Chris Hicks Digs Into Billy Jones of the Outlaws

[@mathisfun774]

Bill Jones was my friend, we majored in Mathematics and Astronomy at the University of South Florida, Tampa, his home town. Of course this was before his R&R days, after his graduation. I never knew he was an accomplished musician the few years we were taking classes together; I later learned he turned-down a scholarship to a a famous conservatory (whose name escapes my seven-decades-old brain) long after our paths parted. Thank you for this remembrance.

[@Pebo62]

Billy had a house on12th Street in Sulpher Springs that he spent some time with a remodel. Meant him once through a friend that lived down the street from him.

[@barrysmith8920]

It was The Julliard School that Billy turned down

[@danoesq2]

Billy was underrated. One of the best of all time.

[@michaellewis6446]

Billy was a guitar legend. I can't believe he's gone. RIP BILLY JONES

[@patrickwhitaker2293]

Billy’s solo on Stick Around For Rock ‘n Roll where he repeatedly bends the same string to a series of higher notes = iconic signature Outlaws guitar!

[@franksanchez45]

I love it !! That's my favorite song with Billy 👍

[@stevemckinney7912]

I just stumbled on to this,thank you so much! Love the outlaws

[@JLDB1987]

Yes! That solo in Stick Around would climb to that last note then shift. THAT moment was always so powerful and compelling! Saw them many times, and Billy was the highlight for me.

[@juddkohut5778]

Loved the Outlaws back in the 70's.

[@jimhamlin6475]

Billy Jones,was one of the best , he had a very distinct listenable sound, that is very calming to one's soul...thanks for remembering him, Chris.!!!

[@danh1206]

Growing up in the 70s remembering all the bands from late 60s to late 70s. I don't know what it was but Billy was my favorite guitarist. Saw him play a few times, always wished I could have met him and say thank you... life on the road is very tough job.

[@richardgarcia-sm5un]

Chris Hicks thank you for giving kuddos to the late Billy Jones. In 1977 i joined Columbia House record club and for a dollar i bought 12 record albums. Being just a poor kid in the lower southern area i had never seen or heard any of the recording artists i decide to "gamble" on with this too good to believe purchase i randomly picked various albums like - James Gang live at Carnegie Hall, Robin Trower Live, Kiss Alive, Rush All The Worlds A Stage, Outlaws Bring E'm Back Alive among a few other albums to round out the purchase. Eventhough Joe Walsh's record kicks ass as does Trowers live album, I kept listening over and over to Rush live All The Wolrds A Stage and The Outlaws Bring Em Back albums appreciating both Alex Lifeson's guitar work and that one guitar sound on the Outlaws who kept drawing me in which turned out to be Mr. Billy Jones very cool very intense digging to the stratosphere style of lead work when it was his turn to shine out of the 3 lead guitarists in the band. Prisoner was my favorite tune on the album as was Billy's lead section on Green Grass and High Tides. I went on to see Rush 3 or 4 times live once i was in high school and The Outlaws every time they were on tour in my area. The Triumph/Outlaws tour i saw before the Ghost Riders album release was the closet i ever saw or heard the Outlaws play like they did on the Bring Em Back Alive album. Researching in the mid 2000's on what happened to The Outlaws I discovered that Billy suffered from depression which i can understand him being a force in rock n roll for so long especially touring with other great bands and cutting heads night after night then it all suddenly coming to an end would be depressing and i definitely can understand the let down he suffered as he reminisced back to the good ol days and good times. Little did he know we all have the same feeling of loss and what all these mid to late 70's rock bands be they yankee or southern bands music and live shows meant to us rock n roll music lovers and fans. There will never be an era again with so many recording artist in the market and available at the same time on the radio or to the public with a signature sound instantly recognizable within a few bars of the song like there was back in the day of this era where no one sounded like each other! Bad Company, Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh, The Eagles, Kiss, The Outlaws, Lynyrd Skynrd, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Boston, Neil Young,, Doobie Brothers... on and on and on.

