by Josh Belcher
Billy Block, drummer extraordinaire, and next to Steve Wariner, ranks at the top of the list of nicest musicians I have ever encountered in Music City. I have enjoyed The Billy Block Show since as long as I can remember, even from when I started cutting my teeth as a drummer and watching Billy perform with bands and artists anywhere from Rodney Crowell to Keith Urban and back. He is a true Nashville Kat -a drummer’s drummer and he has a style to envy as he can play with any band in any format. He is noted for helping some of the greatest current artists of today get their start in the industry by having them as guests on his famous radio program. A few honorable mentions are Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves all who have participated in the 58 year old drummer/ producer’s program.
Billy Block as of last December was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma. In an effort to help Billy and his family with their extensive medical bills that have resulted from cancer treatments, Puckett’s Boat House in Downtown Franklin is holding a “Billy Block Beats Cancer Night” on July 3rd. Beginning at 3pm the restaurant will contribute 10 percent of all sales towards The Billy Block Fund in an effort to help out.
The program featuring Billy Block titled: Capt. Billy’s Whiz Bang Live Blues Radio Show, will be at the Boat House that night from 7-9 p.m. There is no cover charge for the show, however all donations for the Billy Block Fund are welcomed.
For more information on Puckett’s Boat House go to www.puckettsboathouse.com or visit facebook.com/puckettsboathouse.
I spoke with the Drumming Legend Billy Block about the show:
WS: How did this particular event come to Puckett’s Boat House in Franklin?
BB: We have been performing at Puckett’s for a couple of years and I really love Andy and his team over there and Amy and I get along great. I have been doing a variety of shows. I started doing a Gospel Sunday supper Downtown with them and then we started doing a Blues Night which turned into Capt. Billy’s Whiz Bang Live Blues Bang which is our live webcast and radio show. And then Amy, when she found out I was diagnosed with cancer said they wanted to do something nice and said well what if we donate 10 percent of all the proceeds on July the 3rd. And I thought well what a wonderful thing to do.
WS: Who do you have Scheduled to perform?
BB: We have got one of the most incredible teenage guitar players in the country, John Reno Prentis, is going to perform. We also have the Queen of the Blues of Franklin, Lil Queeny, there as well. Also my boys are part of the show Rocky Block and Grady Block are going to come down and play. Probably Derrick St. Holmes from Ted Nugent’s band, he was the vocalist on all of Ted Nugent’s greatest and recognizable hits. On Saxophone we will probably have John Tibon playing with us, and John produced Steve Cropper’s last record. And just like all other Billy Block shows you never know who is going to show up to perform at any given night.
WS: If people want to contribute in other ways to you how can they help?
BB: Yes there is. We have a pay pal account where you can go to paypal.com and it is [email protected] you can contribute that way.
WS: As a Drummer are you more technical or in the groove kind of play by ear? As a drummer myself I was just curious.
BB: I am all about the groove and all about the song. It is all about grooving and capturing the essence of the song whatever it may be.
Photo courtesy of musicrow.com
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