Billy Lee Riley

cashman · 05-08-2009, 08:24

The Associated Press: Sun Records star Billy Lee Riley dies at 75, one of the true greats passed away on sunday, been NOWT about it anywhere in our press, which i find very sad, given the coverage fer that child molester the other week.

R.I.P. to a proper Star.

Wynonie Harris · 05-08-2009, 09:10

I'll second that, Mr C! Many people reading this will be saying, "Billy Lee who?..." Well, I would urge you to visit youtube and have a listen to his music. He could turn his hand to all sorts...sizzling soul, downhome blues, but the music he'll most be remembered for is red hot rockabilly. RIP Billy, you had more talented in your little finger than most of today's so-called superstars have in their whole bodies (and muchas gracias to Steeljack for informing us of this sad event).

Wynonie Harris · 05-08-2009, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

been NOWT about it anywhere in our press, which i find very sad

All is not lost, Mr C...just found an obit for him in the Guardian of all places.

Billy Lee Riley | Rockabilly musician | Obituary | Music | The Guardian

cashman · 05-08-2009, 10:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

All is not lost, Mr C...just found an obit for him in the Guardian of all places.

Billy Lee Riley | Rockabilly musician | Obituary | Music | The Guardian

cheers mate, thats a pretty good obituary, as far as they go. got a double C.D. of his at "Ernest Tubbs" when i was in Nashville a few years back n the guy who served me played in his backing group, had a great hours conversation with him, said even then 2002 wherever he played was always sold out, if yer doin that after 50 yrs yer doin summat right.

shakermaker · 05-08-2009, 13:26

I thought I recognised the name; turns out I've got quite a chunk of his stuff in with my Sun collection. Sad to hear he's passed, he certainly had his contribution to music felt by more than one generation.

Wynonie Harris · 05-08-2009, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakermaker

I thought I recognised the name; turns out I've got quite a chunk of his stuff in with my Sun collection. Sad to hear he's passed, he certainly had his contribution to music felt by more than one generation.

Well worth going over your Sun stuff with a fine toothcomb, Shakey...there's hidden gold in there from many different genres...rockabilly, blues, country and more...all thanks to the genius of Sam Phillips!

Wynonie Harris · 05-08-2009, 21:29

Another one from the Man, with the Slim Harpo Band in 2003, showing just what a great harp player he was.

Wynonie Harris · 06-08-2009, 15:30

Obit from The Times...

Billy Lee Riley: singer of Flying Saucers Rock and Roll | Times Online Obituary

ukcowboy · 16-08-2009, 08:47

Many years ago (mid/late 70's), when I lived in Bristol, I was really into the 'Rockabilly' scene (huge in Bristol at that time!) and was lucky enough to see Billy Lee Riley perform live..........'Red Hot' and sheds load of other pure raw 'Rockabilly' flowed from the stage that night.........He was excellent..............Memories

................RIP ('em up upstairs Billy!)

Wynonie Harris · 16-08-2009, 09:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukcowboy

Many years ago (mid/late 70's), when I lived in Bristol, I was really into the 'Rockabilly' scene (huge in Bristol at that time!) and was lucky enough to see Billy Lee Riley perform live..........'Red Hot' and sheds load of other pure raw 'Rockabilly' flowed from the stage that night.........He was excellent..............Memories

................RIP ('em up upstairs Billy!)

I envy you, mate! Sure wish I'd seen him, and now I never will... Made me realise that you've got to grab the chance with both hands, especially with these older guys. Cashy was telling me yesterday that Chuck Berry might be coming over...if he does, I'm there!