[@robertwelch3240]

I was obsessed with their music as a teenager, and still love them today.🙂

[@franksanchez45]

Yes !! finally !! Give the great Billy Jones his due absolutely awesome tone and style I loved the guy saw him at least 7-8 times

[@user-vs2sq4jv8s]

Loved the way you guys played. Rest in peace Billy ❤❤❤

[@stanjohnson2863]

Billy was my uncle and a great guy

[@beatmastert]

good to hear. loved his music.

[@aschule5684]

What a cool guy to have for an uncle, it's great to see this video honoring him, long over due, he and Hughie were a great team and it's very sad that we've lost them both but their music will live on!

[@edwardgordon4309]

He was a hero to multitudes of southern rock fans and players. An amazing talent!

[@good-bye_blue_sky]

Any idea why Billy decided to end his life at such a young age, 45? I always wondered why? He seemed to have so much going for him incl a wife and child, probably set for life ..........Just so sad

[@aubreytucker654]

He was one of us. They all were. We were (are) family......

[@tonyjeevar6565]

As a teenager in England in the seventies there was no information about The Outlaws at all except for album sleeve notes. I had all their albums and jamming along playing by ear was how I learnt to play. Lady in Waiting is still a favourite, in my car at the moment.

[@thesgkiddave]

The lines he played in Hurry Sundown where haunting love it.

[@murlschmidt9190]

great job Chris! So enjoyed your take on Billy. He and Hughie were fantastic together for sure.

[@nickgravelding26]

You can't talk Billy Jones w/o mentioning Prisoner! For me that is the quintessential "Billy Song" In the later years of the Outlaws there were some great BillySongs on Eye of the Storm & Ghost Riders. i.e. Blueswater, Come on and Dance with Me, Coming Home, Freedom Walk, Sunshine. Killer Killer stuff!! Thanks for remembering him Chris!!

[@maumau40]

Great songs in the Abum " In the eye of... " Nobody talks about this great album. Prisoner is a great song too.

[@geoffreyhagge6433]

And night wines - his best !!

[@jamestcallahanphotographer]

Yes! “Prisoner,” I was just thinking of that. One of my all time favorites.

[@devlin0208]

I saw The Outlaws with either The Pure Prairie League or Stillwater in 1978 in a monsoon and it was a killer show. Thanks for this great tribute to Billy, he was one of the best and as are most of the axemen in Skynyrd, MTB, Molly, ARS etc, all are sadly underrated and basically ignored by the music press.

[@jpb962]

Thanks for the great appreciation of Billy Jones. They talk about London in the 60's, well how about all the great guitarists that came out of the south in the 70's?

[@JLDB1987]

Hughie shredded, and as you beautifully put it, Billy’s playing sang!

[@43hootowl]

I saw the Outlaws with Bad Company in Atlanta in 1978 . Best concert I ever saw !! I became a big time Outlaws fan . Hughie , Billy, and Harvey rocked it

[@msr1116]

I saw the Outlaws in Sept. 1981 with Motorhead opening and Ozzy Osbourne as the headliner. Pretty sure it was Randy Rhodes on guitar.

[@colinscott1399]

I don't know how you do it brother. I'm 67 and still hsve to dry my eyes thinkin and talkin about my southern rock bands and the ones already gone. These songs and those guitar players. including you, tattooed their sound on my heart. kerp on keepin it alive Chris.

[@Heminguac]

Thank you, Chris. A great video about the great Billy Jones.

[@HebGbe]

Thank you Chris for giving Billy and Hughie some of the credit that is in my opinion far overdue. One of my favorite Billy solos in the Freddie Salem era is his in 'I Hope You Don't Mind's. He comes in dancing on the fretboard and ends with the edge of feedback bend into the A chord. Excellent. I saw them many times over the years in and around Pittsburgh with you also. You are a fine player also.

[@TheBigjohn527]

Were you over at Legend Valley, Oh for Dixie Jam II on July 3, 1979 like I was? On that great bill along with the Outlaws were The Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet & Pure Prairie League. McGuffey Lane opened.

