Billy B

I'm a person who would rather help someone than hurt them. I'd rather build someone up than tear them down. I feel I have God given talents of music, art, and poetry that I attempt to use to encourage and inspire others. I'm hoping to build my network of friends and professionals to facilitate getting the message in my music out there. I like to create music and poetry that ministers to your mood and stimulates your mind. I have a saying that each of us is like a pebble in a pond........ we ripple 360 degrees. We all have an influence on someone. My hope is that with the time that I've been given that I can make a difference in a good way for the lives I touch.Born September 10th in Waukegan, Illinois, William Hutchison Jr. is the firstborn in a family of three children. William is a graduate of Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Studio Comprehensive Art with emphasis in Advertising Design. William is a computer illustrator who designed the United States Navy's Recruit Multimedia Curriculum for over six years and in May of 2000 William was named "Federal Employee of the Year" by the Federal Executive Board of Chicago in the category of "Outstanding Technical and Program Support Employee." Recently, William was named one of the "Most Influencial African Americans in Lake County" in the category of "Arts & Entertainment" by the "People's Voice" Magazine which is published by Elroy Reed of Soaring Eagle Publications. William is a Christian who loves God and all God's people. He is always quick to provide a smile and a word of encouragement. "Why hurt what you could heal?" Why hinder what you could help?" are the kind of quotes William has been known to share. William is the proud father of two children; Aaron (18) and Rachel (14).Billy has played major music festivals through out the Midwest such as The Taste of Chicago, Milwaukee's Summerfest, Gospelfest, Country Thunder, Country USA, FM106's Countryfest and CAP Fund, and the Wisconsin State Fair. Bill has also had the opportunity to meet and open for national music acts such as Tim McGraw, Brooks and Dunn, Joe Cocker, Rascal Flatts, Sawyer Brown, Diamond Rio, David Lee Murphy, Faith Hill, Terri Clark, Neal McCoy, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dwight Yokam, Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vasser, Chely Wright, Keith Urban and Lonestar. Billy was one of the original four founding members of W.A.M.I. Award winners "The BottomLine." He also did a brief stint as bassist with FM 104.7's Extreme Country band The Lonely Sams. Billy has toured Switzerland, Austria, and Germany with international recording artist Mr. KC Williams. Billy has 20 plus years experience playing gospel bass for churches through out the midwest such as Christian Faith Fellowship Church - Zion, Sign of the Dove - Waukegan, Ward Memorial C.O.G.I.C. - Waukegan, First Assembly of God Church in Kenosha, WI, and Abundant Life Church in Racine, WI. Billy has also played bass with virtuoso jazz pianist, Ms. Carmen Stoke (sat in and played a set with her at "The Backroom" in Chicago.), Maurice Houston, Walter Thomas, Mauree, Jackie James & and; Ransom (Winner of the US 99 "Colgate Country Showdown" Battle of the Bands at Country Thunder 2004), Ambassadors 4 Christ featuring Tammy Smith, and recorded an album with guitarist Brent "G". Billy has also worked with the phenomenal and anointed voice of Rayz-up recording artist, Shanica Bell, Ms. Frozene Hayes, and the great Lonnie "Mr. Blues" Givens. Billy's solid pocket "inspirational playing" and contagious smile has converted many fans over the years. Billy's current projects are playing bass for Mr. KC Williams, and his own Christian - jazz trio PX3 "The Prophetic Praise Project" which consist of Tranell Duffy ..boards, and James "Young Gun" Mayers on drums.I am a proud endorser of Lakland Bass Guitars!!! Thanks Dan!