Billy Hinsche has played keyboard, guitar, bass and sung vocals with the Beach Boys since 1965 when he recorded with brother-in-law Carl Wilson on the Beach Boys’ “Party” album. Prior to that, he was Billy in the popular group, Dino, Desi & Billy, comprised of Billy, Dean Martin’s son, Dino, and Desi Arnaz Jr. with whom he released four albums, with an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show.
Billy’s long association with the Beach Boys has included performances for Presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush, and sold-out shows at major stadiums and venues worldwide. Billy appeared with the Beach Boys at the original Live Aid in 1985 and sang on Elton John’s recording of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” Warren Zevon’s “Desperados Under the Eaves” (produced by Jackson Browne), “Hat Trick” by America and many other recordings of note.
His original songs have been recorded by Carl Wilson, Dean Martin and Nelson Riddle; and he wrote the television theme song for “Automan” (1983). His song, “Patria” was considered for an Emmy nomination in 2002 for the “I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary” television special.
He co-wrote DD&B’s “Lady Love” with Brian Wilson. Billy also holds a BFA degree in Motion Pictures/Television from UCLA and his vintage Beach Boys footage has appeared in many television documentaries. He is also a published writer of several music related articles.
In 2003 Billy released his first full length solo recording, “Bay of Plenty” followed by “Mixed Messages.” He has recently re-formed with long time bandmates Arnaz and Martin as “Ricci, Desi & Billy” with Ricci Martin stepping in for his late brother and releasing the albums “Live In Las Vegas” and “Live From Boulder City.”
Billy serves as musical director for founding Beach Boy Alan Jardine’s Endless Summer Band. He has perfomed as a solo artist at the Cannery Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas with songs from DD&B, the Beach Boys and original material and has just released “Live at the Cannery” recorded at that show.
Billy has most recently toured as a member of the Brian Wilson band and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Carl Wilson Foundation.
Check Billy out on facebook,and his own Website
