Billy Gayles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy Gayles
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Gayles as a member of the Kings of Rhythm (1956)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Willie James Gayles |
| Also known as | Willie King Billy Gale |
| Born | October 19, 1931 Sikeston, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | April 8, 1993 (aged 61) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Singer |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1950s –1990s |
| Associated acts | Ike Turner Kings of Rhythm Otis Rush |
Billy Gayles (born October 19, 1931 – died April 8, 1993) was an American musician. He was a talented drummer and singer. Billy Gayles was best known for being a member of Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm band in the 1950s. He sang lead vocals on many of their recordings. He also played drums for other famous musicians like Otis Rush.
The Musical Journey of Billy Gayles
Billy Gayles, whose full name was Willie James Gayles, was born in Sikeston, Missouri. This happened on October 19, 1931. When he was a teenager, he moved to Cairo, Illinois. There, he became very interested in blues and jazz music.
Learning to Play and Tour
Billy learned to play the drums. He soon started touring with blues musicians. Some of these included Earl Hooker and Robert Nighthawk. This helped him gain experience as a performer.
Joining the Kings of Rhythm
In the early 1950s, Billy moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi. In 1954, he recorded with Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm. They released a song called "Night Howler" on Flair Records.
By 1956, Billy had officially joined the band. They were based in East St. Louis, Illinois. He mostly sang lead vocals for them. That same year, the band went to Cincinnati to record for Federal Records.
A Regional Hit Song
One of their songs, "I'm Tore Up," became very popular. It was a regional hit, meaning it was well-known in that area. Billy Gayles sang the lead vocals on this track.
Billy left Ike Turner's band for a short time. He wanted to try a solo career. But he soon returned to the band. This time, he played the drums.
Recording in Chicago
In 1958, Billy and Ike Turner went to Chicago. They recorded music for Cobra Records. Billy and Ike sang together on a song called "Walking Down The Aisle."
They also played with Otis Rush during a recording session. This session produced famous blues songs. These included "Double Trouble" and "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)."
Later Career and Touring
Billy Gayles played with Ike Turner on and off until 1963. After that, he started his own band. They performed in and around St. Louis.
In 1982, Billy played drums for blues musician Larry Davis. This was for Larry's album called Funny Stuff.
Ambassadors of St. Louis
In the mid-1980s, Billy toured Europe. He went with other original members of the Kings of Rhythm. This group included Clayton Love and Robbie Montgomery. They were called the St. Louis Kings of Rhythm. The Mayor of St. Louis even named them ambassadors for the city. This meant they represented St. Louis through their music.
In the early 1990s, Billy played in a band called Billy and the Preachers.
Final Years
Billy Gayles passed away on April 8, 1993. He was 61 years old. He had been in the hospital for three months. He is buried in St. Louis.
Discography
Singles
Billy Gale and His Orchestra
- 1954: "Night Howler" / "My Heart In Your Hands" (Flair 1031)
Billy Gayles with Ike Turner's Rhythm Rockers
- 1956: "I'm Tore Up" / "If I Never Had Known You" (Federal 12265)
Billy Gayles
- 1956: "Take Your Fine Frame Home" / "Let's Call It A Day" (Federal 12272)
- 1963: "I'm Hurting" / "Dreaming Of You" (Shock 200)
Billy Gayles with Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm
- 1956: "Do Right Baby" / "No Coming Back" (Federal 12282)
- 1956: "Just One More Time" / "Sad As A Man Can Be" (Federal 12287)
Willie King with The Ike Turner Band
- 1956: "Peg Leg Woman" / "Mistreating Me" (Vita V-123)
Seaphus Scott, The Five Masquerades And Billy Gale Orch.
- 1958: "Nature's Beauty" / "Summer Sunrise" (Joyce 303)
Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm
- 1959: "Walking Down The Aisle" (Cobra 5033)
Albums
Featured appearances
- 1985: Ike Turner & His Kings Of Rhythm – Ike Turner & His Kings Of Rhythm Vol. 2 (Ace Records)
- 1986: St. Louis Kings Of Rhythm – St. Louis Kings Of Rhythm (Timeless Records)
- 1989: R&B Confidential No.1: The Flair Label (Ace Records)
- 1993: Ike Turner – Rocks The Blues (P-Vine Records)
- 2008: Ike Turner – Classic Early Sides 1952-1957 (JSP Records)
As a sideman
- 1982: Larry Davis – Funny Stuff (Rooster Blues Records)
- 1989: Otis Rush – The Cobra Sessions 1956-1958 (P-Vine Records)
- 1993: The Cobra Records Story (Capricorn Records)
Images for kids
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Gayles as a member of the Kings of Rhythm (1956)
