Music Style Folk rock, country, jazz, blues

Artist History Billy brings to his guitar playing a strong sense of tradition, connecting with the great players of the past, and reshaping those influences into the exciting contemporary sound that is his signature. At the end of the 1960's, after playing with L.A. based bands and Albert King, Billy met Doug Kershaw while recording Dewey Martin's (Buffalo Springfield) album "Medicine Ball" and joined Kershaw on a national tour. In the years that followed, Billy's work brought him into association with music greats like The Everly Brothers and Dr. John, as well as collaboration with artists like Big Joe Turner, producer John Simon, Garth Hudson, Roger McGuinn, Rick Roberts, Randy Meisner and Nicky Hopkins. In recent years, Billy's country influence and classical approach to rock & roll music have made him a sought-after addition to recording sessions and concerts, an integral part of the distinctive sound of The Byrds, and lead guitarist with Hoyt Axton and Buffalo Springfield Again. Billy has performed at the Hollywood Bowl with The Everly Brothers, the Greek Theatre with The Byrds, and Dr. John at the Santa Monica Civic, Hollywood Paladium, the Troubador, Whiskey A Go Go, Palomino Club and the Crazy Horse. He has toured Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand; involved in the California Dreamin' Tour of 1986 with The Mama's & Papa's, Turtles and The Byrds. Billy was also part of VH-1's Classic Superfest Tour of 1987. In 1993 Billy played the Merritt Mountain Music Festival with Hoyt Axton, Brooks and Dunn, and Tanya Tucker. Billy's TV appearances include the Jerry Lewis and Easter Seals Telethons, Midnight Special, Solid Gold, Nashville Now, and many, many others. In 1995 Billy reunited with his old STARBUCK band mates to form the Americana Folk/Rock group Electric Range. ER found success at Gavin Americana and Country radio with tracks from both their 1996 eponymous debut as well as the 1998 follow up Destinys Deal. The band toured the listening room circuit in the Midwest and South performing at famed venues like Greenville, SCs Handle Bar and Nashvilles Suttler Inn and Billy Blocks Western Beat Roots Revival at the Exit/Inn. For most of this year Billy has been working on a solo project for Smokehouse that will display his diverse and eclectic abilities. Billy will offer up his version of material from artists he has worked with over the years such as Gene Clark and Roger McGuinn as well as his own compositions that display his incredible guitar work. Look for this as yet untitled release early next year.

Instruments Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, bass, mandolin, drums, piano

Albums Electric Range by Electric Range Destinys Deal by Electric Range

Location Dayton, Ohio - USA

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