Billy Cox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy Cox
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| Background information | |
| Born | October 18, 1941 Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1961–present |
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William "Billy" Cox (born October 18, 1941) is an American bassist. He is most famous for playing music with the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Billy Cox is the only musician still alive who played with Hendrix regularly.
They first played together in the Army. Later, in 1969, Cox joined Hendrix's group for the famous Woodstock festival. This group was sometimes called "Gypsy Sun and Rainbows." After that, Cox played with Hendrix and drummer Buddy Miles in a band called Band of Gypsys. They recorded a live album together. Finally, Cox toured with Hendrix and Mitch Mitchell on The Cry of Love Tour.
Billy Cox still performs today with groups like the Band of Gypsys Experience and the Experience Hendrix Tour. Besides Jimi Hendrix, he has also played with many other famous artists. These include Sam Cooke, Etta James, and Little Richard.
Contents
Billy Cox's Early Life and Music Journey
Billy Cox was born in Wheeling, West Virginia. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He went to Schenley High School.
Meeting Jimi Hendrix in the Army
Billy Cox met Jimi Hendrix in 1961. They were both serving in the Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. One day, Billy heard amazing guitar playing. He found Jimi and introduced himself. Billy told Jimi he played bass guitar. Soon after, they started playing music together. They became very close friends.
After leaving the Army, they moved to Nashville. They formed a band called the King Kasuals. They played at many clubs in Nashville. Sometimes, they even traveled to other cities.
Billy Cox's Career Before Hendrix Called
Jimi Hendrix eventually left Nashville. He played with many famous artists across the U.S. Later, he was discovered in New York City. Before Jimi left for England, he called Billy Cox. He asked Billy to join him. But Billy only had three strings on his bass. He also did not have money to travel. So, he thanked Jimi and wished him well.
During this time, Billy Cox played bass on TV shows. These shows featured pioneering R&B music. He worked with famous radio personalities.
Playing Music with Jimi Hendrix
In 1969, Jimi Hendrix called his old friend Billy Cox again. Jimi's band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, was changing. Billy joined Jimi in New York as his studio bassist.
Woodstock and Band of Gypsys
After the Experience band broke up, Billy Cox played with Jimi's new group. This group was called Gypsy Sun and Rainbows. They played at the legendary Woodstock festival.
Then, Jimi formed another group with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. They recorded the album Band of Gypsys. This was a live album.
The Cry of Love Tour
After the Band of Gypsys, Billy Cox recorded and toured with Jimi Hendrix. Mitch Mitchell was back on drums. This tour was called The Cry of Love Tour. Sometimes, promoters even called them the "Jimi Hendrix Experience."
Billy Cox played most of the bass parts on Jimi Hendrix's albums released after his death. These include The Cry of Love and Rainbow Bridge. Many songs from these albums were later put together. This happened on the album First Rays of the New Rising Sun in 1997. This album tried to show what Jimi's fourth studio album might have been. Billy Cox also appears in many live recordings and films from the Cry of Love Tour.
Billy Cox's Career After Jimi Hendrix
After Jimi Hendrix passed away, Billy Cox continued his music career.
Music in the 1970s and 1980s
In 1971, Billy Cox released his own album. It was called Nitro Function. He played with other musicians. He also did studio work and live performances. He played with the Charlie Daniels Band. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Billy Cox stayed involved with Jimi's music. This was as more of Jimi's recordings were released.
Music in the 1990s
In 1995, Billy Cox started taking part in Jimi Hendrix tribute tours. He played with Mitch Mitchell and Buddy Miles. In 1999, Cox appeared on an album called Midnight Daydream. This album also featured other musicians who played with Hendrix. Cox also performed with a Hendrix-tribute band. It was called the Gypsy Sun Experience.
Billy Cox helped work on First Rays of the New Rising Sun. This was Jimi Hendrix's fourth studio album. It was unfinished when Jimi passed away. Billy Cox also gives talks at music seminars. He shares his experiences with young musicians.
Music in the 2000s and 2010s
In 2004, Buddy Miles and Billy Cox reunited. They re-recorded songs from the original Band of Gypsys album. They worked with several guitarists. The new album, The Band Of Gypsys Return, came out in 2006.
Billy Cox still plays with the Experience Hendrix band. This is a touring tribute band. It features top guitarists. Billy Cox's solo album, Last Gypsy Standing, was released in 2009. In 2009, he was honored. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
Today, Billy Cox owns a video production company. He has produced many blues and gospel shows. He also helped write books about Jimi Hendrix. Billy Cox has received many awards. In 2010, he received the Founders Award. In 2011, he was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame. He released Old School Blue Blues in 2011. He continues to tour with "The Experience Hendrix Tour" every year. He also tours with his own Band of Gypsys Experience. His latest album, Unfiltered, came out in late 2014. In 2019, Billy Cox was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. This was for his work with Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Miles in the Band of Gypsys.
Billy Cox's Music Albums
Billy Cox has released several albums. He has also played on many albums with other artists.
Solo Albums
- Nitro Function (1971)
- Last Gypsy Standing (2009)
- Old School Blue Blues (2011)
- Unfiltered (2014)
Albums with Other Musicians
- Them Changes, Buddy Miles (1970)
- Charlie Daniels, Charlie Daniels (1971)
- 5, J.J. Cale (1979)
- The Band of Gypsys Return, with Buddy Miles and others (2006)
Albums with Jimi Hendrix
Billy Cox played on many of Jimi Hendrix's studio and live albums.
Studio Recordings with Jimi Hendrix
- The Cry of Love (1971)
- Rainbow Bridge (1971)
- War Heroes (1972)
- First Rays of the New Rising Sun (1997)
Live Recordings with Jimi Hendrix
- Live at Woodstock (1999) - from the 1969 Woodstock performance.
- Band of Gypsys (1970) - from the 1969-1970 Fillmore East shows.
- Live at the Fillmore East (1999) - more from the Fillmore East shows.
- Live Isle of Wight '70 (1991) - from the 1970 Isle of Wight concert.
- Live at Berkeley (2003) - from a 1970 concert.
See also
In Spanish: Billy Cox para niños
