Billy Gayles

Billy Gayles
Gayles as a member of the Kings of Rhythm (1956)
Gayles as a member of the Kings of Rhythm (1956)
Background information
Birth nameWillie James Gayles
Also known asWillie King
Billy Gale
BornOctober 19, 1931
Sikeston, Missouri, U.S.
DiedApril 8, 1993(1993-04-08) (aged 61)
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
GenresBlues, R&B
Occupation(s)Musician, singer
InstrumentDrums
Years active1950s−1990s
Formerly ofIke Turner
Kings of Rhythm
Otis Rush

Billy Gayles (October 19, 1931 – April 8, 1993) was an American rhythm & blues drummer and vocalist. Gayles was a member of Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm in the 1950s with whom he recorded for Flair Records and Federal Records as the lead vocalist. Gayles also backed various musicians, including Earl Hooker, Robert Nighthawk, Otis Rush, Albert King, and Richard Arnold "Groove" Holmes.[1][2]

  1. ^ Talevski, Nick (2010). Rock Obituaries: Knocking On Heaven's Door. Omnibus Press. p. 201. ISBN 978-0-85712-117-2.
  2. ^ Komara, Edward M. (2006). Encyclopedia of the Blues. Psychology Press. p. 362. ISBN 978-0-415-92699-7.