[@HebGbe]

Hey 527.. That was I'm sure an unbelievable show but I was not at that one I saw them at Pittsburgh s Stanley Theatre which was an awesome place for a show. They were with the Michael Stanley Band and Mama s Pride I think the next day I went out and bought 'Stage Pass' by the MSB. I saw them at a few colleges around here along the way as well as some smaller clubs. I met Hughie at a smaller place called Top Charlie's and we talked a few minutes as I was leaving with my girlfriend. He seemed like a real nice guy. I d have to think hard about the other gigs but I do remember seeing them at Clarion University. They were some of the best times. Take care bro

[@BuckeyeInNC]

@@TheBigjohn527 me there (however why am i thinking it was '78 not '79?? are you positive? maybe they came back again in '79 having been there in '78?? i did not live in Columbus in July '79 but did in July '78).... lived in Columbus/German Village... bought an Outlaws original tshirt at the Legend Valley show still have it... next saw them in Boulder Colo 1980 and got backstage cuz i had quaaludes to share...

[@TheBigjohn527]

@@BuckeyeInNC Yes, they came back, I was at Dixie Jam II. Yes, you were there, man. Dig it. The lineup for Dixie Jam I on July 30th, 1978 was : Dickey Betts & Great Southern Outlaws Charlie Daniels Band Earl Scruggs Review Peace out, man.

[@DanBurt1968]

Great memories of watching you play with the Outlaws at Club Bene in Sayreville, New Jersey. My ears are still ringing!

[@bobsteel6916]

I picked up a lot of my playing from guys like Dickie Betts, Charlie Daniels, and I've forged my own identity as far as playing my own tunes, but I use a lot of string vibrato, and Billy is who I got that off of. The solo on Green grass, on the Bring em back alive album is my Billy favorite. I just wish his life hadn't went so sideways, he's awesome forever.

[@good-bye_blue_sky]

do you know what happened and why he decided to end it?

[@bobsteel6916]

@@good-bye_blue_sky No, I don't, I think only Billy himself knows. I'm to understand he was having substance abuse problems that got worse throughout the Outlaws.

[@good-bye_blue_sky]

@@bobsteel6916 Thank you Bob! It's such a shame how destructive d&^gs are. I know about that all too well dealing with a family member. I saw the Outlaws a couple times back in 1980. They were amazing! At least we can still watch him jam through YT vids.

[@johnhughes3963]

Billy was iconic! Blessed to see him play many times! Thanks a lot Chris!!

[@terryp.8134]

Wow. Great work Chris. So many great comments what a joy is to see you Chris as you're carrying on the legacy of Billy & the Outlaws. Thank you so much for being an Outlaw.

[@DonTheGuitarGuy]

Awesome, so glad I stumbled onto your channel man. I, like many have grown up on The Outlaws since the 70's and by far Billy was the biggest influence on my playing. I was heartbroken when he passed and a year ago I went and found his grave to thank him and leave a pick. Look forward to going through your channel to see what else is here. Love the stories and insight and hopefully steal some licks. Cheers from Nova Scotia Chris, The Outlaws have a LOT of rabid fans up here.

[@dianecurcio-ng7ek]

I really liked this particular session. So enjoyable.

[@larrylundry5384]

my first concert at age 14. standing in front of billy jones. 6 days later i stood in front of michael schenker of ufo. those 2 nights forged my musical path. along with seeing my buddy dime in a bar in harker heights tx 5 yrs later. their playing is just in my dna at this point.

[@Romany1111]

Billy was a gentleman, an intellect (USF BS in Math with honors), and technical master of the guitar.

[@billbbobby2889]

Saw them many times in NYC late 70's and 80's and they always blew the audience away. Pure Performance, great playing, and no acrobatic stupidity. It was great music and a great time growing up in America. Thank You Great Lord Above for filling the air with Harmony. The playing in "Waterhole" is Pure Genius.

