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<div itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<link itemprop="additionalType" href="http://schema.org/Performer"/>
<link itemprop="mainEntityOfPage" href="https://www.facebook.com/BillyBlockDocumentary/" />
{{Infobox musical artist_micro
| honorific_prefix =
| name = Billy Block
| honorific_suffix =
| image =
| image_size =
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt =
| caption =
| background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| birth_name = William Donald Block
| alias = Mr. Nashville
| birth_date = {{birth date|1955|08|10}}
| birth_place = [[Wikipedia:Houston, Texas|Houston, Texas]]
| origin = [[Wikipedia:Houston, Texas|Houston, Texas]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2015|03|11|1955|08|10}}
| death_place =
| genre = [[Wikipedia:Alternative country|Alternative country]], [[Wikipedia:Americana|Americana]]
| Occupations = Musician, journalist, broadcaster
| instrument =
| years_active = 1972–2015
| label =
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|https://www.facebook.com/BillyBlockDocumentary/|Billy Block Documentary (Facebook)}}
| notable_instruments = drums, bass
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
}}
<div itemprop="description">
'''Billy Block''' (August 10, 1955 - March 11, 2015) also known as Mr. Nashville,<ref name="Mr Nashville"/> was a musician, journalist, actor, publisher, television and radio personality. Block was a tireless promoter of independent musicians, primary in the [[Wikipedia:Alternative country|Alternative country]] - [[Wikipedia:Americana|Americana]] genres. He hosted ''Billy Block's Western Beat'', a live concert-format radio show for over thirty years.<ref name="WKRN Mr. Nashville - radio"/>
</div>
</div>
==Background==
At age 15, Block worked around his school schedule in a music store and playing clubs in the Houston, Texas area with artists: Shake Russell, [[Wikipedia:B.W. Stevenson|B.W. Stevenson]], [[Wikipedia:Roger Tause|Roger Tause]] and [[Wikipedia:Billy Joe Shaver|Billy Joe Shaver]]. [[Wikipedia:Huey P. Meaux|Huey Mo]] hired Block at Sugar Hill Studios where he played drums on two [[Wikipedia:Freddy Fender|Freddy Fender]] albums.<ref name=pureMusicInterview/> Primarily a drummer, Block is credited with bass on ''Elvis: The First Live Recordings'' (1984).<ref name="AllMusic Elvis"/> Block was also the Houston editor of ''Buddy Magazine''.<ref name="MusicRow Billy Passes"/>
In 1985, Block moved to Venice, California, he landed a job as the house drummer for the [[Wikipedia:Palomino Club (North Hollywood)|Palomino Club]] for the ''Ronnie Mack Barn Dance'' show in 1987, he held the job until his departure to [[Wikipedia:Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] in 1995. Block also worked as a bandleader, actor, dancer and singer at [[Wikipedia:The Walt Disney Company|The Walt Disney Company]]. A national commercial for Disney led to additional commercials for Carrows Restaurants, [[Wikipedia:Miller beer|Miller beer]] and [[Wikipedia:Kentucky Fried Chicken|Kentucky Fried Chicken]].<ref name=pureMusicInterviewOnline /><ref name=pureMusicInterview />
In 1991, Block met and married his wife Jill Rochlitz,<ref name="| Almanac Online | 2003"/> and ''Western Beat'' was created at the Highland Grounds coffee house in [[Wikipedia:Hollywood, California|Hollywood]] in the same year. The first ''Western Beat'' show included: [[Wikipedia:Wendy Waldman|Wendy Waldman]], [[Wikipedia:Rick Vincent|Rick Vincent]], [[Wikipedia:Jim Lauderdale|Jim Lauderdale]], slide guitarist Jimmy Sloan, Mandy Mercier and Annie Harvey among others.<ref name=pureMusicInterview/>
==''Western Beat''==
Increasing the show's reach in 1993, ''Western Beat'' hosted a showcase of Los Angeles artists at the [[Wikipedia:Wildhorse Saloon|Wildhorse Saloon]] in Nashville. By 1995, Billy and Jill were interested in owning a home and starting a family, they were considering Nashville. Block had been writing for [[Wikipedia:Music Connection|''Music Connection'']] magazine for six years, and his band, the Zydeco Party Band, was calling it quits, Block took a writing gig at [[Wikipedia:Music Row Magazine|''Music Row Magazine'']] in 1995.<ref name=pureMusicInterview/>
::"It was a great place to start in Nashville, because ''Music Row Magazine'' is the epicenter of the industry. All the information about everything comes through that office. [...] Working there put me on the fast track into the very heart of Nashville. Six months into my tenure at Music Row, I got a call from Woody Bomar to start doing some sessions with [[Wikipedia:John Scott Sherrill|John Scott Sherrill]]."
:::-- '''Billy Block''', "A Conversation with Billy Block, Western Beat Impresario", by Frank Goodman, September 2001.
