I often write about “something meaningful that matters” in many of my blogs. My hope is to inspire people and perhaps make a positive difference in their lives. In today’s fast paced world, we often fail to take the proper time to reflect on the special people in our lives and how much they mean to us. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a tragic event for us to realize how truly blessed we are.
Note: This is the updated blog which includes links to song s Bill Atkins performed, listened to often and loved. Many of these songs were taken from the musical tribute at Billy’s funeral service.
I was honored to have been asked to arrange the music at Mr. Atkins funeral memorial. I have added other songs which may not have been appropriate for the funeral service or dropped due to time constraints.
This is only a minute segment of his taste and love for good music. Please click on any RED link - to hear and see a small part of his spirited life.
A week ago, I learned of the sudden passing of my best friend- Billy Atkins. Our bond lasted 40 years. His legacy will last much longer!
Billy’s older brother Donald “Tudor” Atkins was the guitarist for The Music Explosion. Bill was very proud of Tudor’s musical accomplishments. The Music Explosion had a top 10-hit with “Little Bit O’ Soul” in 1967.
We attended school together in Lexington, Ohio and became friends.
I attended my first rock concert with Billy and Trent Edgerton. William drove us down to the French Field House on the campus of The Ohio State University to hear Spooky Tooth, Fleetwood Mac, and the headliners- Uriah Heep. We would see Uriah Heep perform many times during our friendship.
In 1971, William joined a band called “Avery”. The hard rockin’ quartet consisted of Kirk Luther on (Hammond B3 organ), Steve Haverfield (drums), Stan Diener (guitar) and Billy Atkins playing his Hoffner “Beatle” bass guitar.
The band played locally at WJ’s Club on Walker Lake Road (fantastic club) and The Hide-Away located on North Main Street in downtown Mansfield, Ohio (Jimmy Papas ran the establishment). Surprisingly Avery were respected enough to play at Fergies BlueNote and another all-black bar located on the square of Mansfield, Ohio.
In 1972, Avery competed in two different “Battle of the Bands Contests” held in Columbus, Ohio on the same day. Avery won both events.
I can still visualize Billy performing “Gypsy” by Uriah Heep with his bass guitar- above his head, behind his neck and behind his back (backwards). People were amazed at his showmanship. I was stunned- he was only 15 years old!
Following the breakup of Avery, William joined Don Brody, violin virtuoso- Brad Oviatt and the talented Craig “Haskell” Gandert on harp (harmonica) for a bluegrass project. By this time, besides being talented on acoustic guitar, Bill had picked-up the mandolin. The band played many fast-paced Bluegrass numbers with relative ease.
In the mid-1970’s, Country/Rock music was taking off. Mr. Atkins was already inspired by artists such as: The Byrds, Poco, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Eagles, and Jackson Browne. California was the “melting pot” for Country/Rock. So, he loaded up his Volkswagen Beetle and headed to California! His friends missed him dearly.
A couple of years passed with Billy living in San Diego, California and finally we heard the good news. Strike up the band-Billy was coming home!
Attending concerts and clubs with musical entertainment played a prominent role in our lives together.
On Saturday evenings, Billy and several of us would travel to Cleveland, Ohio, book rooms at The Holiday Inn on Lakeside Avenue, take a taxi cab to 1730 East 24th Street and catch the Cleveland based band- Souvenir at The Cleveland Agora.
Those were legendary nights of friends and music at the “old” Cleveland Agora.
His small bedroom at his Mom’s home was fittingly setup using his own PA system for speakers. Quite powerful, their presence let you immediately know how serious he took his music!
Just like the lyrics of one of his favorite songs by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band “Bayou Jubilee”-Billy could make you “forget about your troubles with a party and a song.”
Helping family and friends was something William always found the time for. He never put himself above the needs of others.
Whether it was an all-night chat while driving around in his Volkswagen, a job, a hot meal, a place to stay, or just getting together-Billy was always there.
I never once heard him complain or regress. Somehow, he understood a role that was one of his greatest assets.
His smile, the twinkling of his eyes and upbeat spirit always made us feel special.
Billy probably saved my life and the lives of others many nights, driving me around chatting until I was sober enough to make it home. He would have gladly driven me home, but I’d rather spend those nights in his company.
Strangely, he shared the same idea of my next book on the subject of Ohio Rock History. Without him knowing, I was already planning this adventure. He would have played a major role in providing me information throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s.
The upcoming book will be dedicated to William Atkins. Music played an important role in his life.
I always wanted to put a band together with Billy. We discussed this a month ago. I had just joined Street Foxx. He shared the same thought and he assured me it would come about down the road.
Knowing Billy, he already has a band waiting in Heaven. They are probably making a “joyful noise” consisting of a fog machine, blasting PA system, the swirling sound of a Hammond B3, soaring guitar riffs and a bass player in vibrant perfect health- grinning from ear to ear.
Billy,
I loved you like a brother. You were my closest friend for 40 years.
I could never repay what you given me.
I will spend each day “paying forward” your message of hope!
May God Bless You and hold you in the palm of His hand.
Your spirit is free.
To have known you was a blessing.
To walk beside you was a gift!
Until We Meet Again,
Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells-The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