[@BobDixon-f7n]

I remember the Outlaws big time from my youth. I listened to everybody my family did Charlie Daniels band, Marshal Tucker band and lots of Southern Rock. Of course the Allman Brothers band. I was born in 60 and grew up in Sarasota. Those werethe greatest of time's! Thank you for the Rememberance!

[@chrischarles1468]

Thanks Chris! To my knowledge the first props and insight ever into Billy’s playing.

[@ivanfortuny2244]

Great show Billy Jones was a great guitar player his riffs and voice were Unique .🎸☮️

[@eric_in_florida]

Always loved Billy, rocking that Les Paul in a southern rock band. Sometimes even the black 3 pickup LP Custom as you pointed out. BIBA is one of the great double live albums of all time.

[@joemarucci3917]

The OUTLAWS were my 1st concert in 78.. The TOWER THEATER just outside Philly. They were on the BRING EM BACK ALIVE tour dedicated to Skynyrd. My favorite Outlaw was Billy Jones, who I believe is a very underrated guitarist. Thank you for spotlighting Billy!! Great Job

[@Vincent-fo7xp]

Their live album is spectacular I still listen to it

[@ethan-el1zq]

Perhaps a segment on the amps and guitars the outlaws have used over the years would be cool

[@scott2737]

My favorite picker in one of my top favorite bands of all time. Just the right amount of true Country combined with just the right amount of honest Rock. 🔥⚡🎸 Here's to You Billy Jones!

[@mikedc3]

Thank you for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't get enough of this stuff!!!!!!! What a talented guy in a band of talented guys he was!!!!!!!

[@Billykid514]

Awesome Chris! did a couple shows with you and The Outlaws early 90s in Albuquerque then booked you guys at The Rage in Dallas with Jeff Hughie and B.B. me and Hughie drove to Costco he explained how he wrote Green Grass in 3 different parts over 3 years. Great times!!!!

[@nightwolf1650]

I'll never forget Billy and Hughie

[@gojudude]

That's what's so great about your channel sir....I love the history you give and the history others give when you're having a conversation with them. I'ma a huge fan of Billy's music and I learned a lot from your show. Thanks!!!!!

[@mattwitkowski6329]

Love the Outlaws. Best Southern rock.

[@SIXSTRING63]

Great video Chris! I played with one of your former Outlaw band mates, the late great Jeff Howell from 2000-2002. Sad going to his funeral in March of this year. He was one of the best bass players I ever played with in my 45 years of playing live music. RIP Jeff

[@HebGbe]

Hey Chris...I saw you with Tucker in Kittanning last night...great show with kudos to all....

[@katonahjoe8827]

Chris, do you know Rick Bedrosian? He played with Henry along with Jim Fish, both friends of mine from upstate NY. I saw The Outlaws play at the Sarasota Blues and BBQ Festival at the county fairgrounds last year. They gave me their song list and Henry signed it for me. Last time I saw the original group was in 1978 or 1979 in Plymouth, NH. I’ve seen them so many times it’s hard to keep track! Long live southern rock!💗✌🏼

[@michaelwest7183]

My favorite Billy song Holiday 👍👍🎸🎼🙏 Keep um coming CH 👍❤️

[@beatmastert]

my favorite Billy solo is in GGHT's from BIBA, his solo on the slow section gives me chills everytime I hear it.

[@VioletRene]

Very enjoyable! Thank You!

[@everyonesnameddave8512]

Great video, Thank you Chris!

[@mulekickhandmadeguitars8465]

In about 1976 ? (give or take) a friend took me to a huge abandoned warehouse in the industrial part of Des Moines, Iowa where he told me The Outlaws were playing. They were the most amazing band I've ever seen, and ever will see in my lifetime. I've seen Eric Clapton.

[@ksavery]

I love these, thank you Chris! I could listen to you talk all day.

