Billy Cox is a bassist, best known for playing with guitarist Jimi Hendrix. He was born in West Virginia.
Billy first met Hendrix in the early part of the 1960s, when they were both in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Campbell. Cox teamed with Hendrix in an R&B band called the King Kasuals. The two performed at clubs in Nashville, Tennessee. While in England, Hendrix invited Cox to join him in a new band; Cox declined, preferring to work in various backing bands. The spot instead went to Noel Redding.
They re-united musically in 1969, when Hendrix called on Cox to play bass in the experimental psychedelic/rock band Band of Gypsys.
In addition to the Band of Gypsys release, Cox's bass playing can be heard on such posthumously released Hendrix albums as South Saturn Delta, Live at Woodstock, Live at the Fillmore East, Nine to the Universe, and a reconstructed version of First Rays of the New Rising Sun, in addition to such home-videos as Live at the Isle of Wight 1970, Live at Woodstock, The Dick Cavett Show, Rainbow Bridge, and Jimi Hendrix.
Billy Cox played at Woodstock with Hendrix's Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, and toured with Hendrix (with Mitch Mitchell on drums) for most of 1970 on the Cry of Love tour. Cox lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he remains active in music, and acts as an ambassador for Jimi Hendrix, his music and philosophy.
In 1971 Cox released his album Nitro Function with Char Vinnedge (from Luv'd Ones) and Robert Tarrant.
Cox played with others, including the Charlie Daniels Band, as well as session work and live dates. In 1999 Billy Cox appeared on the late Bruce Cameron's album, Midnight Daydream that included other Hendrix alumni Mitch Mitchell and Buddy Miles along with Jack Bruce and others. Cox continues to play to this day, including a Hendrix-tribute outfit called the Gypsy Sun Experience.[1]
Cox worked on First Rays of the New Rising Sun, Hendrix's fourth studio album, which was cut off by Hendrix's death. Cox has also been known to guest speak at University level music seminars. In this capacity he has been helpful to the aspiring musicians by spending time with them in discussion and demonstration sessions. This spirit of sharing and helping other musicians is similar to his former bandleader's (Hendrix) vision of providing musicians with a no pressure (including cost breaks if needed) recording environment in the now legendary Electric Lady studios located in Greenwich Village, NYC.
I was 10 and living just down the road in Southampton when you were doing the Isle of Wight Festival with Mitch and Jimi - I'll never forget the trail of stoned hippies falling out of Morris Minor vans on the way to church that weekend! I love the DVD of the gig (WBA),
Hey Man! Thanks for the add, Groovy, it's a honor for us. We have a lot of respect for you and your music. Peace and Happyness from France. "Salut". Topaze.
Billy, just want to tip my hat to you, Jimi and Buddy. You guys are my heroes and music teachers. The music you made changed people's lifes...certainly did mine. Great to be able to say hello and thank you.
hi Billy, thanks for the add. total respect for you and for your music!!!! Is a great honour to have this opportunity to meet you Thanks!Many many greetings from two Italian friends!!!!
Thanks for the add billy!! You rock, I've been a fan all my life! What you did with Jimi changed the music world, and the message of love still lives true today! Regards, Kansas City Kyle
Thanks for the add Mr. Cox! I hope you'and your family are having a peaceful Martin Luther King Day!
Before I leave this planet I hope that the creator of worlds will allow me to get a chance to jam with you, (if just once)! PEACE LOVE AND RESPECT! Wil
hey billy thanks for the add us. hey if u ever get the chance check out our cover of red house if u can. give us the thums up or down on it. alright once again thanks peace man.
Thank you billy for honoring my page! My family and I enjoyed your opening comedy track! In fact, we have been laughing for several days now! My wife's name is Madeleine and we have always called her "Miss Madeleine"!! Love to see Nashville again. I met my wife there and we have not been back since we lived there in the early 80s. Talking with you has made my week! Thanks friend!
