured the worst thing that could happen to a parent.
Gary currently teaches music to many students, giving lessons in guitar, mandolin, violin, bass and music theory. He has taught many people over the years- six who are now playing professionally. He is passing on the joy of playing western swing.Gary has the honor of being a hall of fame member of both the Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest and the Cowtown Society of Western Music. Gary currently plays in several bands, including the WSMSS band, the WSMSS Memorial Band, and Tiny Duncan's band The Country Gentlemen.