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(Thanks to Carol S. for this picture of Willie and Billy)

Classic Drummer
Jan/Feb/Mar 2005

Paul’s younger brother, Billy English, plays percussion with the band.  Billy joined in March of 1984.

Classic Drummer:  Billy, how did you get involved with the band?

Billy English:  I was playing drums for an evangelist, Kenneth Copeland.  He had a gospel band, a swing band.  He decided to let the band go and got back to using pre-recorded tracks.  I called Paul and asked if he knew anyone looking for a drummer.  He said, “No, but my drum tech just left.  Would you be interested in that?”  I said I would love to.  The pay was much more than I was making and I got to be with Paul and Willie.  I began as Paul’s drum tech and it kind of worked into the percussion thing. 

CD:  What’s it like playing to different size crowds?

BE:  I focus on the music.  The crowd feeds off the band and the band feeds off the crowd, as well with their enthusiasm and the vibe that’s going on.  I’m just focused and interacting with what’s gong on because whatever we played last night, we’re not going to play it the same tonight.  You’ve got to stay focused but have fun at the same time and we do that.

CD:  What influenced you to begin playing drums?

BE:  Our older brother Oliver started me out on guitar and taught me music theory.  I was in junior high school and Paul was playing with Ray Chaney and the Ranch Hands.  I became interested in drums and started paying drums in school.  In fact, I have a picture at home where Paul is playing on a flat bed truck with Ray Chaney and I’m playing a marching snare in a parade right behind Paul. Paul was playing a full set at the time and I was playing parade drum.

 
(Thanks to Sandie for sharing the picture she took in California last week.)

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