Billy Gilman
has the whole world in his hands.
And he’s barely a teenager!

Twelve-year-old Gilman has wowed critics and devoted listeners alike with his hit single, One Voice. He’s ingratiated himself with the country music giants of today, including Dolly Parton, Martina Mcbride, the hit bands Asleep at the Wheel and Dixie Chicks. In fact, Natalie Maines, lead singer of the Chicks, says that young Billy’s first breakthrough television performance was "fearless."

Gilman’s rise to fame is due to his refreshing style of music. Many people are getting tired of the violent, angry lyrics included on some of today’s best-selling tracks. The popular hard-core rappers are draining the ears of adults and teenagers. Their music has only produced bad role models for teens and young adults. Many people are saying, "Enough is enough!"

This is where Billy Gilman comes in. His poignant, wholesome outlooks on life and love are woven into all of his winning songs. The difference is certainly a breath of fresh air.

Billy has been climbing his way to the top of the charts for years. Recently this year, he stole the spotlight, and our hearts, when he sang with Asleep at the Wheel at the Academy of Country Music Awards. There, he rubbed elbows with the likes of Dolly Parton, who gave him some encouraging words backstage.

Born on May 24, 1988 in Hope Valley, Rhode Island, Billy has been an avid country music fan for years. Billy says he listened to, "Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Eddie Arnold, all the classics." His parents and relatives preferred the country sound, so Billy, as his mom puts it, "grew up on" country music.

Billy’s idol became Pam Tillis. She still inspires him today. At age three, he sang Pam Tillis’ "Cleopatra, Queen of Denial." He began crafting his talent at five years old, on a karaoke machine he received for his birthday. Billy shared his clear, affectionate voice with his school. He was obviously a hit with students and teachers at show and tell!

His stay-at-home mother, Fran, knew he had talent early on. It was only a matter of time before the rest of the world could see it. Billy’s first public performance was in his hometown of Hope Valley. His breakthrough came at age nine, when he was the opening act for country music star JoDee Messina. Soon after, young Billy was on the road to stardom. Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson took immediate notice of the youngster. "He’s the one who sent my demo tape to the record label," Billy says, "He’s kind of like my other dad."

Billy has the loyal support of numerous country artists, including Dolly Parton. At the ACM awards, she told Billy, "I hope you know what you’re doing, Billy, ‘cause this is what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life." Billy was ecstatic: "I just thought, ‘Yippee!’" he recalls.

While Billy is as famous as any adult artist, he’s still a regular pre-teen. He likes video games, swimming, and rollerblading. He plays with his cat, dog, and horse during his free time at home. He also has strong moral values. Children and adults can take a page out of Billy’s book. What does he believe in most? "Being respectful, reliable and creative," he says.

Billy has exuded these warm messages into his hit song, "One Voice." The song talks about being a kid in a safe neighborhood, where his parents, "Still believe in the golden rule." His tender age, and ideas, bring out the good in everyone. It is joyful, energetic, and beautiful music that should replace some of the angry songs on today’s radio airwaves. Billy’s crisp, strong voice resonates with everyone searching for better music, and a better society.

We will be sure to keep Billy Gilman on our radio for years to come.

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