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{{for|persons of a similar name|William Nichols (disambiguation)}}{{Distinguish|Billy Nicholls}}{{Multiple issues|
{{cleanup|date=March 2011}}
{{Lead too short|date=September 2023}}
{{BLP sources|date=September 2023}}
}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Billy Nichols (aka Papadollabill)
| name = Billy Nichols
| image =
| image =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| birth_name = William Lee Nichols
| birth_name = William Lee Nichols
| birth_date = 1940
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1940}}
| birth_place = [[Carrollton, Mississippi]], United States
| birth_place = [[Carrollton, Mississippi]], U.S.
| instrument = Bass, drums, keyboards, guitar
| instrument = Bass, drums, keyboards, guitar
| genre = R&B, disco, pop, urban
| genre = R&B, disco, pop, urban
| occupation = Songwriter, composer, artist
| occupation = Songwriter, composer, artist
| years_active = <!-- 1963–Present -->
| years_active = 1963–present
| label =
| label =
| associated_acts = [[B.T. Express]]
| associated_acts = [[B.T. Express]]
| website =
| website =
| background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
}}
}}


'''William Lee "Billy" Nichols''' is guitarist and soul songwriter from in [[Carrollton, Mississippi]].
'''William Lee Nichols''' (born 1940) is an American guitarist and soul songwriter from [[Carrollton, Mississippi]].


==Early Years==
== Early years ==
Nichols was one of nine children born to Laura Bell and Tom Sanders. Sanders was a farmer who played blues guitar in his spare time. Inspired by his father and blues musicians he heard on the radio, Nichols taught himself guitar.
Nichols was one of nine children born to Laura Bell and Tom Sanders. Sanders was a farmer who played blues guitar in his spare time. Inspired by his father and blues musicians he heard on the radio, Nichols taught himself guitar.


Aged 14, Nichols' family moved to [[Springfield, Massachusetts]] where Nichols played with various bands including a gospel group named The Bells of Harmony.<ref name="Soul Source">{{cite web | url=http://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/artist-articles/the-billy-nichols-story-r2561/ | title=The Billy Nichols Story | publisher=Soul Source | accessdate=4 October 2015 | author=Roburt | pages=September 23, 2012}}</ref>
Aged 14, Nichols' family moved to [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], where Nichols played with various bands including a gospel group named The Bells of Harmony.<ref name="Soul Source">{{cite web | url=http://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/artist-articles/the-billy-nichols-story-r2561/ | title=The Billy Nichols Story | publisher=Soul Source | accessdate=4 October 2015 | author=Roburt | pages=September 23, 2012}}</ref>


In 1963, Nichols joined Jimmy Vick and The Victors and recorded a single. The group were mentioned in ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' and got some local radio airplay but by November, the group broke up.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=bgsEAAAAMBAJ | title=New Label | work=Billboard Magazine | date=September 21, 1963 | accessdate=4 October 2015 | pages=4}}</ref>
In 1963, Nichols joined Jimmy Vick and The Victors and recorded a single. The group was mentioned in ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' and got some local radio airplay but by November, the group broke up.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bgsEAAAAMBAJ | title=New Label | work=Billboard Magazine | date=September 21, 1963 | accessdate=4 October 2015 | pages=4}}</ref>


==Career==
== Career ==
⚫
In 1964, Nichols moved to Detroit and stayed with his uncle. He was hired by [[Motown Records]] where his first job was playing with [[Martha and the Vandellas]]. Nichols was also in the Motown Road Band led by [[Choker Campbell]]. In 1965 he became the musical director for [[Marvin Gaye]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://soulfuldetroit.com/showthread.php?6721-Mid-60-s-Motown-Road-Musician|title=Mid 60's Motown Road Musician|last=Smith|first=J|date=September 11, 2012|website=soulfuldetroit.com|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2017-03-24}}</ref>


⚫
Nichols first break as a songwriter came in 1966 when [[Billy Stewart]] took Nichols to the [[Chess Records]] in Chicago to record his song "To Love, to Love".<ref name="Soul Source" />
⚫
In 1964, Nichols moved to Detroit and stayed with his uncle. He was hired by [[Motown Records]] where his first job was playing with [[Martha and the Vandellas]]. Nichols was also in the Motown Road Band led by [[Choker Campbell]]. In 1965 he became the musical director for [[Marvin Gaye]].<ref>{{cite newsgroup | url=http://soulfuldetroit.com/showthread.php?6721-Mid-60-s-Motown-Road-Musician | title=Mid 60'S Motown Road Musician | date=September 11, 2012 | accessdate=October 4, 2015 | author=Smith, J | newsgroup=Motown Forum}}</ref>


