William E. "Billy" Strange (born 1930, Long Beach, California) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor.
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Strange teamed up with Mac Davis to write several hit songs for Elvis Presley including "A Little Less Conversation", the theme from Charro!, and "Memories". Strange also composed the musical soundtrack for two of Elvis' films Live a Little, Love a Little and The Trouble with Girls. He also wrote "Limbo Rock" for Chubby Checker.
Strange recorded many cover versions of James Bond movie themes for GNP Crescendo Records and provided the instrumental backing and arrangement for Nancy Sinatra's non soundtrack version of "You Only Live Twice" as well as Nancy and Frank's "Somethin' Stupid". He has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame for his pioneering contribution to the genre.[1] Billy Strange was inducted into the Musicians Hall Of Fame & Museum.
Strange played guitar on numerous Beach Boys hits including "Sloop John B" and the groundbreaking Pet Sounds album. He has also played guitar for Nancy Sinatra, Jan & Dean, The Ventures, Willie Nelson, The Everly Brothers, Wanda Jackson, Randy Newman and Nat King Cole among others. One of his most famous performances is on Nancy Sinatra's version of Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).
Strange arranged and conducted all of Nancy Sinatra's Reprise albums as well as Nancy & Lee's 1972 RCA Records release, Nancy & Lee Again and their 2003 album, Nancy & Lee 3. He also arranged the 1981 Nancy Sinatra & Mel Tillis album, Mel & Nancy. He has arranged and conducted for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Duane Eddy, and Elvis Presley. One of his most famous arrangements was "These Boots are made for Walkin'" for Nancy Sinatra. Strange also performed the vocals for Steve McQueen in Baby the Rain Must Fall.[2]
Strange was married to singer and actress Joan O'Brien from 1954-1955. (child: Russell Glen Strange 10/04/1955) Also married to Betty Jo Conrad from 1960-1978. (stepson: Jerry Joseph Mitchell 10/23/1954 & Daughter: Kelly Kimberly Strange 11/11/1964)
Billy Strange Plays Roger Miller
Great Western Themes
The James Bond Theme / Walk Don't Run '64
English Hits of '65
In the Mexican Bag
Billy Strange and The Challengers"
Strange Country
12 String Guitar
Railroad Man
Secret Agent File (compilation)
Mr Guitar
Super Scary Monster Party (compilation)
Goldfinger
James Bond Double Feature
De Sade (film soundtrack)