Billy Mure

Originating from New York, Billy Mure began playing violin at five, moved to guitar at seven, and started composing by thirteen. When World War II began he enlisted in the U.S. Army and eventually conducted an Air Corps band. Once the war ended he performed on WNEW radio until 1957, then balanced session work and duties as arranger/conductor with his own development as composer and recording artist. Among his first pieces are “Gazachastaliagen,” “Got a Match,” and “String of Trumpets.” His discs attract pop and exotica listeners as well as devotees of early electric guitar. Listeners drawn to the wordless choruses linked to Bob Thompson and Esquivel—particularly other RCA artists—will value Fireworks. ~ Tony Wilds