⚫
Becoming disenchanted with constant touring, Nichols moved to New York to lead the house band at the Crystal Ballroom. Billy Nichols and the Soul Swingers played at the Crystal Ballroom for about three years.
⚫
Nichols first break as a songwriter came in 1966 when [[Billy Stewart]] took Nichols to the [[Chess Records]] in Chicago to record his song "To Love, to Love".<ref name="Soul Source"></ref>


⚫
In 1971, Nichols led rehearsals on [[Galt MacDermot]]'s ''[[Two Gentlemen of Verona (musical)|Two Gentlemen of Verona]]'' musical play. Nichols continued to compose and had his first ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' top twenty hits in 1972 when [[Millie Jackson]] recorded "Ask Me What You Want".
⚫
Becoming disenchanted with constant touring, Nichols moved to New York to lead the house band at the Crystal Ballroom. Billy Nichols and the Soul Swingers played at the Crystal Ballroom for about three years.


⚫
Nichols most successful period came working with [[B.T. Express]]. "Do It (Til You're Satisfied)" was recorded and released in 1974. Nichols went on to write and produce other songs for the group such as "Can't Stop Groovin'" and "Shout It Out".<ref name="Soul Source" />
In 1971, Nichols led rehearsals on [[Galt MacDermot]]'s ''[[Two Gentlemen of Verona (musical)|Two Gentlemen of Verona]]'' musical play.


⚫
At the end of the 1970s, Nichols produced two rap records: [[Jimmy Spicer]] - "The Adventures of Super Rhymes" (Dazz, 1979) and Count Coolout - "Rhythm Rap Rock" (Boss Records, 1980).<ref name="Soul Source" />
⚫
Nichols continued to compose and had his first ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' top twenty hit in 1972 when [[Millie Jackson]] recorded "Ask Me What You Want".


⚫
== Legacy ==
⚫
Nichols most successful period came working with [[B.T. Express]]. "Do It (Til You're Satisfied)" recorded and released in 1974. Nichols went on to write and produce other songs for the group such as "Can't Stop Groovin'" and "Shout It Out".<ref name="Soul Source"></ref>
⚫
Rappers such as [[Will Smith]], [[Beanie Sigel]], EPMD, [[Master P]], [[Ice Cube]], [[P. Diddy]], [[Jay-Z]], [[Ludacris]], [[Dr. Dre]] and [[De La Soul]] have sampled Nichols' music. A sample of his song "Do It", heard in the song entitled "Addictive" performed by recording artist Truth Hurts, won him two [[Broadcast Music, Inc.|BMI]] awards for most urban airplay for the year 2002.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.whosampled.com/B.T.-Express/ | title=B.T. Express | publisher=Who Sampled | accessdate=4 October 2015}}</ref>


⚫
== Discography ==
⚫
At the end of the 1970s, Nichols produced two rap records: [[Jimmy Spicer]] - "The Adventures of Super Rhymes" (Dazz, 1979) and Count Coolout - "Rhythm Rap Rock" (Boss Records, 1980).<ref name="Soul Source"></ref>

⚫
==Legacy==

⚫
Rappers such as [[Will Smith]], [[Beanie Sigel]], EPMD, [[Master P]], [[Ice Cube]], [[P. Diddy]], [[Jay-Z]], [[Ludacris]], [[Dr. Dre]] and [[de la Soul]] have sampled Nichols' music. A sample of his song "Do It", heard in the song entitled "Addictive" performed by recording artist Truth Hurts, won him two [[Broadcast Music, Inc.|BMI]] awards for most urban airplay for the year 2002.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.whosampled.com/B.T.-Express/ | title=B.T. Express | publisher=Who Sampled | accessdate=4 October 2015}}</ref>

⚫
==Discography==
* ''Shake A Leg'' (Sue, 1969)
* ''Shake A Leg'' (Sue, 1969)
* ''Treat Your Neighbor'' (Mercury 1970)
* ''Treat Your Neighbor'' (Mercury 1970)
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* ''One Day (At a Time)'' (Boss Records, 2014)
* ''One Day (At a Time)'' (Boss Records, 2014)


===As sideman===
=== As sideman ===
'''With [[Bernard Purdie]]'''
'''With [[Bernard Purdie]]'''
*''[[Purdie Good!]]'' (Prestige, 1971)
*''[[Purdie Good!]]'' (Prestige, 1971)
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== External links ==
== External links ==

