Billy was born with non-violent inclinations. He was also born with an extreme desire to hit things. He did, at an early age, find some common ground in this dichotomy in the world of percussion. After eleven years the tolerating Mr. and Mrs. Hulting agreed to let him start with the drums. Music led him to college at California State University at Northridge where he got a Bachelor of Music Degree in the Studio Music Option (so what if it took six years). Two weeks after graduation he went on the road with Maynard Ferguson’s High Voltage 2. He later toured with Maynard’s 60th Birthday Big Band and recorded albums with both groups. During the Maynard days he did the Nia Peeples tour of Japan. He then toured for two years with Natalie Cole followed by Barry Manilow. Billy toured for over thirteen years with Lou Rawls until he passed away. In the last few years Billy also toured with The Rippingtons, Patti Labelle, and The Manhattan Transfer for which Billy co-wrote one of the songs on their CD “Vibrate.” He most recently toured with Zappa Plays Zappa – a band led by Dweezil Zappa performing the music of Frank Zappa. Billy also won a Grammy with this group for “Best Rock Instrumental Performance” beating out Rush, Nine Inch Nails, Mettalica and David Gilmour! He has worked with many others including Clare Fisher, and Howard Hewitt along with other jazz groups around Los Angeles.
Several years ago Billy released his first CD – the Hundredth Monkey (available on CD Baby and iTunes).
Billy was also the curriculum Coordinator and teacher in the Percussion Department at the Los Angeles Music Academy for 10 years.
The last two years he was with Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa he was also the tour manager. He also directs music workshop camps for Dreamcatcher Events (Steve Vai’s Vai Academy, Joe Satriani and G4, and Todd Rundgren so far)
Billy also stays busy in town doing shows, sessions, running his studio – Zero BPM Studios, playing with his trio and his fusion group. Billy is also an Ironman triathlete (IronMan Boulder 2015) and is Co-Producer and Director for “VegFest Los Angeles” (a vegan music and food festival). His hobbys include sailing, SCUBA diving, and cooking spicy vegan foods from all over the world (his Jamaican Jerk Marinade is not for the weak).