Billy Gilman
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| Billy Gilman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Background information | ||
| Birth name | William Wendell Gilman III | |
| Also known as | Billy | |
| Born | May 24, 1988 (age 18) | |
| Origin | Hope Valley, Rhode Island, United States  |
|
| Genre(s) | Country | |
| Occupation(s) | singer | |
| Years active | 2000 until present day | |
| Label(s) | image entertainment | |
Billy Gilman (born William Wendell Gilman III May 24, 1988) is an American country music singer and songwriter.
Born in Hope Valley, Rhode Island, with his parents Mr. & Mrs. William Gilman Jr., Gilman first received notice as a performer at age seven, attracting the attention of a local vocal coach, Angela Bacari, who later became his manager. Eventually he met with Ray Benson (of Asleep at the Wheel) who helped him record demos, including "Roly Poly". Two months later he was signed by Sony Music Nashville.
His 2000 debut album, One Voice, had a very widely-played single that crossed over well into top 40 airplay. The album reached multi-platinum status, and earned a Grammy nomination. Generally touted as a child prodigy, Gilman appeared on various talk shows, such as The Oprah Winfrey Show. Classic Christmas (which was certified gold) was released later in the year.
He released Dare to Dream (certified gold) on Sony BMG Music Entertainment/Epic Records in 2001, and in 2003 released Music Through Heartsongs, an album inspired by the poetry of Mattie Stepanek. Later in 2003, he performed at a benefit for The Station nightclub fire. In May 2005, he released Everything and More, his first album since his voice changed.
Billy's latest album, self-titled, was released in September 2006 on the Image Entertainment label. The first single off the upcoming album, Southern Star, heralds a return to his country music roots. Billy is scheduled to begin working on his next album with Eddie Galan and Andrew Lane of Trilogy Productions.
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[edit] Trivia
Billy has an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest performer to record a #1 country hit ("One Voice"). He eclipsed the previous record set by Brenda Lee in the 1960's.
Billy has previously performed with Charlotte Church; they released a single together titled "Dream a Dream", otherwise known as Elysium.
Billy sings with Pam Tillis his favorite singer on his new song "Almost Over Getting Over You" on his CD "Billy Gilman"
Billy's hometown of Hope Valley, Rhode Island features a sign that says "Home of Billy Gilman" - and they once celebrated a Billy Gilman parade in which he was chauffeured through the streets of Hope Valley, singing and being celebrated by the entire town.
Billy toured with Jessica Andrews on his 29 Tour when he was 13 and Jessica was 16. He also hosted Summer on CMT in 2000 with Jessica Andrews.
Billy had his own Christmas Special on TNN with Jessica Andrews, Charlotte Church, and Santa.
Billy is on the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon every year as a co-host.
Billy is the national youth chairman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association
On September 12, 2000 only twelve weeks to the day of its release, Billy's One Voice album received Platinum certification from the RIAA, signifying One Million albums shipped.
Billy has a younger brother named Colin.
Billy's heritage is English, Scottish & French.
Billy's first televised performance was of him singing "Roly Poly" with Asleep at the Wheel at the ACM awards.
Billy's first album, "One Voice", went Gold just 4 weeks after its release on July 19th, 2000. It is now double platinum
[edit] Discography
- One Voice (2000)
- Classic Christmas (2000)
- Dare to Dream (2001)
- Music Through Heartsongs: Songs Based on the Poems of Mattie J.T. Stepanek (2003)
- Everything and More (2005)
- Billy Gilman (2006)
== /* Guest Appearances */ == Й== Guest Appearances ==
- Songs For Life Billy contributed vocals to Children of All Nations
- Prelude (Charlotte Church) Billy recorded a duet called "Dream A Dream" with Charlotte Church
- Stuart Little 2 Soundtrack Various Artist- Billy contributed vocals to "Count On Me"
- America's Country Various Artist- Billy's song "There's A Hero" was featured
- Totally Country Various Artist- Billy's hit song One Voice was included.
- God Bless America Various Artist- Billy's hit song "There's A Hero" was included
- Country Goes Raffi Various Artist- Billy sang Baby Beluga
- All Star Christmas Various Artist- Billy sang Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
- Another Rosie Christmas Various Artist- Billy sang "I'm Going To E-mail Santa"
- What More Can I Give Various Artists- Had one line in the son by Michael Jackson.
[edit] Singles on Disc
- Oklahoma
- One Voice
- She's My Girl
- Elisabeth
