I was born in Evanston, Illinois. I have one younger sister. We were both, raised by our mom (who bought me my first guitar when I was twelve). We moved around a lot when I was growing up. In fact, in one Six Year span I think we moved thirteen times. Living in various cities like, Santa Fe, Boston and Seattle. Eventually we ended up in Chicago where my mom found a job that she liked. My sister and I went to high school there.
At seventeen, the summer of my graduation, I moved to California in a VW van that my mom sold to me for a dollar. I headed for San Francisco even though I didn't know anyone there. I figured when I got there I'd just sleep in my van for a while till I got a band started or something. I did finally join a band that became very popular in that area for the time, and I did finally move out of my van (although it was 6 months later). The band was called Flame. We were together for 6 years and put 2 records out.
I've been in bands my whole life and every now and then I'd sing, but usually there was a SINGER. Writing all along, and usually keeping a song or two to myself, at one point decided that I wanted to sing them. So, I started playing around the Bay Area and it was ok, but I was getting the feeling I should be doing it elsewhere. By process of elimination it came down to Austin, TX.
Since I have been in Austin I have recorded with and/or produced many great artists…Charlie Mars, Salim Nourallah, Trish Murphy, Bob Schneider, Kacy Crowley, Blu Sanders, Steve Poltz, Craig Ross…
I have released five cd's -"More Happy Than Sad", "Toast", “Pie”, "Bearsick", "Grow Garden Grow", and a DVD called "Everywhere Now".
Hi Billy! Hope things are going well for you in Cali and you are getting settled in. I hear the new record is excellent and I will be ordering a copy soon. Take care!
There are albums with certain songs that speak to you... the collaboration of lyrics and beautiful chord changes brings you into the artist's world intently when a certain phrase or simple word perks your attention. From Moonlight Theater to Grow Garden Grow, some songs are personally enjoyed more than others, though every track is an adventure.
It is rare when an ENTIRE album can put you onto a journey, as every song speaks loudly (though gently) to you... pure enjoyment.
I'm proud to have been a part of the legendary Bee Hive. May you have a swift sale and a full price offer on your home. Now go dip your toes in the great big ocean. You deserve everything that L.A. has to offer.
LIVE MUSIC SHOWS @ THE AMSTERDAM 121 West 8th St. & Colorado St. Austin, TX 78701
WED 6.24.09 Matt Wilson 7pm Kittinger 10pm
THURS 6.25.09 KACY CROWLEY 7PM BILLY HARVEY 10PM
FRI 6.26.09 The Atlantics 9pm & 11pm Two Shows SAT 6.27.09 Red River Mudcats 8pm CD RELEASE John Gaar & The Hopeful Souls 9pm Blue Condition 10:30pm The Harber and Miller Band 12 Midnight
Hey Billy! I love Let this Be the Day! I have a new CD coming out at the end of Aug...any advice on how to go about booking house concerts...you seem to do a lot..good work!! Keep it up:)
Hi Billy! Nice set at Antone's Saturday night! So good to see you again! You should have left some CD's for us to sell - we had SO MANY people asking for them! I directed them all here!