So here's the story...
Born and raised in Waterloo, IA, he is the son of 2 nationally and regionally renowned music educators. It was no doubt that music was to be a very important part of his life. He was a member of Iowa All-State Orchestra as a clarinetist for all 3 years of his high school career. During his senior year, he spent half his day at the University of Northern Iowa, where as a dual-enrollment student, he studied freshman music theory, aural training, and applied clarinet (lessons), plus played alto sax in UNI's Jazz Band Two. (That's Bill heading to UNI in the mighty Pinto station wagon!) By the time Bill graduated high school, he had already earned 10 hours of college credit at UNI! Side-note: UNI's jazz program celebrates 75 years of Jazz in 2026 - Bill's dad was a founding member of the jazz program - the very first UNI jazz band!
Bill received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree (cum laude) in 1981 from Ashland University (Ashland, OH). During his undergrad days he was involved in the various band and vocal music programs at AU. His membership in College Choir and Madrigal Singers took him on a European concert tour during the summer of 1981 that included an international competition for choirs in Spittal, Austria (pictured below). Other highlights included being the tenor (vocal) soloist for a performance of Hayden's Harmony Mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris that same summer, as well as winning the lead alto sax chair in the All-Ohio Intercollegiate All-Star Jazz Ensemble his senior year.
Bill has played woodwinds (saxes, flute, clarinet, piccolo, and oboe) in a variety of show bands. In addition to backing performers such as Fabian, Bobby Vinton, Bobby Darin, Red Skelton, and Bob Hope, he played lead alto for the Miss Ohio Scholarship Pageant in 1988. In 1984, he began playing keyboards, sax, and sharing lead vocals in a jazz and top 40’s band, “Apex.” Bill’s love of technology brought MIDI sequencing and tracks to APEX: one of the first bands to do so in that area and at that time.
Bill got his first taste of the recording studios while doing a demo for Apex. Later, Bill and his dear friend Linda won a talent search contest, sponsored by Danny Gaither and Gaither's recording studio (Pinebrook). Their prize was studio time to record a gospel demo to launch a music ministry in the contemporary Christian music world. With additional funds in hand, Bill and Linda record the gospel album, "One More Mile" in Bill and Gloria Gaither's world-class facility (pictured here).
The change in times and economy caused Bill to move to Maui, Hawaii, where he continued to teach instrumental music. Bill began to network with some of the finest musicians on the island and landed a job with the Hawaiian Country BBQ Show at the Maui Tropical Plantation, starring Buddy Fo. Bill played keyboards, sax, served as the vocal arranger and co-musical arranger for the show, as well as associate conductor for the band.
While on Maui, Bill formed his first production company, “Tropo House Productions,” and produced numerous radio jingles, demos, album projects, and audio for multimedia projects. Bill also had the opportunity to work at George Benson’s studio, “Lahaina Sound” with world-class engineer David Russell, as well as at Walter Becker's Studio, “Hyperbolic Sound” with co-owner and world-renowned producer John Neff (also know as bass player for Steppenwolf and producer for Journey). (Bill pictured here at the Soundcraft mixing desk of Hyperbolic Sound)
Bill’s been in Dallas since August of 1995. Because of his love for all things computer and technology, he was able to easily transition from public school educator to corporate trainer and courseware developer for companies like Transamerica, Southwest Airlines, Nokia Mobile Phones, Cisco Systems, and Samsung Electronics America (Bill pictured here at Samsung's global HQ in Suwon, South Korea). Bill currently serves as a Senior Content Developer for Toyota Financial Services at Toyota’s North American Headquarters in Plano, TX.
After hours, he’s been involved in several music recording projects over the past decades for several local artists, churches, and music ensembles including the Turtle Creek Chorale. The recording projects of which he’s the most proud are the 2 he’s completed with his husband and guitarist Michael Donovan. The Bossa Nova Sessions is a collection of some of their favorite bossa nova selections (or favorite songs done in bossa style). Likewise, The Swing Sessions is a collection of some of their favorites from the Great American Standards Songbook. Make sure to check out the Recordings tab on the navigation bar!
Bill has been entertaining around town for almost as long as he’s been in Dallas. From smokey little cabaret clubs and biker bars, to fine dining restaurants like Del Frisco’s, to private functions (both corporate and in private homes)... to the cigar lounges of Chamberlains Steak and Fish, and at Dee Lincoln Prime at The Star of Frisco, it’s never a dull moment! A night with Bill will include a smattering of jazz standards, to hits of the 70's, 80's, and 90's, all the way to hits from today. And let's not forget Motown, Blues, R&B, and yes, even a whole lot of country. You'll soon see and hear that Bill brings a diversity and mastery of genres and eras that few others can match!
Starting in January 2026, you can find Bill at The Sophia Music Hall at La Stella Italian Steak House and Lounge, near Addison (on the Tollway between Spring Valley and Belt Line). Click the Calendar tab on the navigation bar for a list of events and more details!