Musician. Born William Patton Black Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, he was the upright acoustic bass player nicknamed "Blackie" by the Nashville session performers. He was playing with the Johnny Burnette Trio in 1954 when Sam Phillips, founder and owner of Sun Records in Memphis, paired him with guitarist Scotty Moore to back up singer Elvis Presley as "The Blue Moon Boys". Together, they defined Rock 'N' Roll with their early Sun recordings to include "That's All Right Mama", "Good Rockin' Tonight" and "Blue Moon Of Kentucky". By 1956, they were signed to RCA Victor which produced hits such as "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", "Love Me Tender" and "Heartbreak Hotel". By 1958, when Elvis entered the U.S. Army, Black was doing some shows and sessions which led him to forming his own group, "Bill Black's Combo" in 1959. His band on the Hi Label, enjoyed success placing eight instrumental singles on the Top 40 in the 1960s, to include "Smokie", "White Silver Sands", "Josephine", "Blue Tango" and "Hearts of Stone". Prior to his death, he toured with the Beatles during the British groups first nationwide American tour in 1964. He is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame & the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Musician. Born William Patton Black Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, he was the upright acoustic bass player nicknamed "Blackie" by the Nashville session performers. He was playing with the Johnny Burnette Trio in 1954 when Sam Phillips, founder and owner of Sun Records in Memphis, paired him with guitarist Scotty Moore to back up singer Elvis Presley as "The Blue Moon Boys". Together, they defined Rock 'N' Roll with their early Sun recordings to include "That's All Right Mama", "Good Rockin' Tonight" and "Blue Moon Of Kentucky". By 1956, they were signed to RCA Victor which produced hits such as "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", "Love Me Tender" and "Heartbreak Hotel". By 1958, when Elvis entered the U.S. Army, Black was doing some shows and sessions which led him to forming his own group, "Bill Black's Combo" in 1959. His band on the Hi Label, enjoyed success placing eight instrumental singles on the Top 40 in the 1960s, to include "Smokie", "White Silver Sands", "Josephine", "Blue Tango" and "Hearts of Stone". Prior to his death, he toured with the Beatles during the British groups first nationwide American tour in 1964. He is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame & the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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