In 1999, ''Billy Block’s Western Beat Roots Revival'' began airing on Saturday nights on [[Wikipedia:WSIX-FM|WSIX-FM]] Nashville, the five hour show previously aired on Power Country 102.9 (WZPC) until the station moved to a rock format.<ref name="Radio 1999 Billboard"/>
''Western Beat With Billy Block'' premiered on [[Wikipedia:CMT (U.S. TV channel)|Country Music Television]] (CMT) on July 2, 2003, featuring guest performers, [[Wikipedia:Trisha Yearwood|Trisha Yearwood]], [[Wikipedia:Allison Moorer|Allison Moorer]] and [[Wikipedia:Lonesome Bob|Lonesome Bob]]. <ref name="CMT 2003"/> The show was short lived, other artists included: [[Wikipedia:Gary Allan|Gary Allan]], [[Wikipedia:Hank Williams III|Hank Williams III]], [[Wikipedia:The Derailers|The Derailers]], [[Wikipedia:Michael McDonald (singer)|Michael McDonald]], [[Wikipedia:Buddy and Julie Miller|Buddy and Julie Miller]], [[Wikipedia:Ralph Stanley|Ralph Stanley]], [[Wikipedia:Allison Moorer|Allison Moorer]], [[Wikipedia:BR549|BR549]] and Kevin Gordon.<ref name="CMT’s Block Party"/><ref name="USA Today"/>
== Passing ==
Block's passing at age 59 in 2015, was a shock to the community. His fight with cancer was documented in [[Wikipedia:Nashville Scene|''Nashville Scene'']] magazine,<ref name="Nashville Scene 2014"/> he was eulogized in [[Wikipedia: USA Today|''USA Today'']],<ref name="USA Today"/> [[Wikipedia:CMT (U.S. TV channel)|''CMT'']]<ref name="Shelburne 2015"/> [[Wikipedia:Music Connection|''Music Connection'']] magazine,<ref name="Music Connection Magazine 2015"/> and [[Wikipedia:Taste Of Country|''Taste Of Country'']] magazine.<ref name="Taste of Country 2015"/> Block is survived by his wife Jill and sons Rocky and Grady Block, Micheal Hughes and Shandon Mayes.<ref name="USA Today"/>
* Nashville Downtown Partnerships sponsored Billy Block Day concerts in 2016 and 2017.<ref name="Downtown Nashville 2016"/><ref name="Downtown Nashville 2017"/>
== Discography ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+ Billy Block Discography<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web | title=Billy Block - Credits | website=AllMusic | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/billy-block-mn0000082425/credits | access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref>
! Year !! Album !! Artist !! Role
|-
| 1973 || ''Apothecary'' || Apothecary || Bass
|-
| 1977 || ''If You Don't Love Me'' || Freddy Fender || Drums
|-
| 1984 || ''Elvis: The First Live Recordings'' || Elvis Presley || Bass
|-
| 1990 || ''King Cake Party'' || Doug Legacy || Drums, Rub
|-
| 1991 || ''Cutting Their Own Groove'' || Big Daddy || Guest Artist, Drums
|-
| 1991 || ''Fables and Other Realities'' || John Trudell || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 1992 || ''20 More Explosive Fantastic Rockin' Mega Smash Hit Explosions!'' || || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 1992 || ''AKA Grafitti Man'' || John Trudell || Piano, Percussion
|-
| 1992 || ''Town South of Bakersfield, Vol. 3'' || || Drums, Tambourine
|-
| 1992 || ''Traveler'' || California || Drums
|-
| 1993 || ''Conmemorativo: A Tribute to Gram Parsons'' || || Percussion
|-
| 1994 || ''Johnny Damas and Me'' || John Trudell || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 1994 || ''Kindred Way'' || Kindred Way || Drums
|-
| 1994 || ''Land of Hope and Crosby'' || The Coal Porters || Drums, Timbales
|-
| 1994 || ''Vol. 1: Rhythm & Folk'' || Kindred Way || Drums
|-
| 1995 || ''Big Hits'' || Tony Orlando || Drums
|-
| 1995 || ''Los London'' || The Coal Porters || Drums
|-
| 1995 || ''Next Time'' || Katie Trickett || Musician
|-
| 1996 || ''Invisible Birds'' || Will Ray || Drums
|-
| 1996 || ''Man Like Me'' || Alan Boivin || Drums
|-
| 1996 || ''Rebels Without Applause'' || The Coal Porters || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 1998 || ''Pink & Black'' || Rick Vito || Drums
|-
| 1998 || ''Real: The Tom T. Hall Project'' || || Drums
|-
| 1999 || ''R&B: From Doo Wop to Hip Hop'' || || Editorial Director
|-
| 2000 || ''Fire, Honey and Angels'' || The Walt Wilkins Band || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 2000 || ''The Best of Big Daddy'' || Big Daddy || Drums
|-
| 2000 || ''Wisteria'' || Robin Pearl || Drums
|-
| 2001 || ''The Fine Print'' || Mark Islam || Drums
|-
| 2002 || ''Dressed in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash'' || || Vocals, Drums
|-
| 2002 || ''Rivertown'' || Walt Wilkins || Drums
|-
| 2002 || ''Time Spent'' || Shake Russell Band || Drums
|-
| 2003 || ''Rockin' Thru the Years'' || Billy Adams || Producer
|-
| 2003 || ''You're Not Alone'' || Essra Mohawk || Drums
|-
| 2004 || ''Bac'' || Mike Cullison || Drums, Musician
|-
| 2004 || ''Teardrops & Diamonds'' || The Woodys || Additional Personnel, Drums
|-
| 2004 || ''The Best of Zydeco Party Band'' || Zydeco Party Band || Vocals, Drums, Rubboard
|-
| 2004 || ''The Blue Side'' || Ericson Holt || Drums
|-
| 2004 || ''Uncomplicated'' || Ellis Hooks || Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''Godson of Soul'' || Ellis Hooks || Main Personnel, Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''Honeycomb'' || Frank Black || Main Personnel, Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''Texas Fed, Texas Bred: Redefining Country Music, Vol. 1'' || || Vocals, Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''The Hand of God'' || Ellis Hooks || Main Personnel, Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''Think of Me'' || Little Milton || Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''To: Kate - A Benefit for Kate's Sake'' || || Producer, Drums, Percussion
