Mr BILLY MICHAELS works (self contained) and also with musician friends 'Jeriactric Jazz'. At times with other 'small' jazz combos, and also local 'Big Bands' :)
Influences
When I started out as POP SINGER ' BILLY BUDD' my original influences were, Elvis, Jerry Lee LewisRay Charles, and Stevie Wonder.
However BOBBY DARIN had the BIGGEST 'EFFECT' on me in the changing of my 'style'. HE HEARD ME SINGING IN A RECORDING SESSION IN NewYork. We then had quite a long conversation during which he gave me A GREAT DEAL OF ENCOURAGEMENT to look towards changing to 'his' style of music. That was really the 'turning' point, and from there I then began listening to his recordings. Later there came a MEETING with JOHNNY MATHIS , and HE TOO gave me great incentive to develop more in a ballad/swing style. Eddie Fisher and Vic Damone THEY both made me consider a different path. Listening also to the musicianship of Mulligan, Stan Getz and Dave Brubeck; all helped to start thinking towards a 'style' change.
Tony Bennett, Matt Monro, Jimmy Scott, Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, Perry Como all these fine artists had some 'influence' on me. In the past, and recently, I have worked with a number of brilliant musicians and singers who have helped me enormously.
My respect for musicians and fellow singers in general is very large, and they continue to be a real source of inspiration for me in my craft. I will always welcome their help. I have maintained the fact that one can learn more in a communication sense with regards to singing, and that I will always have to work consistently to improve this line as much as I can. This rule I follow, as it was expressed to me by ONE GREAT SINGER whom I have already mentioned. My new CD Tribute is dedicated to the work of some of the great singers, song writers, musicians and arrangers, some I have known, and some I would like to know.
Despite the 'influences' I believe my 'sound' is MINE :)
Billy is working the majority of 2009. Some dates however, are available. His appearances are mainly at Private, Charities and ‘Specials’ (invitation only) and TV work.
BILLY IS GOOD to know, and be around. He is charming, affable, extremely helpful, generous, and at times VERY funny, and will talk on any 'subject' you wish to. He is an 'avid' student of 'Philosophy' and is very 'learned' about life in general. A GREAT PERSON to discuss your 'views' with.
MANY ACCOLADES about his 'VOCAL talent' have been bestowed upon him by ‘STAR’ names in the past. He has also had RECORDING SUCCESS in Countries such as Spain, Germany and South Africa. He has TOURED the CONTINENT as well as Canada and America and played some of the 'FINEST ROOMS' in these Countries. Billy has met, and played alongside many of the 'TOP' names in the business appearing in 'Guest spots' on TV and Stage shows. You can find stories of some meetings on his MAIN WEBSITE www.billymichaelssings.com take a look :) He was originally trained as a 'classical' singer but decided early that this 'genre' was not really the one he wanted to persue. Billy went from 'POP' to his now 'JAZZ' style of the 40s/50s on a chance meeting with BOBBY DARIN (at a recording session NY) and later JOHNNY MATHIS. HIS SUCCESSES on EMI, PYE and PAGE ONE RECORDS are still around as a 'POP' singer, not Billy Michaels, but under his 'earlier' name of 'BILLY BUDD'.
His SUCCESS in the past is something he acknowledges. He 'retired' from 'music' as such, and recording, in the 1980s, and went into business, and from there to ACTING SCHOOL. He was 'coaxed' back into singing by a WELL KNOWN BAND LEADER in 2004.
Working with 'LIVE' musicians is what Billy likes to do best, and as of late this is happening, as he is now performing with JAZZ COMBOS and BIG BANDS again. MUSICIANS WHO MAY WISH BILLY TO WORK WITH THEM AT ANYTIME, PLEASE CONTACT HIM through MYSPACE or berdoe@yahoo.com or PLUG-IN STUDIOS on 0161-866-8566.
PRIVATE FUNCTIONS and Charity SPECIALS (of which the majority are by invitation only) are his main work. He is being featured on RADIO in Britain and WORLDWIDE (approx 32 Countries) at this time, with success.
Billy is WITHOUT A DOUBT, one of the FINEST SINGERS in his field. He is also an ACTOR of some considerable talent. He has STAGE appearances, TV dramas, and FILM 'character' roles to his credit, working for MAJOR COMPANIES in the UK. He is still continuing in this work, along with his singing
****** Billy has also MENTORED 'other singers' at their request. One in particular is JOHN-ERIC BOOTH a very talented young singer from West Virginia in the USA who has toured with THE GLEN MILLER ORCHESTRA and done sessions with THE PAT LONGO BIG BAND in HOLLYWOOD. Billy has considerable skill in the 'tutoring' area, and requests for his time are still being applied for.
******HIS CD "TRIBUTE" ALBUM IS OUT NOW! BUY IT FROM www.BillyMichaelsSings.com Take a look!! A NEW CD is being planned for 2009. This will be a little 'different' from his normal 'SWING/JAZZ' style so WATCH FOR IT! BILLY may also be changing RECORD LABELS soon, so watch out for this news too !!! The information content here is very up to date, as of April 2009.
****** This 'blurb' was compiled by myself, BEN BLEASE of 'PLUG-IN' PRODUCTION STUDIOS Manchester, and acknowleged by Mr Michaels. I am a RECORDING ENGINEER/PRODUCER and I have produced Billy's 'recordings' to date. I would always wish to work with this man. I find him the 'consumate' performer and one of the easiest of singers to work with.
Hi Billy, just stopping by to have a listen to your wonderful rendition of 'Sunshine of my Life' fantastic stuff!!! Have a beautiful day my good Sir. Sending you the utmost of respect...Ralphy
My new book “The Wright Road” will be available in late July and I will keep you posted now that we are friends! Wishing you all the very best with everything that you do. Keep in touch and don't be a stranger, I know this is a big space out here.... Until we touch base again, take care and keep it positive!
One Love, Katrenia “Baby Girl” Wright, Author New book ~ The Wright Road ~ available in late July! Please follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/thewrightroad
Going to post comments...clean the place up a bit...and in three hours I am hitting the deck for the day for some serious sunshine time. I have to enjoy it while I can...might be raining again tonight...haha. I'll be ready for a cold beer when I get done so...crank up that fridge 'cause I'm coming over for Happy Hour tonight!! Woo Hoo! Stay cool & sticky sweet....'fritter'
Just stopping by the Governors page to show you some love and respect. How's it going Billy? I sincerely hope you are having a great day my good friend? I don't get a lot of talking time here on Myspace, so i thought i would try and message some of my Top friends. As always, i would like to wish you every happiness and continued success in all that you do. Have an incredible weekend and take care...Ralphy
I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
