Slim Willet

Slim Willet is best remembered as the writer of "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes." The song was a number one hit not only for Willet and his partner Skeets McDonald in 1952, but it gave Ray Price, Red Foley, and Perry Como hits on both the country and pop charts. Born Winston Lee Moore on December 1, 1919, near Dublin, TX, Willet received a B.A. degree in journalism in 1949 from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. Following a short stint in the aircraft industry, Willet began broadcasting on Abilene country station KRBC. He remained a popular DJ at the station until 1956. He used his popularity from the radio show to form his first band, the Hired Hands. In 1950 Willet released his first single, "Tool Pusher from Snyder." Willet and the Hired Hands made regular appearances on The Big D Jamboree up until 1954 on WFAA in Dallas, as well as The Louisiana Hayride for four years beginning in 1951. In the early '50s Willet released a few hit singles on the 4 Star label, including "Red Rose," "No Love Song to You," and his biggest record, "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes." By 1954 Willet set up his own label, Winston, releasing sporadic singles over a ten-year period culminating with "You're the Only Woman," his final release in 1966. Slim was working full-time at KCAD in Abilene, where he was part owner, until his death in 1966 from a heart attack. In 1994 Slim Willet was named to the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.