[@Rdouglas63]

first time I saw them was around 1977 or 1978 they were touring with Molly Hatchet, saw them at the Lakeland Civic center, and it poured rain the entire 90 minute drive from Pinellas Park, but by the time we got closer to the arena the rain let up, I loved Molly Hatchet but once Tampa's own guitar army hit the stage my level of excitement went through the roof. I'd loved them since the first time I had heard their staple songs, There goes another love song, Green Grass and high tides, You are the show, Ghost riders, Free born man, God they had so many really good hits. Love them

[@cosmogman]

Lakeland Civic Center! Saw many a band there in the 70s. LS in 75. ZZTop. Seemed so big back then.

[@BobM195]

Even Chris likes him some Ghost Riders.."Good Job" Chris like the Comments and the Guitar licks..👍🎸✝️☮🇺🇸

[@SURRYHOUSE2]

Yes brother. Once a outlaw always a outlaw. TIDEWATER VA

[@tomsisk6811]

Absolutely 👍

[@johnmac9002]

Thank you Chris! Billy and Hughie are my favs since 1979 when i seen them live at Royal Oak Michigan. I snuck a 5th of Jack on stage during the dry ice smoke and met them after the show.....what great memories thanks again for your input!!!

[@rosemarygranat]

Thank you so much.......

[@FilmForger]

Billy was popular among us Southern Rock fans here in The Bronx.... but it was that Platinium record behind you that got me playing the guitar.... Cheers!

[@Shorttimer05]

Thank you for this video. I am happy someone is taking the time to recognize Billy. There isn't enough info on him that I can find online and it's a shame.

[@kevinhuber8723]

Great Video. Chris you are very talented player in your own right. Thanks!

[@hannibalheyes339]

My very 1st concert was, The Outlaws. It was the "In the eye of the Storm" show.They opened up for Molly Hatchet in 79 in Lubbock Texas

[@paulash6732]

Thank you for this Chris. Great insight into Billy's playing. You can pick a bit yourself...

[@franksanchez45]

Stick around for rock n roll, that's a signature Billy Jones song if I ever heard one

[@jamiedurkin7755]

Wow thx man just found your channel and what great subject matter the outlaws in my mind were under rated they had great tunes with great ribs thx for your channel keep up the great work❤😊

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Cool info about Billy... thanks :)

[@amandaspencer1304]

When I listen to Billy and his lead guitar parts, especially when playing live, I can hear the mournful pain in his heart that was expressed in his playing. He's probably my favorite guitar player. On the 1978 live album, his guitar lead in "Prisoner" is the finest there is.

[@markventura4253]

Really dug this video Chris, Billy was one hell of a guitar player!!! Thanks for posting!!!

[@MarkJohnson-ht8wd]

Thanks for the Billy Jones story. I know very little of the man aside of his guitar. Too bad he decided to leave.

[@pg981]

"Holiday" is one of my favorite Outlaws tunes.

[@HebGbe]

Also a favorite of mine is the 'Aint So Bad' solos on 'Lady in Waiting'. The trade off of the Hughie solo into the harmony then onto the Billy solo is superb. They were truly great.

[@jennystryker2967]

Here's one no one mentioned. Blueswater off the Eye of the Storm Album. Soft heart and great licks.

[@fjb22161]

Billy was a badass guitar player and singer/songwriter. Loved him and Huey. Best duo guitarists ever

[@patwoods226]

I was lucky enough to them with 38 Special and Molly Hatchet, The best concert I have gone to.

[@kathif17]

❤just saw the Outlaws in Cincinnati they were awesome. ❤

[@ivanfortuny2244]

Great guitar player with an Unique Style his Riffs were puré Bliss.🎸

[@stv111play]

Nice review dude, outlaws were tight as hell the live shows were amazing, sad no good video audio recording in there day to capture

[@TheBigjohn527]

This recap of Billy Jones was like music to my ears. Thank you Chris Hicks.

[@scottbrown8451]

this is cool great job

[@GrayWolf3334]

Miss you Billy 🎵🎶🎸🙏

[@stevelankford7087]

My favorite memory of the band was at Rickwood Field Birmingham, with Journey, Johnny and Edgar Winters and Skynyrd. 77 I think 💭! Rock on Billy with all those beloved Freebirds!

