Bill Wence

A California native, the musician refined his abilities after relocating to Nashville in 1973 in search of songwriting opportunities. Disc jockey shifts at several Nashville stations preceded his big break, which arrived when he signed on as keyboardist for Tom T. Hall and appeared with the country legend roughly 800 times. Additional road work followed alongside Bobby Bare, Slim Whitman, and Jeannie C. Riley. Throughout the 1970s he balanced stage appearances and composition with the commercial side of the business, ultimately launching Bill Wence Promotions, whose roster included Jerry Jeff Walker, Randy Travis, and Collin Raye. Four straight Billboard-charting singles that he penned in 1979 and 1980 marked an early songwriting peak. Assisted by a range of supporting players, Wence issued the album California Callin' on 615 Records in 2001. He still plays regularly in the Nashville area while directing his promotion company and continuing to write songs.