HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY XMAS - Billy Michaels
ACCOLADES have been bestowed upon him by ‘STAR’ names in the past, and RECORDING SUCCESS, but he does not really publicise it. Billy has met, and played alongside many of the of the 'TOP' names in the business. Originally Billy was trained as a '
THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SONGS WRITTEN and PERFORMED by artists all over the world. We are located in WATKINS GLEN, NY.
THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SONGS FROM WRITERS, ARTISTS AND FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. RIGHT NOW OUR ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SONG BOOK IS 0VER 115 TUNES (SOME INSTRUMENTALS). IT COVERS A WIDE VARIETY OF MUSICAL TASTES FROM JAZZ, BLUES, COUNTY, FOLK, TRADITIONAL, ROCK, METAL, SOME SONGS WE CONSIDER MODERN DAY CHRISTMAS CLASSICS, AND SOME SONGS I JUST HAVEN'T FOUND THE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THEM YET !!!
Story behind the song
About Billy Michaels
BILLY IS VERY GOOD to know, and be around. He is charming, affable, extremely helpful, generous, and VERY funny, and will talk for ever on any subject you wish to. He is very 'learned' about life in general, and a GREAT PERSON to discuss your 'views' with.
Billy ENJOYED his SUCCESS and acknowledges the fact. He 'retired' from the 'music' business in the 1980s, went into business, and then to ACTING SCHOOL. He was 'coaxed' back into singing however in 2004, and this is what he said.
" I AM BACK DOING WHAT I DO BEST AND LIKE THE MOST, SO I WILL GIVE IT MY BEST SHOT"
BILLY enjoys working with musicians whenever he can as this is his 'favourite' way of performing. THIS BEING SO, IF ANY BANDS OR MUSICIANS WISH BILLY TO SING WITH THEM AT ANYTIME, PLEASE CONTACT HIM. He now works 'generally' as a 'solo' using specially arranged and engineered 'tracks'.
PRIVATE FUNCTIONS, (which are by invitation only) take up most of his time. Billy will be seen soon at a variety of 'other' venues. HIS REPUTATION HAS GROWN SO MUCH that his performances are now being requested in these areas.
My original influences were, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles also Stevie Wonder, a truly great singer!
BOBBY DARIN had the BIGGEST 'EFFECT' on me in the changing of my 'style'. HE HEARD ME SING, THEN, WE HAD A LONG CONVERSATION, in this he gave me TREMENDOUS ENCOURAGEMENT to look towards changing to 'his' style of music. That was really the 'turning' point, and from there I began listening to his recordings. Later came a MEETING WITH JOHNNY MATHIS , and HE BECAME AN INFLUENCE. Eddie Fisher and Vic Damone they both made a difference. Listening also to the musicianship of Mulligan, Stan Getz and Dave Brubeck; these all helped to start me on a different path.
Tony Bennett, Matt Monro, Jimmy Scott, Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, Perry Como all helped with the change to the 'NEW STYLE'. In the past, and quite recently, I have worked with a number of brilliant musicians and singers who have helped me enormously.
My respect for musicians and fellow singers is very large and they continue to be a real source of inspiration for me in my craft. I will always welcome their help. I would like to COMMEND here the GREAT HELP I have received from a very talented sound engineer by the name of BEN BLEASE the owner of 'PLUG IN STUDIOS' in MANCHESTER, who along with some 'extra' musician friends put together my new CD which is a Tribute to the work of some of the great singers, song writers, musicians and arrangers, some I have known, and some I would like to know.
Despite my 'influences' I believe I have still emerged with a 'sound' that is MINE!
Billy is WITHOUT A DOUBT, one of the BEST SINGERS in his field. He is also a TALENTED ACTOR. He has appeared in STAGE, TV dramas, and FILM for MAJOR COMPANIES in the UK for some years now in 'character' roles, and still continues working in this field, along with his singing
Lyrics
****** Billy is now at this time being requested by 'other singers' for MENTORING attention. He has considerable skill in this area, and it is now being recognised. ******HIS 'Comeback' CD IS OUT NOW!! "TRIBUTE" YES, OUT NOW! Also, in the 'pullout' of the cassette you will see more on Billy's career history! Take a look!! Early in 2009 Billy may put out ANOTHER CD. This will be a little 'different' from his normal 'SWING' idea, so WATCH FOR IT! AT THIS TIME BILLY IS BUSY CHANGING AGENT/MANAGEMENT and is negotiating a 'NEW' RECORDING DEAL. So watch out for news!!! This informational content is very up to date, as of OCTOBER 2008. ******The compilation of information on this page has been done by myself, Ben Blease of 'PLUG-IN' Studios Manchester. I have produced Billy's records up to now and would always wish to work with this man. I find him the 'consumate' performer and one of the easiest of singers to work with. ******YOU CAN BUY HIS LATEST ALBUM 'TRIBUTE' FROM THE WEB SITE www.BillyMichaelsSings.com GO and take a look! HAVE A LISTEN!! NOW, wherever or whenever, please catch his act. I think you will like what you hear, and see. And remember, the name is; BILLY MICHAELS.
