Texas-born Lou Wills Hildreth was a member of the Wills Family, known as Texas’ first family of gospel music. In her 50-year music career, she has been an artist, songwriter, publisher, journalist, television host and industry leader. Hildreth was the first woman to own a gospel music artist booking agency and was Mark Lowry’s first agent. She is a veteran of gospel television having hosted “Wills Family Inspirational Time” in the ‘60s, one of the original syndicated shows. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, she hosted a daily television show in Nashville and was a Dove Award nominee. Currently, Lou is host of “Hill Country Gospel TV,” co-host of “Inside Gospel” with J.P. Miller, and chronicles her travels with husband, Howard, in the U.S. Gospel News. A 20-year member of the GMA Board of Directors, Hildreth is also a strong supporter of the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and is a member of the Texas Music Hall of Fame. The “Lou Hildreth Award” – recognizing excellence within the gospel music industry is presented during the Diamond Awards at the Creekside Gospel Convention.
Lou Wills Hildreth died on February 28, 2019 at the age of 90.