| Billy Simons | |
| Birth Name: | William Nicholas Simons, Jr. |
| Birth Date: | 1983 12, mf=yes |
| Origin: | Ludlow, Massachusetts, United States |
| Instrument: | Guitar, vocals, banjo, bass, piano, ukulele, clarinet, beatbox |
| Years Active: | 2003–present |
| Website: | http://www.billy-simons.com |
Billy Simons (born December 17, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter originally from Ludlow, Massachusetts. His music is often described as acoustic pop, rock, and folk. Although he sometimes plays with a trio, Simons mostly plays solo acoustic shows incorporating a suitcase kickdrum, guitar tapping, beatboxing, a looping effects pedal, and a distorted microphone through which he sings what sound like guitar solos, always playing with Taylor Guitars and Gibson Guitars.
In 2004, Billy Simons began giving live performances at New York City venues such as The Bowery Ballroom, The Bitter End, Sin-e, The Living Room, and The Canal Room. In 2007, Simons released a compilation of his compositions under the title "The Joker's Hand" (2007) on iTunes. Notable songs include "Sister Agnes," "Body," and "Part II." In 2009, Simons released a live solo acoustic album, Live at the Academy (2009).[1] Later that year, Simons released Music From the Motion Picture (2009) following his sold-out CD release performance at The Bitter End in New York City.[2] He has opened performances for Bobby McFerrin; Susan Tedeschi; Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds;[3] Pete Francis of Dispatch; country musician Phil Vassar; Matisyahu; Spin Doctors lead singer Chris Barron; and Pure Prairie League.