Billy Rice
Born in Ohio, Billy moved to Florida at age 7. He bought his first guitar from Sear’s & Roebucks by mowing lawns and saving money. For some reason, he just had this burning desire to play. Forming a band with some guys from school, he played his first professional performance at 14 years old. From there, it didn’t take long for Billy to get a reputation as a great act.
Soon Billy started getting bookings opening up for some National Acts. Billy toured extensively throughout Florida and graced the Stage with Acts such as: Tommy James, The James Gang, Marshall Tucker, The Boxtops, The Turtles, Mama’s & Papa’s, Moody Blues and even Eric Clapton. At one point he even did a weekly stint with the Outlaws every Friday night.
At his peak point Billy’s family life pulled him away from the road and he elected to stay home and take care of his two children. He felt being there as a Dad for baseball, football and everything else was every bit rewarding and more important then anything else he could have done, Billy still played locally though and never lost that gift that he has with people.
Now better than ever, Billy’s playing a very busy schedule and has lately played with Toby Keith, John Michael Montgomery, Lonestar, Danny & Frankie Toler from the Allman Brothers, Ricky Lynn Greg from The band Head East, and Mark Chestnut.
Billy has done TV performances with Emma Sams, Tom Arnold, Alan Thicke, Miss World 1995 and even Tiny Tim. Billy has been a Studio player for Capital Records producer Chuck Howard who helped co-produce Billy’s CD. Billy regularly co-writes with accomplished songwriter Kim Tribble who has may chart topping hits including the song Martina McBride sang on the 2000 Country Music Awards, “It’s My Time”. It won’t be long before Billy will also have that hit with his skills.
Billy’s got a song he wrote coming out on David Lee Murphy’s new album and the people in Nashville are trying to get him to come up and do a new album. Billy has plans to do that when his touring schedule permits.
Billy has done many charity events. By using his name they were able to raise Tens of Thousands of Dollars for their event. Some of these events include the Boy’s Club, Girl’s Club, Youth Center’s, different Municipal organizations, Woman’s Resource Center, Manatee Children’s Services and the list goes on and on. Billy has been nominated and chosen many times as Entertainer of the Year Award in his hometown. Billy has received awards for being nominated as the Children advocate of the year for helping so many kids. Billy gives much to the Communities that he plays in, because with his talent he has the ability to do so.
Billy has also played –
The Stockyard - Nashville, Tennessee
Opryland Hotel- Nashville, Tennessee
Dollywood- Sevierville, Tennessee
Hilton Head, SC
Kentucky State Fair
Marysville Kentucky for Miss America
Boomtown Casino-Biloxi, Mississippi
The Grande and Treasure Bay-Biloxi, Mississippi
Excalibur-Las Vegas
Tampa Convention Center-Tampa, FL
Minneapolis Minnesota Fair
Des Moines Iowa-TV Shows
Billy was invited to tour Australia with Dolly Parton but due to schedule was unable to do so.
Billy has also done numerous shows and club dates all over the State of Florida and Georgia. Time Warner threw a party for C.M.T. for joining their network and searched for someone to represent them for the Event. When they saw Billy perform their mind was made up and the Event was a success. While there, an Executive from M.T.V. saw him and was so impressed that hey hired him to do a national convention for them. When you see him, you become part of a big family, because that’s how he makes you feel.
Don’t miss this Great Entertainer –HE will make YOU feel ALIVE