(Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Two Tyler-born and famous musicians will be honored Tuesday with half-mile of history markers in downtown Tyler.

Willie Neal “Country Boy” Johnson became was a famous gospel singer with a rootsy, bluesy style, while Arthur “Dooley” Wilson was a famous singers and percussionist who was in multiple films during Hollywood’s Golden Era.

Both will be honored at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Main Street Gallery, 110 W. Erwin St. in downtown Tyler. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

The Half Mile of History program pays tribute to people, places, organizations and events that contributed to the history of Tyler and Smith County, according to the city of Tyler.

Stone plaques are placed in the sidewalk along the Half Mile of History, along the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza in downtown Tyler to commemorate significant people, places or events. 

WILLIE NEAL JOHNSON

Johnson was born in Tyler in 1935 and died 2001, according to a historical account release by the city of Tyler.

He was a gospel singer, known as “Country Boy” for his rootsy, blues-driven style and his friendly personality, according to the city.

He was the oldest of six children in a musical family.

His mother motivated her children to pursue singing careers by taking them to church. While in his teens, Johnson was asked 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 longtime friends, Ralph McGee, Rev. J.D. Talley, Charles Bailey, John Jackson, Lonzo Jackson and Archie B. McGee, according to the city.

ARTHUR WILSON

Wilson was born in Tyler in 1886 and died in 1953.

He was a drummer and a singer, who led a band in the 1920’s, touring nightclubs in London and Paris, according to the city.

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 named “Sam” in Casablanca, who sings “As Time Goes By,” at the request of Lisa Lund (Ingrid Bergman). 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), according to the city.

Twitter: @TMTFaith