Award-winning master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith.
by Randy Willis Introduction June 17, 1994, was a Friday. The event was the Ben Crenshaw, Willie Nelson, Darrell Royal Youth Classic at the Woodlands Country Club near Houston. Two days of golf followed by two nights of music. It would be one of the most memorable weekends of my 60-year friendship with Johnny Rodriguez. …
As I spoke with Coach Royal and Coach Phillips, one of the TVs suddenly switched to a scene in California. Within minutes, the ballroom almost emptied into the lobby. O.J. Simpson was leading police on a wild chase in a white Bronco driven by his former teammate, Al Cowlings. O.J. had a gun to his head.
Jimmy Day with Elvis, Hank Williams Sr. and my dad, Jake Willis.
Johnny Rodriguez married Willie Nelson’s daughter, Lana Nelson, at Willie’s movie set within sight of Willie’s colossal log home on a hill overlooking Luck, Texas. I was Johnny’s best man. The date was January 10, 1995.
Johnny Rodriguez, Lana Nelson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Willis January 10, 1995, Luck, Texas
I first met John Rodriguez at Garner State Park in the mid-1960s. I'd been told he could sing, so I asked him to sing a song when we were introduced. He almost always had his guitar with him. As I sat atop a concrete picnic table, he sang passionately Marty Robbins' hit "You Gave Me a Mountain."
Randy Willis reflects on his life experiences and friendships, particularly his encounters with singers Johnny Rodriguez and Dolly Parton. Their camaraderie began in Garner State Park during the 1960s and evolved through shared experiences including a memorable Mardi Gras trip in New Orleans in 1974. Randy Willis shares anecdotes about their musical journeys, the charm of Louisiana, and the creation of songs and books inspired by their experiences. Randy Willis emphasizes his connection to storytelling, influenced by his ancestors and significant cultural events, ultimately linking his writing to themes of adventure, family, and faith encapsulated within his memoir and award-winning books.
Master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith. Randy Willis draws on his family heritage of explorers, settlers, soldiers, cowboys, and pastors. He upholds the tradition of loving the outdoors. He shares this love in the adventures he creates for readers of his novels. He is the author of two biographies and his new memoir, To the Best of My Recollection. Randy Willis has written many books, including Destiny, Three Winds Blowing, and Beckoning Candle. He also wrote Twice a Slave, Texas Wind, Louisiana Wind, and The Apostle to the Opelousas. He also wrote The Story of Joseph Willis and To the Best of My Recollection, and many articles.
Anna Canady, 17, and out of harm's way on the Red River. The dirt is gone, but not her fears. Her Irish red hair can be seen for the first time in years. She soon meets a brash young boy, her junior, whom she does not understand. He will become the second most important person in her life, forever.