[@stevelankford7087]

76 my bad

[@andyford8359]

Saw them with skynard and zz top on 7-4-76. ZZ Top didn't stand a chance going on stage after those two set fire to to the place!

[@harryhoesch3793]

Great tribute. Every lick would click to his part within the tune.

[@barrysmith8920]

They were absolutely brilliant to snag Paul Rothchild to produce their eponymous album The Outlaws. Absolutely set their sound and approach into motion. 🙏🏼

[@hotrodrigs1]

Can remember in the 80s Kings Dominion VA Outlaws an Molly Hatchet shows. Thanks Chris keep it up, saw you guys this year at the new Capitol One Concert Hall in Tysons, Tally Ho in Leesburg VA have been my Favs.

[@markwilliams5606]

Gotta a 57 Les Paul standard. Wouldn't have any other! Am 64. Miss Duane Allman! Band called Blackberry Smoke. Carrying on!

[@billmoran935]

Chris, make an instructional video on playing their hits. You are a perfect person to do it. You will be instrumental in keeping their music alive for years to come. Thank you

[@marketingTUNEUP]

Triple HBs added a huge flavor to his amazing tone. Yeah, agree Billy's live Green Grass was epic and Sundown. Stuck with me always. Great video! Really interesting about your Strat vs LP. I see your Strat neck in the photo is SC. Stock?

[@bruceberry6387]

Loved Billy's playing . Bring it back alive 🤘🍻👍👍

[@michaelwood7169]

Don't forget about The song "Bluewater" ....one of Billy's on lead Vox and guitar! Outstanding indeed. 🎶 🎸 🎤

[@Red-rl1xx]

I've been buying Outlaws LP's from a guy at a flea market near me for a couple of months now including their live album from 1977. Lots of good stuff!

[@keithlauderjr1691]

Billy was in my favorite Outlaws lineup. RIP

[@AndrewNichols921]

love this video. I came looking for insights into Billy's tone and found you. Figured who would know better than one of the Outlaws himself. I saw you play live at a little bar in Melbourne Fl for that Hittin the Road Live show. Never forget it, I was right in front of Hughie and he was struggling to adjust pedals with cowboy boots on. He looked down at me and I waved to him and he pushed his whole pedal board up to me to adjust pedals for him while he played. I also can appreciate opening up a video and seeing someone playing the same guitar as I do. Epi 60's standard Iced Tea?

[@aikimi8390]

I love your channel, Chris.

[@kenanderson269]

Billy was a mathematician. he was a Prisoner to depression. Nobody bent strings like Billy...Nobody. Quite a sweet voice and a mean lead guitar player and a troubled soul. RIP Billy.

[@kenanderson269]

Henry Paul told me Billy was a mathematics major

[@rjsegedin7116]

@@kenanderson269 Billy was also a mathematics teacher/tutor for a while according to Wikipedia

[@ebutuoyssa]

This was a blast to watch. I had my doubts as does every original fan. I loved your "Waterhole" section. Maybe another offering for the silent hero Freddie Salem and the Greatest-Toy Caldwell? Kudos on the vocals- not easy to hit those notes and not easy to fill those boots- but you are definitely the right one for the task. Thanks!

[@andifisaytoyoutomorrow0]

I always loved a Les Paul sound, being a big Zep fan, and loved Hughie but was drawn to Billy Jones haunting licks.

[@daytonarama]

Great to hear stories from someone who knew both Billy and Hughie.... and love hearing those lead parts again. And learning how Billy set those pickups, which I did not know. Billy always was little too much of a free form lead player for my taste, never worrying much about how it sounded on the album. He often just did his thing in live performaces. But his heavy bend and vibrato approach was a perfect counterpoint to Hughie's blazing fast Strat leads.

[@tidepoolbay]

Nice Work Chris! WooF!

[@steveknox3007]

Always thought Billy was way underrated

[@rosemarygranat]

Hello Billy......where are you tonight?