Terry Ree, the ‘Indian’ half of the musical comedy duo ‘Williams & Ree’ has died.
Ree’s death was announced by the Big Valley Jamboree, a stage the duo had played numerous times over the years in Camrose & Country Thunder in Southern Alberta.
In a statement shared on Instagram, BVJ shared a tribute to Ree, coupled with a condolence message for his family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our dear friend, Terry Ree, one half of the legendary comedy duo Williams and Ree” their post read. “Terry’s humour, kindness, style, and unmistakable presence lit up every stage and brought endless laughter to so many. His legacy will forever remain in the joy he shared and the lives he touched.”
Bruce Williams and Terry Ree, also known as ‘Williams and Ree’ and often performing as ‘The Indian and the White Guy’, started their career in the 60’s when they first met at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, as members of a band who filled time between songs with comedy sketches. While a music band, their comedy soon outstripped the music in popularity and catapulted them to higher heights of fame. They have performed with, among others, Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys and Tim McGraw. On television, their credits include Country Kitchen, HeeHaw, Laff TV and Comedy Central.
William and Ree’s comedy often plays on the stereotypes held about Native Americans. Their official bio claims they “spin comedy gold from the union of a Plains Indian (Terry Ree) and a Western Angloid (Bruce Williams).”
