His name may not be familiar to many but his talent left an indelible mark on the history of rock. Billy Strange wrote hits like Memories and A Little Less Conversation. His guitar playing is heard on thousands of records by the likes of the Beach Boys, Nancy Sinatra, Jan & Dean, Wanda Jackson and Nat King Cole. As an arranger and conductor, he worked with Frank Sinatra, Duane Eddy, Elvis Presley and Dean Martin. Add in the fact that he is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and you have one of the most well rounded artists in history. Billy Strange passed away on Wednesday morning in Nashville from an undisclosed ailment. He was 81.
Billy Strange Passed Away
February 23, 2012 | PeopleGEORGE (GK) wrote on
February 23, 2012
Billy Strange is not Mac Davis ! But he wrote with Mac Davis. So sorry to hear of Billy Strange's passing. He wrote some real good songs !!
Lou A wrote on
February 24, 2012
I have some instrumental albums he recorded for the GNP Crescendo label in the 1960's . They were pretty good - sort of like Duane Eddy. Speaking of Duane Eddy, he produced Duane's Roaring Twangies LP - an excellant jazzy album. Strange played guitar on some of Nancy Sinatra's albums and singles, and also played in Elvis' 68 comeback band.
A good musician - hell be missed.
old shep wrote on
February 24, 2012
They are different people altogether MB. BS was 81 I think when he died. MD was born in 1942
miked wrote on
February 24, 2012
Memories- a very beautiful and haunting song, ALLC, good uptempo number and as we all know gave Elvis a massive hit. Don't need to say more, obviously very talented and will be missed.
Martin DJ wrote on
February 28, 2012
Since songwriters are not always musicians it's probably not a good idea to let them join the TCB band, especially as most of those who wrote for Elvis are in their seventies, if not their eigthies.
losdemas wrote on
February 29, 2012
Sad news...'Memories' has always been one of my favourite Elvis songs...I've just read Billy Strange's biog. on Wikipedia, and then had a quick scan of his Website - the man achieved a lot in his lifetime, and helped create a lot of great music.