R.I.P. Jerry Wexler, 1917-2008 - From Billy August 16, 2008

"Jerry Wexler, former head honcho of Atlantic Records, 1953-1975, produced some of the greatest artists of the second half of the 20th Century. Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Dusty Springfield, the Drifters, Wilson Pickett and Willie Nelson, to name just a few.

Wexler and I were first introduced when Jerry recorded my song, "Make Me Belong To You," a summertime hit for soul singer Barbara Lewis in 1966. One year later, Wexler signed me as an artist to Atlantic, where I would have three hits, "Storybook Children" and "Country Girl-City Man," duets with Judy Clay, and my solo hit, "With Pen In Hand," a song chosen by Jerry, who was one of the great song men in the business.

In 1981, Jerry and I again joined forces, Wexler producing my second Alfa album. One song from that album, "Hopeless Romantic," was, Jerry said many times, one of his personal favorites of his career.

Over the years, we kept in constant touch. In the 60s, he'd been my literary mentor as well as a show biz mentor. Through the years, he sent me books he thought I should read or would interest me. He always had the latest jokes, right up until the end.

Goodbye, old friend, and thanks for the education you gave me."

You can read BV's entire obit for Jerry Wexler here.

"Hopeless Romantic: The Best of Billy Vera & the Beaters" is a new CD produced by Shout Factory was released in February 2008. It includes the best of the two albums released in the 80's, as well as three unreleased tracks. This CD includes the original hit version of "At This Moment," unavailable for past seven years.
Click here to buy on Amazon now.
You can also download these tracks from iTunes.

This is a newly remastered version of these tracks. Fans are saying they can hear things they missed in their old CD of some of this material. In addition, there are three previously unreleased tunes, from an unissued second 1981 Alfa album.

The final four tracks, all produced by the recently departed legendary Jerry Wexler, include the title tune and "You Own It," previously issued only as a single.

Check Out the NEW Billy Vera Show Biz tips on You Tube. Billy shares his insights on how to be a pro when on and off stage. Tips include fake encores, unsightly spots, political opinions, and more. Just visit youtube.com and search "Billy Vera show biz tips."
Or start with this one about "band wives" :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3JJL9IfNGQ&feature=related

MORE NEWS:
BV met for dinner recently with some of the Soprano's mob. As to what was discussed? - Faggetabouddit!

Pictured:Kathrine Narducci (Charmaine Bucco), David Proval (Richie Aprile), BV, & Vincent "Big Pussy" Pastore

For new "WHAT'S NEW" each month, please bookmark this page.

 

Billy Vera & the Beaters are the quintessential L.A. band. Local Hollywood Stars, producers, and other hipsters have frequented the bands' shows throughout the So-Cal area for the past 25 years. The Baddest Band On Any Stand still sounds great live with their mix of Billy's smooth vocals and the rockin' horn section,(recently adding back in a 4th sax, just like the ol' days). BV, as he's known to his friends, still hits the high notes and is also reknowned for amusing the crowd between songs with his witty patter. If you appreciate R&B, Blues, and crowd-pleasin' music, any show of Billy Vera & the Beaters is sure to please.

Check back to this website often for the latest updated information regarding appearances, news and Billy Vera & the Beaters' gigs. UPDATE As part of their Alive @ Five Thursday evening summer series, the city of Stamford, CT has presented a Homecoming event featuring Billy Vera on July 31st. The show was a great success! Thanks to all who came out. You can read more about this trip from BV on his myspace page. Click here.
MORE UPCOMING GIGS DETAILS >>>

Browse all the pages on this site and you"ll discover interesting tid-bits about Billy's life story, his recordings, movies & television credits, and lots more. Check out the photo galleries (Gallery 1 or Gallery 2) to see pics of BV and some of the famous musicians and celebrities he's played with over the years. Read the history of Billy Vera & the Beaters on the Beater Story page. Thanks for visiting, we hope to see you again real soon!