Billy Strange

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For other uses, see Strange (disambiguation).

William E. Strange (born 1930 in Long Beach, California) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor.

Billy Strange teamed up with Mac Davis to write several hit songs for Elvis Presley including A Little Less Conversation, the theme from Charro! and Memories. Strange also composed the musical soundtrack for two of Elvis' films Live a Little, Love a Little and The Trouble With Girls. He also wrote Limbo Rock for Chubby Checker.

Strange recorded many cover versions of James Bond movie themes for GNP Crescendo Records and provided the instrumental backing and arrangement for Nancy Sinatra's non soundtrack version of You Only Live Twice as well as Nancy and Frank's Somethin' Stupid. He has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame for his pioneering contribution to the genre.^[1]

He was also recently inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.^[2]

Strange played guitar on numerous Beach Boys hit's including "Sloop John B and the ground breaking Pet Sounds album." He has also played guitar for Nancy Sinatra, Jan & Dean, The Ventures, Willie Nelson, The Everly Brothers, Wanda Jackson, Randy Newman and Nat King Cole among others.

He has arranged and conducted for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Elvis Presley. Strange also performed the vocals for Steve McQueen in Baby the Rain Must Fall^[3].

Strange was married to singer and actress Joan O'Brien from 1954-1955.