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“Billy As Billy” marks the first original release in Billy’s career. Known as one of the most talented vocal impersonators in the U.S., many have wondered what Billy’s actual voice sounds like. This album will give people that chance. Inspired by 6 weeks in post-Katrina New Orleans and 12 weeks touring the U.S., Billy started writing music and lyric ideas out of boredom and missing his family. Three months later, the 10 track, “Billy As Billy” is slated for release on July 15th. So what does Billy’s original music sound like? Your ears will be the final judge, but Billy chooses to wear his influences on his sleeve. The Beatles influence is apparent. A little of John’s sound, a little of George’s writing style, a few Ringo fills and a lot of Paul, Billy chose not to try to hide his Beatles influence. Other influences apparent on the album are Buddy Holly, Billy Joel, Elton John, Tears For Fears and Eric Clapton. Rick Avard arranged and produced the album adding sharp complexity and intelligent musicality to the songs. Chris Acker served as the Chief Engineer delivering a well-polished and slick sounding project. What does that all sound like mixed together? “Billy As Billy,” of course.
Billy McGuigan is a nationally recognized actor, musician and singer based in Omaha, Nebraska. Billy’s interpretation of Buddy Holly has taken him all over the United States. He has appeared in over 175 performances of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in the past four years to critical acclaim. Billy’s performance in this show has led to incredible box office success for the theater as well. The Omaha Community Playhouse (2002), The Des Moines Playhouse (2003) and The Albuquerque Theatre (2004) all report Buddy as their #1 show in terms of attendance and ticket sales. Billy’s performance at the Broadway Palm Theatre (2005) in Mesa, AZ, garnered a Spotlight Award for Best Actor in a Musical and nomination for an “Arizoni” Award for Actor in a Major Role – Musical.
As a result of the success of the Omaha production, Billy wrote and co-produced a revue of Buddy Holly’s music called Rave On!. This show has received national attention and critical acclaim from reviewers and audience members all over the United States. The show is currently being formatted and booked to perform with symphonies as part of their pops concert series. Rave On also generated three highly successful CDs: Rave On! Live at the Drew!, Rave On: Live and Rave On: Sessions which are available at all performances.
Billy is currently working on several new music projects: Rock Show (The Music of Paul McCartney, Billy Joel and Buddy Holly), Yoko’s Fault (The Music Of the Beatles), Me2 (The U2 Experience) and a new stage show, Yeah!, Yeah!, Yeah!, an interactive Beatles concert. Billy maintains a busy schedule acting in industrial films, commercials and doing voice over work. Billy also works extensively with Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
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