Bill Dewey
My Tribute To Johnny Cash
© 2004 Nammics Records/Hale House Productions (783707877624)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
An absolute "must have" for a Johnny Cash music collector. Dewey totally captures the Cash sound with both his guitar and voice. With members of Cash's own band as special guests, Bill presents a memorable loving tribute to the Man In Black.
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BILL DEWEY BIOGRAPHY
Bill Dewey is a singer/songwriter/musician born in the Midwest USA. He grew up working on the family farm raising corn, soybeans, hay, and Hereford cattle. However, music seemed to always be a constant in Bill's life. Dewey was especially influenced by Johnny Cash from the start.
As a child, Dewey wore out several toy guitars pretending to be a singer like Cash. At the age of nine, Bill became a member of Drum and Bugle Corps of America, playing bugle. Then he graduated to cornet/trumpet, and played in several forms of school band until graduating high school. Halfway through high school however, Bill embraced the instrument he always loved the most- the guitar. He once took some lessons in second grade, but the teacher stopped offering lessons to the class before Dewey could get a good grasp on technique. Then in high school, he again took a few lessons, "got a grasp", and it stuck. Now it was in his blood.
"For years I had been developing my voice by singing along with my Johnny Cash and Statler Brothers records, at the same time, I was learning strumming technique by "scratching" on an old beginner's guitar in time with the records, not knowing any chords. My parents noticed this and presented me with a brand new guitar for Christmas one year, in hopes I'd take lessons again. I loved it, but I still wasn't serious about it to the extent of playing outside my own room. So I had wondered if they had wasted their money. Finally one day I decided to learn to play this thing. So I took a few lessons and learned a few chords. Even then I wasn't serious about entertaining anyone but myself really, but I loved to pick and sing."
Despite his lack of seriousness at the time, Bill was destined to pick and sing for many. Dewey met a person at a nursing facility, [his grandmother was a resident there], that person’s name was Shirley Suby. The two became friends right away.
"She was stricken with polio while still a child, and confined to a wheel chair thirty years before we met. Shirley is the person who convinced me I should sing for people. We listened to tons of records together, but when she found out I could play and sing, she didn't stop talking about it until I brought my guitar. So that's where it all started. Pretty soon I was entertaining a whole room full of residents every Sunday before church. Shirley and I remained great friends. She was a wonderful person, and a great inspiration."
About this time, friends of Dewey's who had a local band invited him to guest perform at a few of their gigs. At that point, his professional career in music had begun. A year or so later he formed his own band- "Bill Dewey and the Blazin' Broncos". They played nearly every weekend in the regional area performing at clubs, fairs, private functions, and parades. They played as much as they could, anywhere they could. Dewey was also writing his own songs and recording demos of his material locally. He picked up more and more musical influences through out this time period. Singers and musicians like- Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam, to Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Other notables include- Carl Perkins, Don Rich, Pete Anderson, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He grew to love all types of music, from big band to hard rockers. In the field of hard driving rock and roll, KISS is the definite favorite among others. Incidentally, while all this was going on, to make a living other than being a local professional musician, Bill hired out to farmers and also worked in the grocery business.
Next, the opportunity came to make his first record. A 45rpm disc consisting of two original songs: "Well Enough Alone, and "Just Pleasin' You". The record was cut at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The same starting point as many of his heroes including Johnny Cash. The 45 was sold regionally, and got some airplay. By this time Bill had changed band members a couple of times, and changed the band's name to the "Dynammics". They continued a busy schedule of gigs on the local regional circuit. This eventually led to an invitation to perform at a tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper, and pilot Roger Peterson. The three stars and their pilot perished in a plane crash after a concert in Feb. 1959, now regarded as "the day the music died". The tribute show gave Dewey national attention. Enough attention, that for a time he was slated to portray Ritchie Valens in a movie which was to be about the Big Bopper. In years to come Bill and his band became favorites at the official Buddy Holly Tribute. The world famous tribute has been an annual event every year since it's inception in 1979. It is held on the anniversary of the days surrounding the tragedy; in the same building the three stars last performed in- the fabulous Surf Ballroom.
