Billy Klippert

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Billy Klippert (born in Calgary, Alberta) is a Canadian rock singer/songwriter.

He came in third place on the first season of Canadian Idol, behind Gary Beals and the eventual winner, Ryan Malcolm. He released his self-titled debut album in June, 2004 on The Orange Record Label. His first hit song was a cover of Elton John's "Levon", a song he was closely associated with on Canadian Idol.

His second album Naked & The Simple Truth was released on October 3rd, 2006. The first single off of this new album is titled "Going Under".

[edit] Single History

Levon #98, (Canadian Singles Chart)
Again (from Billy Klippert)
Going Under (from Naked and the Simple truth)

[edit] Biography

Billy was exposed to music at a very young age. His father (an expert accordion player) owned a musical instruments retail store in downtown Calgary. The store acted as a hub for the members of the city's music scene, and Billy was right in the middle of it. Every year Billy and his brother Benny would attend the Kimberly Accordion International Championship to watch their father play, but polkas and waltzes held no allure for the two boys especially when compared to that of rock and roll. In Billy's own words, "I learned guitar for the same reason every guy does...to impress the ladies."

The Klippert brothers formed an indie band in the hard rock genre. The act was called Kovered In Lies and it featured Benny on the drums, and Billy on guitar and vocals. The band was well received and developed a loyal local cult-following, but it was Billy who received the brunt of the accolades. With his gruff-edged voice, 6'2" frame, and blonde spiked hair Billy was a commanding frontman who could always win over the audience with his humorous nature and "nice-guy" image.

The band was managed by Gil Epneris who along with Benny traveled with Billy to Toronto to support him in his Canadian Idol bid.