|-
| 2006 || ''15 Years Crazy Music'' || || Primary Artist
|-
| 2006 || ''American Music: The Hightone Records Story [Box Set]'' || || Tambourine
|-
| 2006 || ''Fast Man Raider Man'' || Frank Black || Main Personnel, Drums, Vocals (Background)
|-
| 2006 || ''Lucky Star'' || Buck Jones || Producer, Drums
|-
| 2006 || ''Sailover'' || P.F. Sloan || Drums, Tabla, Tambourine, Percussion
|-
| 2007 || ''93-03'' || Frank Black || Musician
|-
| 2007 || ''Another Saturday Morning'' || Ellis Hooks || Drums
|-
| 2007 || ''Another Sleepless Night'' || David Serby || Drums
|-
| 2007 || ''Intuition'' || Betty Harris || Drums
|-
| 2008 || ''Detachment'' || Pete Mroz || Drums, Musician
|-
| 2008 || ''Hello Cruel World'' || Mars Arizona || Drums
|-
| 2008 || ''Is Anybody Out There?'' || Garnet Mimms || Drums
|-
| 2008 || ''Some Unfinished Business, Vol. 1'' || Walter Hyatt || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 2009 || ''Alchemy'' || Tom Mason || Vocals, Drums
|-
| 2011 || ''Dedicated: A Salute to the 5 Royales'' || Steve Cropper || Photography, Tambourine
|-
| 2011 || ''The Collection 1983-1992'' || John Trudell || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 2012|| ''Shortcuts To Infinity/Symptomology'' || Stephen Kalinich / Jon Tiven / Yo Ma Ma || Drums, Guest Artist
|-
| 2012 || ''Stick Pony'' || Bum Steers || Composer
|-
| 2015 || ''Needle in a Haystack'' || Ellis Hooks || Drums
|-
| 2016 || ''Break Time'' || Garry Tallent || Washboard
|-
| 2017 || ''Battle Creek Transit Authority: Live in Concert'' || Brass Band of Battle Creek || Composer
|-
| 2017 || ''Honkin' & Jivin' at the Palomino!'' || Big Jay McNeely || Drums
|}
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<!--<ref name=cmtAnnounce>
{{cite web|title=CMT News|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1476546/cmts-block-party.jhtml|work=CMT's Block Party|publisher=[[Wikipedia:Country Music Television]]|accessdate=26 January 2013|date=17 March 2000|quote=Since Billy Block, Nashville's infamous banner-waver of alt. country, began his Western Beat Roots Revival show in 1996, he has showcased the best of Americana music from country to folk to rockabilly.}}</ref> -->
<ref name=pureMusicInterviewOnline>
{{cite web|title=Pure Music Interview |last=Goodman|first=Frank|url=http://www.puremusic.com/cover10.html|work=A Conversation with Billy Block, Western Beat Impresario|publisher=Pure Music|accessdate=26 January 2013|pages=6|date=September 2000|archive-date= 26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527053250/http://www.puremusic.com/cover10.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name=pureMusicInterview>{{cite news|last1=Goodman|first1=Frank|url=http://www.puremusic.com/pdf/billyblock.pdf|title=A Conversation with Billy Block, Western Beat Impresario|accessdate=15 March 2015|publisher=PureMusic|date=September 2001|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315175123/http://www.puremusic.com/pdf/billyblock.pdf|archive-date=15 March 2015}}</ref>
<!--<ref name=CST>
{{cite news|title=Billy Block, CMT hope they have the beat, the Western Beat|url=http://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/article.asp?xid=863|accessdate=26 January 2013|newspaper=Country Standard Time|author=Jeffrey B. Remz|month=June|year=2000|quote="Western Beat is a new brand of country that broadens the parameters of what is widely considered country music," Block says. "We include everything from rock to rockabilly and blues to bluegrass creating a diverse format that appears to a broad demographic.}}</ref> -->
<!--<ref name=CMT>
{{cite web|title=CMT Salutes Country's Independence: Alt-Country Bows in New Show From Nashville|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1472613/cmt-salutes-countrys-independence-alt-country-bows-in-new-show-from-nashville/|work=Alt-Country Bows in New Show From Nashville|publisher=CMT Music|accessdate=26 January 2013|author=Shannon Wayne Turner|date=30 June 2000}}</ref>-->
<ref name="MusicRow Billy Passes">
{{cite news|last1=Oermann|first1=Robert K.|title=LifeNotes: Americana’s Impresario Billy Block Passes|url=http://www.musicrow.com/2015/03/lifenotes-americanas-impresario-billy-block-passes/|accessdate=15 March 2015|publisher=MusicRow|date=11 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315172947/http://www.musicrow.com/2015/03/lifenotes-americanas-impresario-billy-block-passes/|archivedate=15 March 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="Mr Nashville">{{cite news|last1=Thanki|first1=Juli|title=Billy Block, 'Mr. Nashville,' dies at 59|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/03/11/billy-block-mr-nashville-passes-away/70167570/|accessdate=15 March 2015|publisher=[[Wikipedia:The Tennessean]]|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="WKRN Mr. Nashville - radio">{{cite web|author1=WKRN web staff|title=Longtime Nashville radio host Billy Block dies at 59|url=http://wkrn.com/2015/03/11/longtime-nashville-radio-host-billy-block-dies-at-59/|publisher=WKRN Nashville|accessdate=15 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315200955/http://wkrn.com/2015/03/11/longtime-nashville-radio-host-billy-block-dies-at-59/|archivedate=15 March 2015|date=11 March 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="CMT 2003">{{cite web|author1=Shannon Wayne Turner|title=CMT Salutes Country’s Independence: Alt-Country Bows in New Show From Nashville|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1472613/cmt-salutes-countrys-independence-alt-country-bows-in-new-show-from-nashville/|publisher=[[Wikipedia:CMT (U.S. TV channel)|CMT]]|accessdate=12 December 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212170941/http://www.cmt.com/news/1472613/cmt-salutes-countrys-independence-alt-country-bows-in-new-show-from-nashville/|archivedate=12 December 2015|date=12 June 2003}}</ref>
