Dayna Wills

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 10 Nov 2018 2:21 pm

I am really with heavy heart telling you that one of my dearest friends in the music business has passed away last night.

Dayna Wills Kelley, known professionally as Dayna Wills, was Bob Wills' niece, the daughter of Bob's sister Helen. Dayna had a career as a vocalist in many different styles of music, but in her heart she was a western swing vocalist.

Dayna was a sweet woman, but with a wonderfully earthy side that showed in her demeanor and her singing. She was a dear friend and a worthy colleague who, believe me, could deliver a song. She was also my "favorite chick singer," an inside joke between us that I know she's laughing her ass off right now looking down on this post. Love you and miss you, Dayna.

Many condolences to her husband, Gary Kelley.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 10 Nov 2018 2:24 pm

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 10 Nov 2018 2:35 pm

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news, Herb. Though best known as a western swing singer, she and I shared a love of Great American Songbook standards, and bonded over that about 10 years ago. Gone too soon. She will be missed. RIP, Dayna.

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 10 Nov 2018 3:20 pm

Very sorry Herb, my condolences.

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 10 Nov 2018 4:47 pm

RIP Danyna, I always enjoyed reading her posts.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 11 Nov 2018 4:55 am

Very sorry to hear this, she was a fine member here.

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 12 Nov 2018 12:32 am

I'm sorry to hear this sad news about Dayna Wills passing away. My condolences go out to all of her family and friends.

Buddie Hrabal · Post by **Buddie Hrabal** » 12 Nov 2018 6:18 am

Had a chance to work with Dayna a few times and enjoyed them every one. Lots of fun, lots of smiles and loads of good singing. RIP Dayna

David Wren · Post by **David Wren** » 12 Nov 2018 4:54 pm

Dayna was a regular at the Western Swing Society dances in Sacramento. Her passing was a real shock to me and my wife. Very sad, she will be missed by all.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 13 Nov 2018 10:47 am

Dayna was very active on the forum until a few years ago. So sad to lose her. search.php?search_author=Dayna+Wills

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 13 Nov 2018 11:49 am

Dayna befriended me when I attended my first Western Swing Society Hall of Fame Induction shindig in 2010 in Sacramento. She introduced me around, really made me feel at home. Great singer. I'll miss her, too. Here's a shot I took of her at that event.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 13 Nov 2018 2:41 pm

Buddie Hrabal wrote:Had a chance to work with Dayna a few times and enjoyed them every one. Lots of fun, lots of smiles and loads of good singing. RIP Dayna

Buddie, matter of fact we were at a gig together in Fort Worth back in the early 90's, and I was telling you a joke backstage about a chick singer. That's the moment Dayna walked up, introduced herself, and said "By the way, I'm a chick singer." And I quickly came back with "and you're my favorite chick singer!" That started our great friendship, and you were witness to it!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 13 Nov 2018 4:12 pm

Sad news. My condolences to her family and friends. She was also a member here. I recall reading her posts.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 15 Nov 2018 11:01 am

I too remember her posts here. RIP.

Mickey Adams · Post by **Mickey Adams** » 12 Dec 2018 7:45 am

A sad topic, but a wonderful tribute..

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 17 Dec 2018 8:57 am

I knew her from my old SoCal days back when I was playing steel at Bonnie Price's Foothill Club in Signal Hill (Long Beach), Calif. Dana was working up Pacific Coast Hwy at another club that Bonnie owned call the Hillside I believe. I don't remember exactly the hours we worked but I was able to go up there and watch them from time to time and she'd come to the Foothill on occasion. A nice lady and a fine singer! I'm sad to see her gone.....JH in Va.