Two New Half Mile of History Markers in Tyler

TYLER – The City of Tyler unveiled two new Half Mile of History markers in Downtown Tyler. The stones that were unveiled on Tuesday are part of the Half Mile of History heritage trail and honor. The newest stones honor Willie Neal Johnson and Arthur “Dooley” Wilson.

Johnson was born in Tyler in 1935 and passed away in 2001. He was a gospel singer who became known as “Country Boy” from his rootsy blues-driven style and his down-to-earth friendly personality. He was the oldest of six children in a musical family. His mother motivated her children to pursue their singing careers by taking them to church and making them sing on Sundays. While in his teens, he was tapped to join Rev. C.W. Jackson’s group, the Five Ways of Joy Gospel Singers. A few years later he formed Willie Neal Johnson and the Gospel Keynotes with long-time friends, Ralph McGee, Rev. J.D. Talley, Charles Bailey, John Jackson, Lonzo Jackson and Archie B. McGee.

Wilson was born in Tyler on April 3, 1886 and passed away on May 30, 1953. Mr. Wilson was a drummer and a singer who led his own band in the 1920’s, touring nightclubs in London and Paris. In the 1930’s, he took up acting, playing supporting roles onstage on Broadway and in a series of modest films. He was best remembered as the piano player and singer name Sam, who sings “As Time Goes By,” at the request of Lisa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), in the movie “Casablanca” in 1942. His other movies include; “My Favorite Blonde” (1942) with Bob Hope, “Stormy Weather” (1943) with Lena Horne and the Nicholas Brothers, and “The Western Passage West” (1951).