<ref name="Radio 1999 Billboard">{{cite news|author1=Cheg Flippo|title=Nashville Scene|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg0EAAAAMBAJ|accessdate=12 December 2015|publisher=''[[Wikipedia:Billboard Magazine]]''|date=29 May 1999|page=32}}</ref>
<ref name="USA Today">{{cite news|title=Billy Block, champion of roots music, dies at age 59|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/03/11/billy-block-champion-roots-music-dies-age/70179754/|accessdate=15 May 2016|publisher=''[[Wikipedia:USA Today]]''|date=11 March 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="CMT’s Block Party">{{cite web|title=CMT’s Block Party|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1476546/cmts-block-party/|publisher=[[Wikipedia:CMT]]|accessdate=15 May 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515083327/http://www.cmt.com/news/1476546/cmts-block-party/|archivedate=15 May 2016|date=11 August 2003}}</ref>
<ref name="| Almanac Online | 2003">{{cite web | title=Jill Block returns to her roots (June 04, 2003) | website=| Almanac Online | | date=2003-06-04 | url=https://www.almanacnews.com/morgue/2003/2003_06_04.jill.html | access-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627014725/http://www.almanacnews.com:80/morgue/2003/2003_06_04.jill.html|archive-date = 2007-05-27}}</ref>
<ref name="Nashville Scene 2014">{{cite web | title=Famed Nashville Radio Host and Drummer Billy Block Fighting Cancer | website=Nashville Scene | date=2014-01-06 | url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/article/13052022/famed-nashville-radio-host-and-drummer-billy-block-fighting-cancer | access-date=2018-05-27 | archive-date=2018-05-27| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180527063424/https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/article/13052022/famed-nashville-radio-host-and-drummer-billy-block-fighting-cancer|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Shelburne 2015">{{cite web | last=Shelburne | first=Craig | title=Billy Block, Advocate for Alt-Country, Dies at 59 | website=CMT News | date=2015-03-11 | url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1751821/billy-block-advocate-for-alt-country-dies-at-59/ | access-date=2018-05-27| archive-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527064059/http://www.cmt.com/news/1751821/billy-block-advocate-for-alt-country-dies-at-59/|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Taste of Country 2015">{{cite web | title=Americana King Billy Block Dead at 59 | website=Taste of Country | date=2015-03-12 | url=http://tasteofcountry.com/billy-block-dead/ | access-date=2018-05-27|| archive-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527064530/http://tasteofcountry.com/billy-block-dead/|dead-url=no
}}</ref>
<ref name="Music Connection Magazine 2015">{{cite web | title=R.I.P. Billy Block | website=Music Connection Magazine | date=2015-03-11 | url=http://www.musicconnection.com/r-i-p-billy-block/ | access-date=2018-05-27|| archive-date=2018-05-27| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180527065629/http://www.musicconnection.com/r-i-p-billy-block/|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Downtown Nashville 2017">{{cite web | title=Billy Block Day - Events Calendar | website=Downtown Nashville | date=2018-04-15 | url=https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/do/billy-block-day | access-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527070242/https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/do/billy-block-day|archive-date=2018-05-27|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Downtown Nashville 2016">{{cite web | title=Inaugural Billy Block Day Reunion Concert & Nashville Spirit Awards - Events Calendar | website=Downtown Nashville | date=2018-04-15 | url=https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/do/inaugural-billy-block-day-reunion-concert-and-nashville-spirit-awards | access-date=2018-05-27| archive-date=2018-05-27|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180527070838/https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/do/inaugural-billy-block-day-reunion-concert-and-nashville-spirit-awards|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="AllMusic Elvis">{{cite web | title=Elvis: The First Live Recordings - Elvis Presley - Credits | website=AllMusic | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/elvis-the-first-live-recordings-mw0000862142/credits | access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref>
}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.producers.wiki/wiki/Billy_Block Producers.wiki -- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.]
