billy the kid emerson

Biography

William Robert 'Billy The Kid' Emerson was born on December 21, 1925, in Tarpon Springs, Pinellas County, Florida, into a musical family with Bahamian roots. He learned piano from his uncle John Hannah and played in local bands in Tampa and St. Petersburg, earning his nickname while dressed as a cowboy outlaw. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he attended Florida A&M University on an athletic scholarship, joined the Air Force during the Korean War, and met Ike Turner in Greenville, Mississippi, joining his Kings of Rhythm.

Emerson's career peaked in the 1950s with Sun Records, releasing 'No Teasing Around' in 1954 and writing hits like 'Red Hot' (later covered by Billy Lee Riley and Bob Luman) and 'When It Rains It Really Pours' (covered by Elvis Presley). He moved to Vee-Jay and Chess Records, working as a songwriter and A&R for artists including Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Howlin’ Wolf, often with Willie Dixon. In 1966, he founded Tarpon Records, launching Denise LaSalle. His style blended slashing blues, infectious R&B, rock & roll, and later gospel, performing on European tours into the 1970s.

In the late 1970s, Emerson rededicated to faith, becoming Rev. William R. Emerson and composing gospel music, though a 1986 near-death experience solidified his born-again commitment. He received the 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Award and was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Emerson passed away on April 25 or 26, 2023, at age 97.

Fun Facts

• Earned nickname 'Billy The Kid' playing in a band dressed as cowboys in St. Petersburg.
• In 1986, after colon surgery, he was declared dead, lay in the morgue for three days, then revived, leading to his born-again Christian conversion.
• His mother spoke Greek from working for Greek families in sponge-diving Tarpon Springs.
• At 96, he chased visitors off his property but signed a Sun Records album friendly afterward.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• John Hannah - Uncle who taught him piano (Local bands in Tampa and St. Petersburg) [1930s-1940s]
• Ike Turner - Bandleader who recruited him, shaped him as entertainer (Kings of Rhythm band) [1952-1954]

Key Collaborators

• Ike Turner - Band member in Kings of Rhythm (No Teasing Around (Sun Records debut)) [1952-1954]
• Willie Dixon - Co-wrote songs (Songs for Junior Wells, Willie Mabon, Wynonie Harris, Buddy Guy) [early 1960s]
• Denise LaSalle - Produced debut single on his label (Tarpon Records debut single) [1966]
• Earl Hooker - Worked with blues musicians (Various recordings) [1950s-1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Elvis Presley - Covered his song (When It Rains It Really Pours) [1950s]
• Billy Lee Riley - Covered his song as rockabilly hit (Red Hot) [1950s]
• Bob Luman - Covered his song (Red Hot) [1950s-1960s]

External Links

• Spotify