Podcast Summary: "Williams & Ree" on On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer
Episode Information
- Podcast Title: On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer
- Episode Title: Williams & Ree
- Release Date: April 14, 2023
- Host: Troy Vollhoffer
- Guests: Terry and Bruce Williams of Williams & Ree
Introduction
In the April 14, 2023 episode of On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer, host Troy Vollhoffer welcomes country music legends Terry and Bruce Williams, the dynamic duo behind the acclaimed act Williams & Ree. With a career spanning over four decades, Williams & Ree share their journey from humble beginnings to becoming beloved figures in the country music and comedy scenes.
Early Beginnings and Formation of Williams & Ree
Troy opens the conversation by acknowledging the long-standing friendship and professional partnership between Terry and Bruce. He states, “Williams and Re have been together for now over 40 years and making people laugh throughout North America” (01:26).
Origin Stories:
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Hometowns:
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Meeting in College: Terry and Bruce recount meeting in August 1968 at Spearfish, South Dakota, sharing a dormitory in Pangburn Hall. Terry humorously adds, “What actually happened is I removed a thorn from the Indian's paw” (02:15), hinting at their bond.
Transition from Music to Comedy
Initially, Williams & Ree started as a music act, performing in co-ed dorms before moving to broader venues. Bruce explains, “We started out just playing at the girls dormitory” (03:18), highlighting the era’s social dynamics.
Incorporation of Comedy: Inspired by opening for the comedy-music duo Dennis and Cree, Williams & Ree shifted to include comedy in their performances to enhance audience engagement and financial success. Terry notes, “We copied their show…we did it better than they did” (08:25), emphasizing their strategic adaptation.
Road to Professional Success
Leaving college in the fall of 1971, the duo embarked on the road with their four-piece band, securing gigs through agent Augie Morin. Terry reflects, “We started the road in the fall of '71… extended from Fall Breeze” (06:20), marking the beginning of their touring career.
Association with Halsey Agency: Choosing to partner with the Halsey Agency, known for managing prominent country acts like Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys, provided Williams & Ree with valuable industry connections. Troy comments on the agency's prominence: “Halsey Agency ended up selling to William Morris… [they managed] Roy Clark… The Oak Ridge Boys” (09:54).
Achievements and Notable Performances
The duo's breakthrough moment came when they opened for The Oak Ridge Boys in Wilmer, Minnesota, on March 25, 1981. Terry describes the experience: “We did three six-minute bits… the crowd...laughed and laughed and laughed” (20:26). Impressed by their performance, Duane Allen facilitated their regular touring alongside The Oak Ridge Boys for two years (21:49).
Television Ventures: Williams & Ree transitioned to television by auditioning for the Ralph Emery Show. They recount Terry’s pivotal moment: “I asked Willie to do the show and he did it for me” (26:57), leading to their eight-year stint on the Country Kitchen show with Florence Henderson.
Comedy Store and Hollywood Experiences
During their time at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, Williams & Ree aimed to break into mainstream television. Terry recounts their struggle and eventual success: “We went in at 9 o’clock and… we killed him” (17:07), after which Mitzi Shore offered them regular spots.
Interactions with Comedy Icons: The pair shared encounters with legendary comedians like Robin Williams and Richard Pryor. Terry reminisces, “Robin Williams wasn’t Robin Williams. He was just funny” (17:07), illustrating the early environment that shaped their comedic style.
Memorable Moments and Industry Anecdotes
One standout story involves an unexpected interaction with Willie Nelson during the Wrangler Showdown lineup. Terry narrates, “Willie was up in the catwalk watching the Axe… he said, I thought you guys were dead” (27:55). This led to a spontaneous collaboration where Willie Nelson joined them on stage, showcasing their genuine connection within the industry.
Contribution to "Rocky": Williams & Ree also contributed to the iconic film Rocky by acting as warm-up entertainers during filming. Bruce recalls, “We were the perennial warm-up act” (31:38), highlighting their diverse involvement in entertainment beyond music.
Reflections and Legacy
Terry reflects on their journey with humility and gratitude: “We're not superstars… we've made a great living” (37:16). Despite not reaching superstardom, Williams & Ree celebrate their enduring passion for performing and their ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Host’s Appreciation: Troy expresses deep admiration for their work, stating, “These guys are the funniest guys I've ever met. You are two of the greatest showmen I've ever met” (37:05), underscoring their impact on both the industry and listeners.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to Terry and Bruce Williams for sharing their rich history and experiences. Troy emphasizes the duo’s significance in the country music and comedy landscapes, encouraging listeners to appreciate their longstanding contributions.
Final Words:
- Terry: “Thank you.”
- Bruce: “Thank you.”
- Outro Music: They conclude with shared sentiments of love for Country Thunder, reinforcing their ongoing connection to their roots and fans (38:31).
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Troy Vollhoffer: “Williams and Re have been together for now over 40 years and making people laugh throughout North America.” (01:26)
- Terry Williams: “We copied their show…we did it better than they did.” (08:25)
- Terry Williams: “We have to go, we gotta go to Nashville. TNN needs us.” (22:15)
- Terry Williams: “Willie was up in the catwalk watching the Axe… he said, I thought you guys were dead.” (27:55)
- Troy Vollhoffer: “These guys are the funniest guys I've ever met. You are two of the greatest showmen I've ever met.” (37:05)
Key Takeaways
- Adaptability: Williams & Ree successfully transitioned from a traditional music act to incorporating comedy, enhancing their appeal and financial viability.
- Persistence: Their relentless pursuit of success, from touring in the early '70s to breaking into television, showcases their dedication and resilience.
- Industry Relationships: Building strong connections with prominent figures like The Oak Ridge Boys and Willie Nelson was pivotal in their sustained success.
- Legacy: While they may not be household superstars, Williams & Ree's enduring presence and influence in the country music and comedy scenes affirm their significant contributions.
For fans of country music and comedic performance, On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer's episode featuring Williams & Ree offers an insightful and entertaining deep dive into the lives of two cherished entertainers. Their stories of perseverance, adaptability, and genuine connection with audiences provide both inspiration and a testament to their lasting legacy in the industry.