Billy Byrd
William Lewis Byrd (17 February 1920 – 7 August 2001) was an American country lead guitarist (with some jazz leanings) and studio musician who performed with Ernest Tubb, the Oak Ridge Quartet, Tex Ritter, George Hamilton IV, Jimmy Dickens and others. He helped to popularize the role of the electric lead guitarist in country music and, with fellow guitarist Hank Garland, was responsible for input into the design of the Gibson Byrdland guitar, named after parts of the names of both players.
Billy Byrd | |
|---|---|
Byrd performing with Ernest Tubb's band in the 1950s (still frame from film clip) | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Lewis Byrd |
| Born | 17 February 1920 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | 7 August 2001 (aged 81) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Years active | 1938–1973 |
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