* [https://www.youtube.com/papadollabill/ Papadollabill] on [[YouTube]]
* [http://www.discogs.com/artist/Billy+Nichols Billy Nichols] on [[Discogs]]
* [http://www.discogs.com/artist/Billy+Nichols Billy Nichols] on [[Discogs]]
* [http://www.allmusic.com/artist/billy-nichols-mn0000077856 Billy Nichols] on [[AllMusic]]
* [http://www.allmusic.com/artist/billy-nichols-mn0000077856 Billy Nichols] on [[AllMusic]]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Nichols, Billy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nichols, Billy}}
[[Category:Articles created via the Article Wizard]]
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American male musicians]]
[[Category:American soul guitarists]]
[[Category:People from Carroll County, Mississippi]]
[[Category:American multi-instrumentalists]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Mississippi]]
[[Category:People from Carrollton, Mississippi]]

Latest revision as of 08:14, 4 April 2024

For persons of a similar name, see William Nichols (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Billy Nicholls.
Billy Nichols
Birth nameWilliam Lee Nichols
Born1940 (age 83–84)
Carrollton, Mississippi, U.S.
GenresR&B, disco, pop, urban
Occupation(s)Songwriter, composer, artist
Instrument(s)Bass, drums, keyboards, guitar
Years active1963–present

William Lee Nichols (born 1940) is an American guitarist and soul songwriter from Carrollton, Mississippi.

Early years[edit]

Nichols was one of nine children born to Laura Bell and Tom Sanders. Sanders was a farmer who played blues guitar in his spare time. Inspired by his father and blues musicians he heard on the radio, Nichols taught himself guitar.

Aged 14, Nichols' family moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where Nichols played with various bands including a gospel group named The Bells of Harmony.[1]

In 1963, Nichols joined Jimmy Vick and The Victors and recorded a single. The group was mentioned in Billboard and got some local radio airplay but by November, the group broke up.[2]

Career[edit]

In 1964, Nichols moved to Detroit and stayed with his uncle. He was hired by Motown Records where his first job was playing with Martha and the Vandellas. Nichols was also in the Motown Road Band led by Choker Campbell. In 1965 he became the musical director for Marvin Gaye.[3]

Nichols first break as a songwriter came in 1966 when Billy Stewart took Nichols to the Chess Records in Chicago to record his song "To Love, to Love".[1]

Becoming disenchanted with constant touring, Nichols moved to New York to lead the house band at the Crystal Ballroom. Billy Nichols and the Soul Swingers played at the Crystal Ballroom for about three years.

In 1971, Nichols led rehearsals on Galt MacDermot's Two Gentlemen of Verona musical play. Nichols continued to compose and had his first Billboard top twenty hits in 1972 when Millie Jackson recorded "Ask Me What You Want".

Nichols most successful period came working with B.T. Express. "Do It (Til You're Satisfied)" was recorded and released in 1974. Nichols went on to write and produce other songs for the group such as "Can't Stop Groovin'" and "Shout It Out".[1]

At the end of the 1970s, Nichols produced two rap records: Jimmy Spicer - "The Adventures of Super Rhymes" (Dazz, 1979) and Count Coolout - "Rhythm Rap Rock" (Boss Records, 1980).[1]

Legacy[edit]

Rappers such as Will Smith, Beanie Sigel, EPMD, Master P, Ice Cube, P. Diddy, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Dr. Dre and De La Soul have sampled Nichols' music. A sample of his song "Do It", heard in the song entitled "Addictive" performed by recording artist Truth Hurts, won him two BMI awards for most urban airplay for the year 2002.[4]

Discography[edit]

  • Shake A Leg (Sue, 1969)
  • Treat Your Neighbor (Mercury 1970)
  • Give Your Body up to the Music (West End Records, 1979)
  • Diamond Ring (West End Records 1979)
  • Whip Your Body (Whip It, Whip It, Whip It) (Boss Records)
  • Love Stuff (Boss Records, 2003)
  • One Day (At a Time) (Boss Records, 2014)

As sideman[edit]

With Bernard Purdie

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Roburt. "The Billy Nichols Story". Soul Source. pp. September 23, 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  2. ^ "New Label". Billboard Magazine. September 21, 1963. p. 4. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  3. ^ Smith, J (September 11, 2012). "Mid 60's Motown Road Musician". soulfuldetroit.com. Retrieved 2017-03-24.
  4. ^ "B.T. Express". Who Sampled. Retrieved 4 October 2015.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Billy_Nichols&oldid=1217176920"