Album Notes

Bill Payne wrote his first song in 1959, at the age of 11. As a teenager, he performed with and opened for the likes of Dee Clark, Gene McDaniels and the Beach Boys in his capacity as guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for a number of bands. Though he quit performing in the late 60s, he continued writing until, early in 1999, while recovering from 3 surgeries, he decided to pursue playing again. His compositions range from old-style rhythm and blues to folk and country with some blues flavoring added. A thread of humor runs through many of his songs.

Bill's most recent musical efforts have resulted in the release of his debut CD, "Naughty and Nice", in August, 2004. His vocal and instrumental work is reinforced on some songs by some of the region's finest musicians such as Sonny Campbell (Radar Rose, Bebop Hoedown) and Al Coffey (Horizon, NBC All Stars and Lost In Austin).

"Naughty And Nice" is peppered with sexy lyrics in songs like "Mornin' Wood", sensitivity ("Lillian", "My Pappy") and silliness ("Love Dummy", "Springer"). "In Your Past" is sad enough to bring tears.

Album #2 is already being mapped.

Some testimonials:

"Bill Payne's poetry and songs are honest and real. There are lines that make me think I knew him somewhere in another time; a western sky and simple pleasures of real love, great dogs, skippin' stones and dusty roads."
JANE GABRIELLE - Radar Rose, Border Ride

"..... there exists a sea of poetic pretensions, deep with grandiose lies. Bill Payne is an island; honest, simple and inexorably real."
MARK SKELLEY - national poetry performer

".....Simplicity is the game of this cat, and he plays it well, opening up a refreshing bottle of truth that sparkles your ears and your mind."
JOHN PEERY - Roanoke, Va. national Poetry Slam team member

"Please don't play "Love Dummy" - it'll be running through my brain all week!"
SEVERAL CONCERTGOERS

"Bill, you are too cool, man..... let me know when you're headin' back to Music City and I'll see what I can set up. Enjoyed your stuff very, very much. Man, you play VERY well.....Would love to come play in Roanoke. Was in VA last November. Beautiful place, of course."
STU DORSEY - Nashville Musician