In 1940 Tommy Dorsey's lead singer, Jack Leonard, quit and Sinatra began a two-year stay with the trombonist. During those years, the band consistently hit the Top 10 (15 entries in 1940â41, including their first, the #1 hit I'll Never Smile Again).
ORIGIN OF THE SURNAME WILLIS. Some research indicates the surname ISN'T of Welsh origin, but of Norman origin. Supposedly the Willises came to England with William the Conquerer in the 11th century.The surname, Willis, also, doesn't have any other roots in England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales, although there are plenty of Willises scattered about these four countries at this time. They originally came during the Norman invasion.he surname, Willis, also, doesn't have any other roots in England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales, although there are plenty of Willises scattered about these four countries at this time.
An interesting namebearer, recorded in the Dictionary of National Biography, was Francis Willis (1718 - 1807), a physician who attended King George 111rd in his first attack of madness in 1788, and who became popular at court.The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Walter Wilys.n interesting namebearer, recorded in the Dictionary of National Biography, was Francis Willis (1718 - 1807), a physician who attended King George 111rd in his first attack of madness in 1788, and who became popular at court.