It was about 1949 or 50. I was about 9, Willie was maybe 18 years old. I heard him on the radio, one of those old big ones and I was madly in love. It was a live broadcast and I don’t remember the song he sang, I just remember that it was wonderful.
I lost track of him for many years but when I found him again he had long hair and a shaggy beard. I have only heard him sing once in person, 2 or 3 years ago and he was still fabulous!