Billy's New CD, "Beautiful"

Billy's new CD "Beautiful" is now available at CDBaby.com and digital downloads available at I-Tunes, Rhapsody & Amazon.

About Us

From the time of his birth, there has always been something unique about Billy. He was born October 31, 1952 in Los Angeles California to William Collins Sr. and Helen Louise. His love of music was first noticed by his father, whom also dabbed in music with a local music group. This time was the 50's after all, with most young men trying their vocals to gain some sort of fame.

Young Billy was no different. He'd get his hands on a broomstick and play his heart out when in small talent shows with his family. Instantly, he was transformed into the famous Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, or any other singer known in that era. As he grew, his vocals matched the hottest singers of that current time.

From the time he entered elementary school til he hit those infamous doors of high school, it became hard for this young man to showcase his talent after his father became a Baptist Minister. From that time, it was christian music or no music.

That still didn't stop his ambition. Behind his fathers back, he bought his first 45 rpm record, Any Day Now by Chuck Jackson. His mindset was set as he hid that record right in his fathers face; an enormous bible he used every single day. This was the time his interests in ballads hit its peak.

At Fremont High School in beginning band class, Billy and company goofed off by singing the latest Motown Records. Whether it was the Miracles, The Temptations, or Marvin Gaye, he found himself leading the group with his vocal ability. Eventually, the group known as the Fabulations was created, consisting of 6 male members. They did their thing, duoping down the halls of Fremont, showcasing their talent for the entire school to hear. As the 12th grade was ending, the group split for various reasons. Some had jobs to handle and other hit college.

Yet a blessing occurred. Billy was not giving up on music. It was his heart, soul, and spirit. He approached a few lead singers with an ambitious idea. Join together and continue down the path of music. The other lead singers were Bruce Williams and Michael Schaffer. Together, the three formed Three Steps To Heaven and they were bad!

Together, they took L.A. by storm in the early 1970's. They were live talent, performing in most L.A. clubs under the management of Bill Williams. During their performance at the Hollywood Palladium, they were recognized by the musical director H.B. Barnum, which at a later date, would be very influential later in Billy's career. Not only did H.B. help Billy join AFTRA, but he also had him doing jingles and background sessions for many up and coming artists.

Soon after, Michael Schauffer was replaced by  Mr. E. Clark and B. Johnson was added. Together, the group would evolve into the sensation Corniche. One of L.A.'s most prestigious night clubs, Disco 9000, would host the first live show featuring Corniche in its first live show, hosted by Joe Crocker.

The group would go on to record one of Mickey Stevenson's songs, "Police Stop The Party" and also the ballad "Hang Up To You", which Billy sung lead tenor. However, "Police Stop The Party" was never released due to artist and management conflicts.

Soon after, the group disbanded, and only Billy continued to work with H.B. Barnum, but his interest began to fade. He lay dormant until 1983, when his interest began to peak even higher than before. He needed a new start, but it was in a different avenue that he channeled this renewed ambition.

In his writing, he exploded with pent up music that he was holding back in those silent years for him. It was at this point that the new Billy emerged; writer, singer, and performer.

This time around, it would be a completely different system at which he operated. No more group singing, since it usually ended badly. His current girlfriend at the time bought him a guitar as a show of love, and Billy strummed his soul out. But that instrument was soon accompanied by the need for a piano.

As the years past, he'd stop and start over again, never sure where to go. However, a reconnection with an old, childhood friend would put him on the right path. Stanley Christopher decided to help Billy in a music studio he built in his home. Together, they wrote and Billy sang countless songs.

In that period of time, a famous face in the music industry appeared before Billy. His name was Benjamin Wright. During their first encounter, it didn't turn out the way Billy expected. Ben didn't think he was ready and told him outright, causing Billy to storm out his house and proclaim that he'd be back.

On his return home, he went into deep thought on the events of the day. He was determined to get it right, and his wife, Michele, was determined to make it happen. Out of her own pocket, she put up the money to build a better recording studio.

His first CD, "Billy's Coming Out; The Return of R&B and Soul", was released in early 2004. Yet it didn't quite turn out the way he expected. Billy ended up taking a loss with CD, finding out first hand how hard it was to get heard by the general public. Even in that loss, he still was on the cusp with many as they began to recognize his name.

With lessons learned from the first CD, Billy and Stanley began writing out new material. The first CD was needed seeing as it ultimately taught them valuable lessons in which they channeled into their new project.

Things were going well, until tragedy struck the hearts of Billy, Stanley, and their family. Stanley was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was unable to continue with the project. Billy was still determined to finish the songs that him and Stanley wrote together.

Back to Benjamin Wright's door is exactly where he went. Billy gave Ben a copy of what he had done since the last time they had spoken. Pouring out his heart about his situation, Billy convince the great Benjamin Wright to take him into the studio and record some of his new work. Ben agreed, but with some major corrections to make the songs radio ready.

Billy had done it. He was in the studio with Benjamin Wright and together, they recorded 3 songs; Beautiful, Pictures, and Paradise. Stanley was able to hear these works of art just before he passed on New Years Eve in 2010. His eyes welled up with tears.

This is where the current story ends, but only to continue. Billy will go on towards his dream, reaching for the stars and you are sure to hear his voice at some point in the future.

So check him out.