[[Category:imported]]
<link itemprop="additionalType" href="http://schema.org/Performer"/>
<link itemprop="mainEntityOfPage" href="https://www.facebook.com/BillyBlockDocumentary/" />
{{Infobox musical artist_micro
| honorific_prefix =
| name = Billy Block
| honorific_suffix =
| image =
| image_size =
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt =
| caption =
| background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| birth_name = William Donald Block
| alias = Mr. Nashville
| birth_date = {{birth date|1955|08|10}}
| birth_place = [[Wikipedia:Houston, Texas|Houston, Texas]]
| origin = [[Wikipedia:Houston, Texas|Houston, Texas]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2015|03|11|1955|08|10}}
| death_place =
| genre = [[Wikipedia:Alternative country|Alternative country]], [[Wikipedia:Americana|Americana]]
| Occupations = Musician, journalist, broadcaster
| instrument =
| years_active = 1972–2015
| label =
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|https://www.facebook.com/BillyBlockDocumentary/|Billy Block Documentary (Facebook)}}
| notable_instruments = drums, bass
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
}}
<div itemprop="description">
'''Billy Block''' (August 10, 1955 - March 11, 2015) also known as Mr. Nashville,<ref name="Mr Nashville"/> was a musician, journalist, actor, publisher, television and radio personality. Block was a tireless promoter of independent musicians, primary in the [[Wikipedia:Alternative country|Alternative country]] - [[Wikipedia:Americana|Americana]] genres. He hosted ''Billy Block's Western Beat'', a live concert-format radio show for over thirty years.<ref name="WKRN Mr. Nashville - radio"/>
</div>
</div>
==Background==
At age 15, Block worked around his school schedule in a music store and playing clubs in the Houston, Texas area with artists: Shake Russell, [[Wikipedia:B.W. Stevenson|B.W. Stevenson]], [[Wikipedia:Roger Tause|Roger Tause]] and [[Wikipedia:Billy Joe Shaver|Billy Joe Shaver]]. [[Wikipedia:Huey P. Meaux|Huey Mo]] hired Block at Sugar Hill Studios where he played drums on two [[Wikipedia:Freddy Fender|Freddy Fender]] albums.<ref name=pureMusicInterview/> Primarily a drummer, Block is credited with bass on ''Elvis: The First Live Recordings'' (1984).<ref name="AllMusic Elvis"/> Block was also the Houston editor of ''Buddy Magazine''.<ref name="MusicRow Billy Passes"/>
In 1985, Block moved to Venice, California, he landed a job as the house drummer for the [[Wikipedia:Palomino Club (North Hollywood)|Palomino Club]] for the ''Ronnie Mack Barn Dance'' show in 1987, he held the job until his departure to [[Wikipedia:Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] in 1995. Block also worked as a bandleader, actor, dancer and singer at [[Wikipedia:The Walt Disney Company|The Walt Disney Company]]. A national commercial for Disney led to additional commercials for Carrows Restaurants, [[Wikipedia:Miller beer|Miller beer]] and [[Wikipedia:Kentucky Fried Chicken|Kentucky Fried Chicken]].<ref name=pureMusicInterviewOnline /><ref name=pureMusicInterview />
In 1991, Block met and married his wife Jill Rochlitz,<ref name="| Almanac Online | 2003"/> and ''Western Beat'' was created at the Highland Grounds coffee house in [[Wikipedia:Hollywood, California|Hollywood]] in the same year. The first ''Western Beat'' show included: [[Wikipedia:Wendy Waldman|Wendy Waldman]], [[Wikipedia:Rick Vincent|Rick Vincent]], [[Wikipedia:Jim Lauderdale|Jim Lauderdale]], slide guitarist Jimmy Sloan, Mandy Mercier and Annie Harvey among others.<ref name=pureMusicInterview/>
==''Western Beat''==
Increasing the show's reach in 1993, ''Western Beat'' hosted a showcase of Los Angeles artists at the [[Wikipedia:Wildhorse Saloon|Wildhorse Saloon]] in Nashville. By 1995, Billy and Jill were interested in owning a home and starting a family, they were considering Nashville. Block had been writing for [[Wikipedia:Music Connection|''Music Connection'']] magazine for six years, and his band, the Zydeco Party Band, was calling it quits, Block took a writing gig at [[Wikipedia:Music Row Magazine|''Music Row Magazine'']] in 1995.<ref name=pureMusicInterview/>
::"It was a great place to start in Nashville, because ''Music Row Magazine'' is the epicenter of the industry. All the information about everything comes through that office. [...] Working there put me on the fast track into the very heart of Nashville. Six months into my tenure at Music Row, I got a call from Woody Bomar to start doing some sessions with [[Wikipedia:John Scott Sherrill|John Scott Sherrill]]."
:::-- '''Billy Block''', "A Conversation with Billy Block, Western Beat Impresario", by Frank Goodman, September 2001.