Bill Dewey and the Dynammics then continued to perform on a regular basis to bigger and bigger crowds. Besides attracting people to the shows, Bill and his group received attention from some heavy hitters in the music business. Those relations still continue. According to them, the main attraction [besides his music], is Dewey's stage presence. One thing which sets Bill apart from some others is his group's constant attempt to exude a professional attitude. He and the band maintain a dress code, and are there for the people. It's a serious thing.
"We like to leave the venues with sore fingertips and feet and tired right out. Then we feel we have done our job, and we'll play even harder the next time."
Dewey also attended some college to further his musical knowledge. Studying very hard he managed to earn a 4.0 GPA. Very soon he would follow direction from his management and move to Nashville. Bill had visited Nashville several times. Ironically, on his very first visit he met his lifelong idol, Johnny Cash. What he was now about to embark on was a long eventful journey.
"The whole story will have to wait until I write my book before I can tell it all. Some of it is stranger than fiction!"
Upon getting settled in Tennessee, Bill again worked in the grocery field for a day job. Eventually he moved into the residential and commercial construction business. Bill specialized in metal stud framing and drywall hanging and finishing. At the same time, to start things off musically in Nashville, Dewey joined a rockabilly four piece combo. They played all over Nashville and surrounding areas. An album released by that group "Justin Curtis-Rockabilly in 3-D”, would have Bill on lead guitar.
Jack Hale, [a former member of Johnny Cash's band], became Dewey's producer. They began recording Dewey's original material, and a quest to gain attention. He ended up getting some too; narrowly missing a spot on Nashville major label [Mercury]. He has been considered by others as well, and came real close a few times, but was told at the time his style wouldn't always fit in a "mainstream country" category. However, interest in his artistry is still current and ongoing. Currently, Bill continues writing, recording, performing, shopping his material, and promoting. He was a member of several bands in the 90's as a lead guitar player and singer, performing at many locations in Tennessee and the Southeast U.S.A. Most recently, he is back working again with his band [The Dynammics] performing in the upper Midwest, looking forward to traveling nationwide and beyond.
"At first I thought I'd start a new group in Nashville. But then I decided to free-lance it. This taught me a lot because I was able to meet and work with many musicians and get lots of experience I perhaps wouldn't have received working with the same group all of the time. So, it allowed me to cover a lot of new ground."
For "the rest of the story", and current events, stay tuned to "NEWS" page, and continue to visit Bill Dewey.com!
reviews
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I loved the music
author: JuanitaThe music was great. It was well worth the wait. It did not take long to recieve after ordered.
Very intertaining.Sounds very much like Johnny Cash
author: Janet SvobodaThe sound tract of the tribute to Johnny Cash is really great. I really enjoy listening to it. The sound is so much like Johnny Cash. I really like the guitar sound. It is real talent.
Would not know it wasn't Johnny Cash
author: Janet SvobodaAfter seeing the show in Albert Lea, Mn. I had to get the CD. The singing and guitar playing was super. If I wasn't watching Bill I would think it was Johnny Cash. All my friends couldn't believe it wasn't. Great intertainment.
no words to describe this wonderful cd
author: cokewhat justice to johnny cash, you did him proud. this cd was so very well done, some would not know that it wasn't johnny, himself! no words to describe the quality that this cd has to offer; bill you and your band are top notch. keep them coming! looking forward to what you have to offer in your next cd.
Bill's voice and pickin is great! Wonderful CD
author: DR Darwin LarsonThis CD is a great tribute to Johnny Cash. The pickin is also a great tribute to Luther Perkins as well.
what a voice
author: Brenda M.I really enjoyed the CD and I played it for a friend and she couldn't get over how much he sounds like Johnny Cash. We are looking forward to seeing him in person. Keep up the great work!
Who wuda guessed this wasn't JC
author: Carl McKinleyThis was for my wife and she wasn't dissappointed. What a tribute the Johnny. This is some terific music.
Bill Dewey you are a tribute!
author: Reid KnappWe are very satisfied with the CD. You and your band are to be commended. Thanks so much for artists and songs that are understandable.
There is no other artist than can come close to Cash like Dewey!!
author: Dave G.Great sound quality with superb musicians!!!A must for Johnny Cash fans!!
