Billy Rich facts for kids

Eddie Wilbur "Billy" Rich (born April 7, 1949) is an American musician. He is best known for playing the electric bass guitar. Billy Rich is famous for his blues music.

He has worked with many well-known artists. These include Jimi Hendrix and Taj Mahal. Billy has played with Taj Mahal since 1972. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Today, he lives in Denver, Colorado. In 2004, Billy was honored. He was added to the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame.

Billy Rich's Early Life

Billy Rich was born to Milton and Callie Rich. His family loved music. Billy's brother, Herbie Rich, was also a musician. Herbie was part of the band Electric Flag. He also worked with Jimi Hendrix. Billy's sister, Carolyn, was a singer. All three were inducted into the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame.

Their father played the harmonica as a hobby. He was inspired by blues musicians. Billy started playing guitar when he was seven years old. His first guitar was a Silvertone.

From Guitar to Bass

Billy played guitar for about seven years. He once had a special guitar. It was a double-neck Danelectro guitar. One neck was for guitar, and the other was for bass. Billy found he really liked playing the bass neck. So, he decided to switch instruments.

His first bass guitar was a "Conrad." It was a copy of a Fender Jazz bass. Billy says his guitar heroes were Chuck Berry and Lonnie Mack. For bass, he was influenced by James Jamerson. James Jamerson played bass on many famous Motown songs.

Starting a Music Career

After high school, Billy joined the band The Whispers. They were on tour in Omaha. He played bass for them. A few months later, The Whispers played in San Francisco.

Billy's brother, Herbie, was also in San Francisco. Herbie was playing in Electric Flag with Buddy Miles. Billy met Buddy Miles. Buddy invited Billy to join his new band. This band was called The Buddy Miles Express. Billy joined in 1968, along with his brother Herbie.

Playing with Jimi Hendrix

Their first show was at the Whisky a Go Go. Jimi Hendrix joined them on stage that night. Hendrix played with Billy and The Buddy Miles Express many times. Billy wrote a song for The Buddy Miles Express. It was called "69 Freedom Special." Jimi Hendrix helped produce this song.

Billy was asked to play bass on Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsies album. But he already had another commitment. Later, he was invited to record with John McLaughlin. Billy played bass on McLaughlin's Devotion album in New York.

Working with Taj Mahal

In 1972, Billy Rich started playing with Taj Mahal. This partnership has lasted for many years. The original group included Taj Mahal, Billy Rich on bass, and Kester Smith on drums.

Billy has toured all over the world with Taj Mahal. They have played in Europe, South America, and Africa. They have also visited Canada, Australia, and the Fiji Islands.

Other Music Projects

In the 1970s, Billy lived in Woodstock, New York. He worked with other musicians there. These included Paul Butterfield and Geoff Muldaur. He toured with Paul Butterfield's ‘Better Days Band’. He also recorded two albums with them. Billy also toured and recorded three albums with Geoff Muldaur.

Studio Work and Influences

Billy has played on many studio recordings. He has worked with artists like Seals & Crofts and Jesse Ed Davis. As a session musician, he plays different music styles. These include reggae, blues, country, R&B, and jazz. He also plays rock, samba, pop, and bluegrass.

In 1993, Billy played violin for Daniel W Merrick. This was on his album Aliyah. Billy also toured with the Tony Furtado Band. This is a bluegrass group. Billy Rich's bass playing has inspired other musicians. These include Jaco Pastorius and Howard Johnson.