In 1999, ''Billy Block’s Western Beat Roots Revival'' began airing on Saturday nights on [[Wikipedia:WSIX-FM|WSIX-FM]] Nashville, the five hour show previously aired on Power Country 102.9 (WZPC) until the station moved to a rock format.<ref name="Radio 1999 Billboard"/>
''Western Beat With Billy Block'' premiered on [[Wikipedia:CMT (U.S. TV channel)|Country Music Television]] (CMT) on July 2, 2003, featuring guest performers, [[Wikipedia:Trisha Yearwood|Trisha Yearwood]], [[Wikipedia:Allison Moorer|Allison Moorer]] and [[Wikipedia:Lonesome Bob|Lonesome Bob]]. <ref name="CMT 2003"/> The show was short lived, other artists included: [[Wikipedia:Gary Allan|Gary Allan]], [[Wikipedia:Hank Williams III|Hank Williams III]], [[Wikipedia:The Derailers|The Derailers]], [[Wikipedia:Michael McDonald (singer)|Michael McDonald]], [[Wikipedia:Buddy and Julie Miller|Buddy and Julie Miller]], [[Wikipedia:Ralph Stanley|Ralph Stanley]], [[Wikipedia:Allison Moorer|Allison Moorer]], [[Wikipedia:BR549|BR549]] and Kevin Gordon.<ref name="CMT’s Block Party"/><ref name="USA Today"/>
== Passing ==
Block's passing at age 59 in 2015, was a shock to the community. His fight with cancer was documented in [[Wikipedia:Nashville Scene|''Nashville Scene'']] magazine,<ref name="Nashville Scene 2014"/> he was eulogized in [[Wikipedia: USA Today|''USA Today'']],<ref name="USA Today"/> [[Wikipedia:CMT (U.S. TV channel)|''CMT'']]<ref name="Shelburne 2015"/> [[Wikipedia:Music Connection|''Music Connection'']] magazine,<ref name="Music Connection Magazine 2015"/> and [[Wikipedia:Taste Of Country|''Taste Of Country'']] magazine.<ref name="Taste of Country 2015"/> Block is survived by his wife Jill and sons Rocky and Grady Block, Micheal Hughes and Shandon Mayes.<ref name="USA Today"/>
* Nashville Downtown Partnerships sponsored Billy Block Day concerts in 2016 and 2017.<ref name="Downtown Nashville 2016"/><ref name="Downtown Nashville 2017"/>
== Discography ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+ Billy Block Discography<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web | title=Billy Block - Credits | website=AllMusic | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/billy-block-mn0000082425/credits | access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref>
! Year !! Album !! Artist !! Role
|-
| 1973 || ''Apothecary'' || Apothecary || Bass
|-
| 1977 || ''If You Don't Love Me'' || Freddy Fender || Drums
|-
| 1984 || ''Elvis: The First Live Recordings'' || Elvis Presley || Bass
|-
| 1990 || ''King Cake Party'' || Doug Legacy || Drums, Rub
|-
| 1991 || ''Cutting Their Own Groove'' || Big Daddy || Guest Artist, Drums
|-
| 1991 || ''Fables and Other Realities'' || John Trudell || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 1992 || ''20 More Explosive Fantastic Rockin' Mega Smash Hit Explosions!'' || || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 1992 || ''AKA Grafitti Man'' || John Trudell || Piano, Percussion
|-
| 1992 || ''Town South of Bakersfield, Vol. 3'' || || Drums, Tambourine
|-
| 1992 || ''Traveler'' || California || Drums
|-
| 1993 || ''Conmemorativo: A Tribute to Gram Parsons'' || || Percussion
|-
| 1994 || ''Johnny Damas and Me'' || John Trudell || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 1994 || ''Kindred Way'' || Kindred Way || Drums
|-
| 1994 || ''Land of Hope and Crosby'' || The Coal Porters || Drums, Timbales
|-
| 1994 || ''Vol. 1: Rhythm & Folk'' || Kindred Way || Drums
|-
| 1995 || ''Big Hits'' || Tony Orlando || Drums
|-
| 1995 || ''Los London'' || The Coal Porters || Drums
|-
| 1995 || ''Next Time'' || Katie Trickett || Musician
|-
| 1996 || ''Invisible Birds'' || Will Ray || Drums
|-
| 1996 || ''Man Like Me'' || Alan Boivin || Drums
|-
| 1996 || ''Rebels Without Applause'' || The Coal Porters || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 1998 || ''Pink & Black'' || Rick Vito || Drums
|-
| 1998 || ''Real: The Tom T. Hall Project'' || || Drums
|-
| 1999 || ''R&B: From Doo Wop to Hip Hop'' || || Editorial Director
|-
| 2000 || ''Fire, Honey and Angels'' || The Walt Wilkins Band || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 2000 || ''The Best of Big Daddy'' || Big Daddy || Drums
|-
| 2000 || ''Wisteria'' || Robin Pearl || Drums
|-
| 2001 || ''The Fine Print'' || Mark Islam || Drums
|-
| 2002 || ''Dressed in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash'' || || Vocals, Drums
|-
| 2002 || ''Rivertown'' || Walt Wilkins || Drums
|-
| 2002 || ''Time Spent'' || Shake Russell Band || Drums
|-
| 2003 || ''Rockin' Thru the Years'' || Billy Adams || Producer
|-
| 2003 || ''You're Not Alone'' || Essra Mohawk || Drums
|-
| 2004 || ''Bac'' || Mike Cullison || Drums, Musician
|-
| 2004 || ''Teardrops & Diamonds'' || The Woodys || Additional Personnel, Drums
|-
| 2004 || ''The Best of Zydeco Party Band'' || Zydeco Party Band || Vocals, Drums, Rubboard
|-
| 2004 || ''The Blue Side'' || Ericson Holt || Drums
|-
| 2004 || ''Uncomplicated'' || Ellis Hooks || Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''Godson of Soul'' || Ellis Hooks || Main Personnel, Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''Honeycomb'' || Frank Black || Main Personnel, Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''Texas Fed, Texas Bred: Redefining Country Music, Vol. 1'' || || Vocals, Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''The Hand of God'' || Ellis Hooks || Main Personnel, Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''Think of Me'' || Little Milton || Drums
