A fine slide guitarist, Bill Gates of Anacortes sometimes gets more recognition for his brushes with fame than for his own achievements. He not only shares his name with the world’s richest man, he has played in Loretta Lynn’s band, interviewed Buck Owens on KLKI and backed up Merle Haggard.

But Gates’ own musicianship and contributions to country music took center stage Aug. 10 when the Seattle Western Swing Music Society inducted him into its Hall of Fame as a Pioneer of Western Swing Music.

“That’s quite an honor,” Gates said with a hint of a drawl.
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