Billy Watkins (musician) facts for kids

Billy Watkins (born Robert Bartha L. Watkins, 1927–2010) was an American singer. He was known for his gospel and soul music. Later in his life, he became a Christian minister. Billy Watkins also started a gospel singing group called The Zion Travelers. He recorded music with several record companies, including Arwin, Challenge, Chess, Era, Imperial, Kent, and Victor.

Billy Watkins' Early Life

Billy Watkins was born on July 25, 1927. His parents were Bartha Lillard Watkins and Priscilla Kinard. When Billy was 11 years old, his family moved to California. Soon after, Billy started working in a barber shop, shining shoes. While working there, he met the famous musician Nat King Cole. Nat King Cole had a big impact on Billy's life and music.

His Music Journey

Singing with The Zion Travelers

Billy Watkins was known as Bartha L. Watkins when he joined The Zion Travelers. This gospel group started in 1944. They made their first recordings in late 1947. Billy was one of the main singers in the group. Another lead singer was L.C. Cohen. Other members included L.W. Van, Garland Fate Mason, Wesley Sherman, and Felton Vernon.

The Zion Travelers also recorded songs in the 1950s. Their music was released on labels like Sultan Records and Aladdin Records. In 1954, they released a song called "Moving Up King's Highway." The other side of the record was "Where Is My Wandering Child," which Billy Watkins wrote. The group continued to release recordings into the 1960s.

His Solo Music Career

By October 1959, Billy Watkins began releasing music on his own. His song "You're Unforgettable" was released on the Challenge label. Billboard magazine, a well-known music publication, thought this song would do well. It even started to become popular in some local areas that year.

In 1960, he released another song on Challenge Records called "Go Billy Go." He wrote this song with Tony Hilder and Charles Wright. Later, in October 1966, his song "Little Things Mean a Lot" was released. This song was also predicted to be a hit. Around 1970, Billy Watkins traveled to Japan. He released an album there called Golden Soul & Country on the Japanese Victor label.

Billy Watkins toured all over the world. He performed in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He had some success with his songs. In the early 1970s, he decided to make a big change in his life and music. When he returned to the United States, he chose to focus only on gospel music.

Becoming a Minister

After his music career, Billy Watkins became an ordained pastor. This means he was officially recognized as a religious leader. He started his own church in South Central Los Angeles. It was called the Freedom of Spirit Church. This church welcomed people from all Christian backgrounds. He also appeared regularly on television at KAGL, a Christian TV station in Los Angeles.

His Later Years

Billy Watkins passed away on January 24, 2010. He died at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, California.

Selected Recordings

Billy Watkins released many songs and albums throughout his career. Here are a few examples of his solo songs:

• "Convince Me" (1958)
• "You're Unforgettable (After You've Been Kissed)" (1959)
• "The Good Times" (1960)
• "Wanna Know" (1961)
• "Crackin' Up" (1961)
• "Just For You (Stone Fox)" (1964)
• "Little Things Mean A Lot" (1966)
• "The Ice-Man" (1967)
• "Echoes" (1969)

He also released albums, including:

• Golden Soul & Country (1970)
• A Family Gathering For God (1978)

His music also appeared on other collections, such as:

• Spiritual Bread For The Aquarian Age (1970s)
• For Connoisseurs Only, Volume 2 (2005)
• For Connoisseurs Only, Volume 3 (2007)