Billy Crain has been a driving force on the Southern Rock scene for three decades. Practically born with a guitar in his hands, he learned how to play by ear at a very early age. By the age of fifteen he was playing in bands on the club circuit with his older brother, Tommy Crain, future Charlie Daniels Band member for over 15 years.
In 1977 Billy got a call from Henry Paul from The Outlaws and Blackhawk fame, to come join his new band. Billy moved to Florida to join the Henry Paul Band and the band inked a deal with Atlantic Records. Henry Paul Band went on to record four albums of which Billy was one of the main contributors of the song writing. The band toured extensively with The Allman Brothers Band, The Rolling Stones, Molly Hatchet, The Charlie Daniels Band, ZZ Top, Rossington Collins Band and many others.
In 1982 the band broke up and Billy joined the Bellamy Brothers. In 1988, he had his first hit record, co-written with David Bellamy called “I’ll Give You All My Love Tonight”, the song went top five on the Billboard charts and garnered Billy a BMI songwriter award. Billy left the Bellamys and moved to Nashville in 1988 to pursue a songwriting career.
Following year Billy Crain had his first pop hit by the band Poco with the song “Call It Love” which charted in numerous countries and earned him a gold record. In 1993, he signed a joint venture between PolyGram Music and GMMI Music. During this period he co-wrote a song titled “Let’er Rip” that ended up being recorded by the Dixie Chicks on their debut album, eventually going on to sell 13 million units.
After almost twenty years and multiple hit songs later Billy Crane reunited with old friend Henry Paul and joined up with The Outlaws in 2008. Billy was fundamental architect on their 2012 album, It’s About Pride, but had to leave The Outlaws in 2013 due undisclosed health reasons.
In 2010 Billy fulfilled a lifelong dream and released his first solo record called “Skeletons in the Closet”. He wrote or co-wrote all ten songs and played all the instruments, engineered it and released it on his own label, Slidebilly Records. Be sure to check out our Skeletons in the Closet review.
Billy Crain (solo) Discography:
2010 Skeletons in the Closet
Links:
Official Website: www.billycrain.com
