Tagg Lambert

    Eugene "Tagg" Lambert,  was born Jan. 29, 1943 in Eckman, West Virginia.  About 1956, Tagg moved to Roswell, New Mexico and soon began his musical career at Scotty's Nightclub when he was 15.

     He got the name Tagg from Bob when he hired on as the youngest member of the band at age 17 because Bob had too many Genes; Gene Gassaway and Gene Crownover,  and told Tagg that  when he pointed at someone, they were to take off, and he didn't want confusion on the bandstand!  Bob  said "When I point to you, you will be Tag. My best friend was a dog I had that was named Tag and that's what I will call you."  Tagg replied that will be fine if you will add another "g" on the end.  He worked with the band playing electric guitar and also as vocalist, cutting 28 records before illness forced Wills to retire. One of these "Born To Love You" sold a half-million copies.

   Tagg continued to work as a musician in the Roswell area after this, and appeared on several television talk shows.

   Tagg hosted the Bob Wills yearly reunion in Turkey, Texas in April 1981, about two months prior to his death.  Tagg died June 9, 1981 at age 38 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Tagg and his wife had two daughters.

   His talent as a swing guitarist was widely recognized among professionals and his full, rich voice placed him among the best vocalists Bob Wills ever had.

    Special thanks to Steve Forsythe for submitting this information on Tagg Lambert.