DUNCAN, TOMMY
(1911–1967)
DUNCAN, TOMMY (b. T. Elmer D., Hillsboro, Tex., January 11, 1911–July 25, 1967) Lead vocalist for BOB WILLS 's Texas Playboys, Duncan defined the WESTERN SWING vocal style: smooth, mellow, almost poppish in a Bing Crosby-influenced sound. He was the natural link between the bluesy vocals of JIMMIE RODGERS and the more modern sound of pop crooners of the 1940s and later. Duncan teamed up with Wills when both were members of the original LIGHT CRUST DOUGHBOYS in 1932. When Wills left to form his…