Introducing The Wills Brothers Quartet

The Wills Family Quartet

A. B. “Pop” Wills organized the original Wills Family Quartet with his children Eva Rene, Calvin, and Lou, singing out of the Memphis/Hall County area of Texas before the family became closely tied to Fort Worth. Their sound was shaped by church singing, singing conventions, and the Stamps gospel tradition. That same year, Bob Wills was born — named for his father's first cousin, the legendary Western swing bandleader of the same name, during a season when the family shared the elder Bob's home through the hardship of the Depression.

A new generation joins

Bob and his twin sister, Betty, joined the family singers as children, planting the seed for the quartet leadership and family ministry Bob would carry for the rest of his life.

Bob Wills & The Inspirationals

Bob Wills carried his father's tradition forward, forming Bob Wills & The Inspirationals — later known as the Bob Wills Family — and gathering some of the most gifted voices in gospel music to sing under his leadership.

Alumni across the years include Art Bain, Ray Burdett, Bob Cameron, Jeff Chapman, Curtis Elkins, Larry Gatlin, Ralph Green, Big John Hall, Roger McDuff, Gary McSpadden, Jim Murray, Dale Shipley, Jim Tucker, Jory Walden, and Jim Wesson.

Wills Family Inspirational Time

The family helped make gospel television history — in full color. Wills Family Inspirational Time featured the family, The Inspirationals, and younger family performers across 108 programs reaching 50 markets, believed to be the first full-color syndicated gospel television show in the world.

Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Bob's influence reached beyond the stage — encouraging younger musicians, promoting concerts, and helping sustain gospel music throughout Dallas–Fort Worth. That work earned him induction into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

The Inspirationals reform

Bob's sons Bobby, Don, and Ron Wills brought the group back together, joined by Ralph Green — who first sang lead with The Inspirationals back in 1972 — and new tenor Dan Keeton, connecting the family's quartet heritage with a new generation.

John and Bryan join

John Rulapaugh joined as tenor in 2021, followed by pianist Bryan Elliott in 2022, adding their experience to the group's foundation of family harmony and quartet singing.

The Inspirationals Quartet of Texas

The group adopted the name The Inspirationals Quartet of Texas to help distinguish itself. Similarity to the name of The Inspirations of Bryson City, North Carolina had caused confusion since the 1960s, and that group's renewed momentum brought the mix-up forward again. Adding “of Texas” helped audiences identify which quartet they were hearing.

Scott Brand steps into the lead

Following Ralph Green's retirement after more than fifty years with the group, Scott Brand assumed the lead position. With Scott singing lead, John Rulapaugh singing tenor, Ron Wills singing baritone, Don Wills singing bass, and Bryan Elliott at the piano, the lineup brought together generations of quartet expertise — with Don and Ron carrying forward their father's direct connection to the music and ministry.

Wills Brothers Quartet

Honoring the family's heritage is central to this new chapter. Don and Ron wanted to draw a direct historical line to their father, Bob Wills, and the generations of family gospel music before him. From grandfather Pop Wills, through father Bob, to Don and Ron today, the family has passed down a love for gospel music and a commitment to sharing its message. The Wills Brothers Quartet carries that legacy forward — a family gospel heritage that began in 1938, a quartet tradition dating to 1958, and a new chapter carrying that music and ministry on.

Joins StowTown Records

The Wills Brothers Quartet signs with StowTown Records, releasing its debut single under the new name, “I Don’t Mind This Journey,” on October 30, 2026.