|-
| 2005 || ''To: Kate - A Benefit for Kate's Sake'' || || Producer, Drums, Percussion
|-
| 2006 || ''15 Years Crazy Music'' || || Primary Artist
|-
| 2006 || ''American Music: The Hightone Records Story [Box Set]'' || || Tambourine
|-
| 2006 || ''Fast Man Raider Man'' || Frank Black || Main Personnel, Drums, Vocals (Background)
|-
| 2006 || ''Lucky Star'' || Buck Jones || Producer, Drums
|-
| 2006 || ''Sailover'' || P.F. Sloan || Drums, Tabla, Tambourine, Percussion
|-
| 2007 || ''93-03'' || Frank Black || Musician
|-
| 2007 || ''Another Saturday Morning'' || Ellis Hooks || Drums
|-
| 2007 || ''Another Sleepless Night'' || David Serby || Drums
|-
| 2007 || ''Intuition'' || Betty Harris || Drums
|-
| 2008 || ''Detachment'' || Pete Mroz || Drums, Musician
|-
| 2008 || ''Hello Cruel World'' || Mars Arizona || Drums
|-
| 2008 || ''Is Anybody Out There?'' || Garnet Mimms || Drums
|-
| 2008 || ''Some Unfinished Business, Vol. 1'' || Walter Hyatt || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 2009 || ''Alchemy'' || Tom Mason || Vocals, Drums
|-
| 2011 || ''Dedicated: A Salute to the 5 Royales'' || Steve Cropper || Photography, Tambourine
|-
| 2011 || ''The Collection 1983-1992'' || John Trudell || Drums, Percussion
|-
| 2012|| ''Shortcuts To Infinity/Symptomology'' || Stephen Kalinich / Jon Tiven / Yo Ma Ma || Drums, Guest Artist
|-
| 2012 || ''Stick Pony'' || Bum Steers || Composer
|-
| 2015 || ''Needle in a Haystack'' || Ellis Hooks || Drums
|-
| 2016 || ''Break Time'' || Garry Tallent || Washboard
|-
| 2017 || ''Battle Creek Transit Authority: Live in Concert'' || Brass Band of Battle Creek || Composer
|-
| 2017 || ''Honkin' & Jivin' at the Palomino!'' || Big Jay McNeely || Drums
|}
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<!--<ref name=cmtAnnounce>
{{cite web|title=CMT News|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1476546/cmts-block-party.jhtml|work=CMT's Block Party|publisher=[[Wikipedia:Country Music Television]]|accessdate=26 January 2013|date=17 March 2000|quote=Since Billy Block, Nashville's infamous banner-waver of alt. country, began his Western Beat Roots Revival show in 1996, he has showcased the best of Americana music from country to folk to rockabilly.}}</ref> -->
<ref name=pureMusicInterviewOnline>
{{cite web|title=Pure Music Interview |last=Goodman|first=Frank|url=http://www.puremusic.com/cover10.html|work=A Conversation with Billy Block, Western Beat Impresario|publisher=Pure Music|accessdate=26 January 2013|pages=6|date=September 2000|archive-date= 26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527053250/http://www.puremusic.com/cover10.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name=pureMusicInterview>{{cite news|last1=Goodman|first1=Frank|url=http://www.puremusic.com/pdf/billyblock.pdf|title=A Conversation with Billy Block, Western Beat Impresario|accessdate=15 March 2015|publisher=PureMusic|date=September 2001|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315175123/http://www.puremusic.com/pdf/billyblock.pdf|archive-date=15 March 2015}}</ref>
<!--<ref name=CST>
{{cite news|title=Billy Block, CMT hope they have the beat, the Western Beat|url=http://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/article.asp?xid=863|accessdate=26 January 2013|newspaper=Country Standard Time|author=Jeffrey B. Remz|month=June|year=2000|quote="Western Beat is a new brand of country that broadens the parameters of what is widely considered country music," Block says. "We include everything from rock to rockabilly and blues to bluegrass creating a diverse format that appears to a broad demographic.}}</ref> -->
<!--<ref name=CMT>
{{cite web|title=CMT Salutes Country's Independence: Alt-Country Bows in New Show From Nashville|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1472613/cmt-salutes-countrys-independence-alt-country-bows-in-new-show-from-nashville/|work=Alt-Country Bows in New Show From Nashville|publisher=CMT Music|accessdate=26 January 2013|author=Shannon Wayne Turner|date=30 June 2000}}</ref>-->
<ref name="MusicRow Billy Passes">
{{cite news|last1=Oermann|first1=Robert K.|title=LifeNotes: Americana’s Impresario Billy Block Passes|url=http://www.musicrow.com/2015/03/lifenotes-americanas-impresario-billy-block-passes/|accessdate=15 March 2015|publisher=MusicRow|date=11 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315172947/http://www.musicrow.com/2015/03/lifenotes-americanas-impresario-billy-block-passes/|archivedate=15 March 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="Mr Nashville">{{cite news|last1=Thanki|first1=Juli|title=Billy Block, 'Mr. Nashville,' dies at 59|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/03/11/billy-block-mr-nashville-passes-away/70167570/|accessdate=15 March 2015|publisher=[[Wikipedia:The Tennessean]]|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="WKRN Mr. Nashville - radio">{{cite web|author1=WKRN web staff|title=Longtime Nashville radio host Billy Block dies at 59|url=http://wkrn.com/2015/03/11/longtime-nashville-radio-host-billy-block-dies-at-59/|publisher=WKRN Nashville|accessdate=15 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315200955/http://wkrn.com/2015/03/11/longtime-nashville-radio-host-billy-block-dies-at-59/|archivedate=15 March 2015|date=11 March 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="CMT 2003">{{cite web|author1=Shannon Wayne Turner|title=CMT Salutes Country’s Independence: Alt-Country Bows in New Show From Nashville|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1472613/cmt-salutes-countrys-independence-alt-country-bows-in-new-show-from-nashville/|publisher=[[Wikipedia:CMT (U.S. TV channel)|CMT]]|accessdate=12 December 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212170941/http://www.cmt.com/news/1472613/cmt-salutes-countrys-independence-alt-country-bows-in-new-show-from-nashville/|archivedate=12 December 2015|date=12 June 2003}}</ref>
