Billy Mize- singer (his mother was a Lett)
Billy Mize

Born April 29, 1929, in Kansas City , Kansas, Billy Mize was raised in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

He first learned to play guitar as a child, but converted to steel guitar when he received one for his 18th birthday.

Originally, he was influenced by the music of Bob Wills and when he moved to Bakersfield, he formed his own band and played residences and local venues.

He also worked as a disc jockey on KPMC. In 1953, he appeared on The Cousin Herb Trading Post Show on KERO- TV and became affectionately known as Billy The Kid.

In 1955, Billy began to appear on The Hank Penny Show on Los Angeles television. In 1957, his popularity grew to the extent that, for several years, he managed to appear on seven Los Angeles Stations weekly, including Town Hall Party, and still maintained his Bakersfield commitments.

He naturally developed into a television personality and, in 1966 and 1967, he became host singer of Gene Autry's Melody Ranch network show on KTLA.

Billy first recorded for Decca in the 50's and later for Challenge and Liberty , before making the US Country charts in 1966 with his Columbia recording of "You Can't Stop Me. " Between 1966 and 1977, he totaled 11 US chart entries, including his own composition "Make It Rain. "

Billy maintained rigorous schedules throughout the 60's and 70's, and appeared in the television series RFD Hollywood.

He later became a television producer with his own production company. He has also worked as a musician on numerous recording sessions, including playing steel and rhythm guitar on many of Merle Haggard's recordings .

Billy and his brother Buddy worked together on various television projects. Billy currently heads Billy Mize Productions, making television spectaculars with Merle Haggard.

Billy was inducted into the POWS in 2001.

source website http://www.seattlewesternswingmusicsociety.com/billymize.htm