Billy, a musician for 47 years, was a music major at Drake University and graduated from the University of Toledo. After college, he played with several touring groups, and has played drums for such names as Rodney Dangerfield, Leslie Gore and others. He also was a percussionist with the Des Moines Symphony, Adrian Symphony and Toledo Pops Orchestra. A master at jazz, he was chosen as drummer for the Toledo Jazz Orchestra, as well.

He also taught jazz and percussion at Adrian College and Sienna Heights College for eight years, while being sought after as a studio musician in Toledo, OH. He has recorded over 200 commercials and albums for various regional artists as either a musician, composer/arranger or recording engineer. In addition to composing and recording original soundtracks for industrial videos, Billy was honored to be chosen to write original music for several specials on ESPN and TNN. He also produced and performed an album of his own compositions.