Billy Emerson
Billy "The Kid" Emerson (born December 21, 1925 in Tarpon Springs , Florida ) is an American keyboard player who enjoyed success in the blues , R&B , rock 'n' roll and gospel genres .
After his military service in World War II, Emerson began playing the piano in the clubs around Tarpon Springs. It was during this time that he got his nickname when his band performed in western costumes.
In the early 1950s Emerson sang Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm. Turner helped him get his first record "No Teasing Around" (Sun 195) in 1954. Emerson then took numerous other singles, u. a. 1955 "Red Hot" (Sun 219), for Sun Records , in Memphis.
Emerson wrote a number of successful songs, but most of them became hits as a cover version by other artists. "When It Rains It Pours", for example, was recorded by Elvis Presley , and "Red Hot" was best known for recordings by Billy Lee Riley and Bob Luman . Emerson also wrote titles for Junior Wells , Wynonie Harris , Buddy Guy, and others, often in collaboration with Willie Dixon .
In 1966, Emerson founded his own record label "Tarpon". When the record did not hit, he appeared in clubs and hotels. In 1979 he went on tour in Europe with "American Blues Legends" (recordings released on Big Bear Records ). Most recently he was touring Florida as a gospel musician.
Web links
- Biography at Allmusic Guide (engl.)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Emerson, Billy |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Billy the Kid |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American blues musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | December 21, 1925 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Tarpon Springs , Florida |