Bill Dewey
author: PamelaI liked Bills singing when my husband and I watched him on RFD tv. That same night I looked him up on the web, and ordered his cd. I think he sounds a lot like Johnny. I've had the pleasure of meeting Tommy Cash and my parents the pleasure of hearing from Johnny when I was about 13. The Cash brothers are very nice people. I still wonder if Bill is not related to them. He kinda looks like them, and sounds like them. Hope to hear more of him. Should do some concerts in Taylorville Illinois. I give him 5 stars.
the best
author: richard gibsoni usally dont like artist doing other artist songs,but in this case i really enjoyed it.i would buy more cd,s if he had them.
Very good.
author: Kevin LepardIf you like Johnny Cash, you'll love this CD.
Waiting for more
author: Don AxtThe CD left me curious and wanting to hear more. Bill Dewey's voice is a wonderful fit with the Cash songs.
" You wanted the best, you got the best"
author: Beth Ann HinzThe greatness of Bill's tribute on this cd is nothing short of amazing. When ya'll crank it up,you'll think it's Johnny Cash himself. Play it loud!!!
The Man In Black Lives!
author: John SteenblockAs an avid country listener I think this album really carries the torch. In an era when so many artists are playing pop songs under the country guise this is the real deal! Johnny's gone but his memory will live on forever with artists like Bill Dewey reminding us of this great man's contribution to the American culture. If you like Johhny Cash, or just good country music, you'll love this. Well done Bill.
Awesome!!!!
author: Flo CoseI was playing this cd and a family member walked in and didn't know that it was Bill singing. Everyone who hears it swears that it is Johnny Cash singing. We want more!! These songs are awesome! A good job done well!!!
Nothing short of fantastic
author: Kathy Y.This CD is great and can't wait until he has another one out. His voice is wonderful and his talent is a God send to all of us. Don't stop the music. Listen to the CD all the times while i'm walking.
Luther and Johnny are smiling!
author: Gary SchillerThis album is unbelievably well done! The vocals are so similar to Johnny Cash, yet Dewey has his own style that will keep fans wanting more. The guitar playing is the closest to Luther Perkins that I've ever heard!
LOVED THE CD
author: Sherry HinkleI loved the cd. I can not believe that he sounded so much like johnny cash. I will be waiting for his next cd for sure.
Bill Dewey is the best guitar player that Johnny Cash never had
author: Justin CurtisBill can re-create that Johnny Cash sound better than anyone I know, but don't take my word for just listen and hear for yourself!
Remarkable resemblence to Johnny!
author: C. JamtgaardLove the deep rich voice of Bill! This is what the classic country and storytelling songs should sound like. Can't help but tap the foot and do the boogie woogie! Thanks Bill!
ABSOLUTELY DYNAMMIC!!!
author: J REIMERWHAT A GREAT SOUND! I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE YOUNG AND OLD TO BUY THIS CD! THERE IS NO ONE THAT CAN PRODUCE THIS CASH SOUND YET MAINTAIN A BLAZE OF THEIR OWN LIKE DEWEY!! BUY IT TODAY! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!
SUPER!! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU BILL!! KEEP IT UP!!
author: JoAnn NoremIf you like Johnny Cash music, Bill's CD is the next best to Johnny himself!! Having known Bill as a high school student at Clear Lake, IA, I am VERY impressed with his musical God-given gift!! You'll enjoy this CD and listen to it often.
Rockin'!!!!
author: Bruce HickmanThis guy is the real deal. Totally cool in his understanding of the Johnny Cash sound. This is what a tribute album should sound like! Great CD!!
WOW! A must have!
author: K. HarrisMove over, here comes Bill Dewey! Extraordinary voice, great music, and great production. Every country music fan needs this CD in their collection. What a wonderful tribute to such a great man! Thank you Bill.
Bill Dewey at his very finest.
author: Warren AndersonI have heard alot of Johnny Cash songs covered by different arists but never one as good as Bill Dewey.The magic of Cash's music is felt truly through this compilation.If you are looking for the difinitive Johnny Cash tribute you have just found it.
This is a GREAT CD! Buy it today! Enjoy :)
author: Mark J.Right away from the first track; Big River, through to the last; Folsom Prison Blues, the thought of how much Bill sounds like Johnny, yet maintains his own distinctive sound makes this a wonderful tribute! The selection of songs make this CD enjoyable for people of all ages! Looking forward to Volume 2!