Billy Thomas (April 2007 Issue)
A Nashville Triple Threat

Nashville-based drummer/singer/songwriter Billy Thomas discovered the importance of being a singing drummer when he made the career move from Los Angeles to Nashville. One of his first Nashville sessions was a vocal date that just so happened to include country superstar Vince Gill. Billy and Vince hit it off immediately, and a long-term relationship was born.
    After years of singing, playing, and songwriting with Gill, Billy has finally attained triple-threat status on the new Vince Gill four-CD set, These Days, which also features drummers Chad Cromwell and Eddie Bayers. Besides drumming, Billy contributes background vocals on several tracks, and he co-wrote “Nothin’ Left To Say” with Gill. “Having Vince decide to use me on the box set was an honor,” says Thomas. “I think it says that I’ve got something that he likes and wants to include in his music.”
    In addition to his work with Gill, Thomas finds time to play with ’70s pop group The Little River Band. “At fifty-three-years old,” he says humbly, “I’m happy to say that I’m a full-time working and singing drummer. Life couldn’t be better.”

Mike Haid

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