<ref name="Radio 1999 Billboard">{{cite news|author1=Cheg Flippo|title=Nashville Scene|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg0EAAAAMBAJ|accessdate=12 December 2015|publisher=''[[Wikipedia:Billboard Magazine]]''|date=29 May 1999|page=32}}</ref>
<ref name="USA Today">{{cite news|title=Billy Block, champion of roots music, dies at age 59|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/03/11/billy-block-champion-roots-music-dies-age/70179754/|accessdate=15 May 2016|publisher=''[[Wikipedia:USA Today]]''|date=11 March 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="CMT’s Block Party">{{cite web|title=CMT’s Block Party|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1476546/cmts-block-party/|publisher=[[Wikipedia:CMT]]|accessdate=15 May 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515083327/http://www.cmt.com/news/1476546/cmts-block-party/|archivedate=15 May 2016|date=11 August 2003}}</ref>
<ref name="| Almanac Online | 2003">{{cite web | title=Jill Block returns to her roots (June 04, 2003) | website=| Almanac Online | | date=2003-06-04 | url=https://www.almanacnews.com/morgue/2003/2003_06_04.jill.html | access-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627014725/http://www.almanacnews.com:80/morgue/2003/2003_06_04.jill.html|archive-date = 2007-05-27}}</ref>
<ref name="Nashville Scene 2014">{{cite web | title=Famed Nashville Radio Host and Drummer Billy Block Fighting Cancer | website=Nashville Scene | date=2014-01-06 | url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/article/13052022/famed-nashville-radio-host-and-drummer-billy-block-fighting-cancer | access-date=2018-05-27 | archive-date=2018-05-27| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180527063424/https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/article/13052022/famed-nashville-radio-host-and-drummer-billy-block-fighting-cancer|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Shelburne 2015">{{cite web | last=Shelburne | first=Craig | title=Billy Block, Advocate for Alt-Country, Dies at 59 | website=CMT News | date=2015-03-11 | url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1751821/billy-block-advocate-for-alt-country-dies-at-59/ | access-date=2018-05-27| archive-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527064059/http://www.cmt.com/news/1751821/billy-block-advocate-for-alt-country-dies-at-59/|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Taste of Country 2015">{{cite web | title=Americana King Billy Block Dead at 59 | website=Taste of Country | date=2015-03-12 | url=http://tasteofcountry.com/billy-block-dead/ | access-date=2018-05-27|| archive-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527064530/http://tasteofcountry.com/billy-block-dead/|dead-url=no
}}</ref>
<ref name="Music Connection Magazine 2015">{{cite web | title=R.I.P. Billy Block | website=Music Connection Magazine | date=2015-03-11 | url=http://www.musicconnection.com/r-i-p-billy-block/ | access-date=2018-05-27|| archive-date=2018-05-27| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180527065629/http://www.musicconnection.com/r-i-p-billy-block/|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Downtown Nashville 2017">{{cite web | title=Billy Block Day - Events Calendar | website=Downtown Nashville | date=2018-04-15 | url=https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/do/billy-block-day | access-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527070242/https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/do/billy-block-day|archive-date=2018-05-27|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="Downtown Nashville 2016">{{cite web | title=Inaugural Billy Block Day Reunion Concert & Nashville Spirit Awards - Events Calendar | website=Downtown Nashville | date=2018-04-15 | url=https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/do/inaugural-billy-block-day-reunion-concert-and-nashville-spirit-awards | access-date=2018-05-27| archive-date=2018-05-27|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180527070838/https://www.nashvilledowntown.com/do/inaugural-billy-block-day-reunion-concert-and-nashville-spirit-awards|dead-url=no}}</ref>
<ref name="AllMusic Elvis">{{cite web | title=Elvis: The First Live Recordings - Elvis Presley - Credits | website=AllMusic | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/elvis-the-first-live-recordings-mw0000862142/credits | access-date=2018-05-27}}</ref>
}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.producers.wiki/wiki/Billy_Block Producers.wiki -- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.]
[[Category:imported]]