Billy Vera
| Billy Vera | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | William Patrick McCord |
| Born |
May 28, 1944 Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, pop, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, actor, music historian |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Piano |
| Years active | 1962–present |
| Labels | Atlantic, Alfa, Macola, Capitol, Rhino, Unidisc, Pool Party, Classic World |
| Associated acts |
Judy Clay Nona Hendryx |
| Website | www |
Billy Vera (born William Patrick McCord; May 28, 1944) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, author and music historian. He has been a singer and songwriter since the 1960s, his most successful record being "At This Moment", a US number 1 hit in 1987. He continues to perform with his group Billy Vera & The Beaters, and won a Grammy Award in 2013.
Vera was born in Riverside, California, and is the son of the radio and television announcer Bill McCord. His mother, singer Ann Ryan, was a member of the Ray Charles Singers backing Perry Como on his TV show and his hit records.
He began his recording career in 1962 as a member of the Resolutions followed by the regional hit "My Heart Cries"/"All My Love" as Billy Vera & the Contrasts. He went on to a songwriting career in the 1960s, writing for Barbara Lewis, Fats Domino, The Shirelles and Ricky Nelson. He also wrote the garage band classic "Don't Look Back", performed by the Remains and later covered by Robert Plant.
In 1967 Vera, with Chip Taylor, penned "Storybook Children" and brought it to Atlantic Records. The groundbreaking decision to place former gospel singer Judy Clay with Vera in a white-black duet to record the song was a commercial and artistic success. The duo became big favorites at Harlem's Apollo Theater and their follow-up, "Country Girl-City Man" also charted. He had a solo hit single later that same year with the Bobby Goldsboro penned "With Pen in Hand", which was also the name of his next album.
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