Billy Scott (singer) facts for kids

Billy Scott (born October 5, 1942 – died November 17, 2012) was an American singer. He was famous for his R&B music. R&B is a popular style of music that blends rhythm and blues. Billy Scott was the main singer for a group called The Prophets. This group later became known as "The Georgia Prophets." Finally, they were called "Billy Scott & The Party Prophets." He was well-known for his "Beach music" hits. These included popular songs like "I Got the Fever" and "California." Beach music is a special kind of R&B music popular in the Carolinas.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Billy Scott was born in 1942. His birth name was Peter Pendleton. He was born in a city called Huntington, West Virginia.

Before he started his own band, The Prophets, in 1965, Billy sang with different groups. He sang with these groups while he was in the Army. After he left the Army in 1964, he chose his stage name, "Billy Scott."

In 1968, Billy Scott achieved a big success. He earned his first gold record for his song "I Got the Fever." A gold record means the song sold many copies!

During the 1970s, Billy and his band recorded many songs. These songs were in the "Beach music" style. This music was very popular in the coastal areas of the Carolinas. Billy Scott was also a regular guest on a radio show. It was called the Jerry Peeler Beach Show on WANS radio.

Later Life and Legacy

In 2006, Billy Scott released his last music album. He passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2012. He died from cancer at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Billy Scott helped create the CAMMYS awards in 1995. He started them with DJ Curtiss Carpenter. These awards are now known as the Carolina Beach Music Awards. They celebrate the best of Beach music. The first awards show was in Salisbury, North Carolina. After a few years, it moved to its permanent home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.