Billy Kemp

A Baltimore native and Nashville resident, Billy Kemp is a musician, songwriter, singer, composer and producer. He is a multi-instrumentalist but is best known for his tasteful and inventive guitar playing. He performs passionate home made songs and compositions, mostly roots music. He self-released a new solo recording, Another Life, in August 2017, his first solo release in twenty years. Billy first made points in his hometown by forming the Paradise Pickers, a hybrid of country and rock which released one record in 1980. During the ‘80s, Billy followed his heart and went to Nashville. While based in Music City, he toured internationally with Tommy Overstreet, Terri Gibbs and Bandana. In town, he performed on the Grand Ole Opry with Jeanne Pruett. Billy returned to Maryland in 1988 and released one recording with the reformed Paradise Rockers before landing the spot as lead guitarist for renegade rock-n-roller Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers in 1990, living the rock-star lifestyle. In the mid-late 90s, he composed and recorded music for Maryland Public Television and produced numerous CDs for regional artists in the Baltimore/DC area. He also released two recordings on his own label, Willbilly Records. In 2000 Billy formed a new roots-rock ensemble, Willbilly—his nickname in high school because of his love for country, blues and folk music. He also expanded his role as a producer and studio-owner, establishing a successful recording facility in rural Maryland. From 2005-2016 Kemp wrote, recorded and performed with the critically acclaimed, Appalachian Folk duo, Jeni & Billy, who released eight recordings on Jewell Ridge Records. Billy released solo recordings, Another Life in 2017, The Painter’s Bucket in 2018, The Craig Demos in 2020 and his latest, Onions, Old Movies & You in 2023. He has toured in the US and Britain as a solo artist, performing concerts that include songs from his recent solo releases, as well as selections from a rich and extensive back-catalogue. From Lone Star country to urban shuffles and Appalachian waltzes, Billy remains a songwriter with a love of story.