Inducted 2007

Born in Memphis, Texas on July 13, 1928, Lou Wills-Hildreth has worn many hats in the Gospel Music field. 

A member of the Singing Wills Family, noted promoter, journalist, publisher, and songwriter, Lou has been an industry leader and is the first female to have owned her own booking agency – the Nashville Talent Agency.  Lou was part-owner of Sword & Shield Recording & Publishing Company publishing songs such as: “In the Shelter of His Arms,” “Now I Have Everything,” “I’m Gonna Walk, Talk, and Sing,” and “There Is A River.” Lou is the writer of songs such as: “Keep a Happy Heart,” “If I Didn’t Have Jesus By My Side,” “America, There is Hope,” and “Bought By the Blood”.

Lou served on the board of directors of many prominent gospel music agencies, including the Texas Music Hall of Fame, the Southern Gospel Music Association, and the Gospel Music Association where she served for over 20 years.  As a television personality, Lou was the hostess of the Wills Family Inspirational Time, Hill Country Gospel, Inside Gospel, Family Lifestyles, and Nashville Gospel, a daily talk show.  Lou was inducted into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998 and was the first James Blackwood Award recipient.

Lou Wills-Hildreth will best be remembered for her contribution as a wonderful goodwill ambassador of Gospel Music throughout the nation.