Billy Swan — most gifted and talented artists of our times

Billy Swan, undoubtedly, remains one the most gifted and talented artists of our times whose versatility just about covers every area of the music business. His achievements as a Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist, Musician, Producer are noteworthy. Born on May 12, 1942 in Mill Hill, overlooking the Mississippi River, Billy Swan was impressed and influenced by the rock & roll music of Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly in his early childhood. He took up drums at the age of 14 and started off with gigs in local bars. Eventually, he taught himself to play electric piano, rhythm guitar and the organ. His song-writing skills were exposed when «Lover Please» became his first hit song in 1962 and reached #7 in the charts. It eventually won the Grammy for Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge in 1975.

Billy Swan has been well known in the world of music since the early 1960’s as a top songwriter and producer. His songs have been covered by some the most renowned musicians of all times, which include Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and many others. As a first-time producer Swan notched the Top Ten in 1969, with Tony Joe White’s «Polk Salad Annie.» A Billy Swan guitar tab is a great place to start, if you want to round out your rock guitar chops.

There is, perhaps, no better example of «been there and done that» Billy Swann the music world than. His adventures include sweeping up recording studios, playing with local bands, writing songs, producing albums, touring with top notch performers; and inching his way up with every step. While moving up the music ladder, he gained valuable experience through his encounters with some of the greatest artists. One of the classic incidents or coincidences remains when Bob Dylan was recording his classic «Blonde on Blond» album in Nashville, Billy was working in the same recording studio, emptying the ashtrays.

Billy Swan’s well deserving big break as a singer-songwriter came with his first hit single «I Can Help» in 1974 that sold over five million copies worldwide. He established himself as a recording artist with far reaching international appeal. «I Can Help» featured a style of Billy Swan guitar licks and introduced him to worldwide audience. His initial debut album was also entitled «I Can Help», and it received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. After his «I Can Help» album, he scored with his second album, entitled «Rock ’n’ Roll Moon», featuring Swan’s second hit single «Everything’s The Same (Ain’t Nothing Changed).» He made his debut as a record producer with Tony Joe White, cutting «Polk Salad Annie», and he was an original member of Kris Kristofferson’s band.

Billy Swan guitar riffs are worth listening to in songs like Route 66, Maybelline, Hello Mary Lou, Blue Bayou (written by Roy Orbison), Drivin’ Wheel and many others. After unparalleled success of the «I Can Help» album worldwide, Billy completed several highly successful American and European tours. He also released many more albums and acted in television and radio commercials ,as well as movies. Billy Swan became firmly established as a major force of the ’70’s and continues to be one of the most sought after artists today; almost 4 decades later.