The Beginning
In 1974, Bill "Willie" Bloodworth opened the doors to what would become a Stillwater institution. Fed up with paying bartenders to pour drinks from his own bottle at local bottle clubs, Willie decided to do something about it—he opened his own saloon.
What started as a simple bar on Washington Street quickly became the heart and soul of "The Strip" near Oklahoma State University.
A Home for Music
From day one, Willie's has been a sanctuary for musicians. The small stage has hosted countless performers, many of whom have gone on to become legends of country and Red Dirt music.
Bob Childers, the "Father of Red Dirt Music," the Skinner Brothers, and countless other Oklahoma artists have graced our stage, making Willie's the birthplace of a uniquely Oklahoma sound.
Where Garth Brooks Got His Start
"Everyone around Stillwater knows that this is the first place Garth Brooks played. This is the mecca—the home of Garth Brooks and Bob Childers and the Skinner Brothers."
In the early 1980s, a young man with big league baseball dreams took the stage at Willie's for his first public performances. That man was Garth Brooks. It was here, on this very stage, that a Dallas entertainment attorney named Rod Phelps discovered him—and the rest is country music history.
The Tradition Continues
Now under the ownership of Cheryl Cummings, Willie's continues its proud tradition of supporting live music. While other bars have abandoned live performances, we remain committed to giving artists a place to play their own music.
As one musician said: "There's literally a handful of bars in five states that'll let you get up and play for two hours and play your own stuff. Willie's started that 40 years ago."
More Than a Bar
Willie's is more than just a place to grab a drink—it's a living piece of Oklahoma music history. With over 30 import beers, pool tables, karaoke nights, and live music four days a week, every visit is an experience.
Step inside, and you're standing on the same floor where legends once played. There's probably DNA from 147 different musicians on that stage.
