Billy Cross

Denmark-based American guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and producer, b. Billy Schwartz on 15 July 1946 in Manhattan, New York. Started playing in local groups in 1962. Graduated from Columbia University 1968 and played with [a=Sha-Na-Na] at the Woodstock Festival and with both the Broadway and touring version of the "Hair" musical. In the mid 70's he worked with various theatrical productions as well as as a session guitarist. In 1977 things really started happening for Cross. With old school mate Rob Stoner and Jasper Hutchinson he formed the band [a=Topaz (28)], releasing one album, he appeared on Robert Gordon's debut album, and from late 1977 to early 1979 he toured with Bob Dylan and played guitar on his albums "Street Legal" and "Live at Bodukan". In 1979 he also appeared on Link Wray's "Bullshot" album. Early 1975 he had moved his base to Copenhagen, Denmark, where he formed Delta-Cross Band with local artists in 1979. That band released four albums and was a popular blues outfit in Denmark until they broke up in 1983. Cross' composition "Take Me Back", originally included on the Delta-Cross album "Up Front", was in 1981 re-recorded by Bonnie Tyler and released as the B-side of her million-selling single "Total Eclipse Of The Heart". In 1986 he released his eponymous solo album, and during the 80's and 90's he also became a frequently used producer in Denmark. In 2005 he formed the trio Everybody's Talking with Jimmy Colding and Lars Maasbøl. The trio has released 3 albums.