Image courtesy of The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center: Billy Weir made Rockabilly history when he began drumming for Harold Jenkins (aka Conway Twitty) at the age of 15. More than 60 years later, he is releasing an LP of his original works Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.
BROWNSVILLE — As rock and roll developed in the 1950s, William “Billy” Weir was right in the middle of the action. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville invites the public to attend ‘An Afternoon with Billy Weir’ Saturday, February 10 at 2 pm. The event will celebrate the 83-year-old Weir with a special program and guests, along with the release of his latest LP “Here We Go Again,” a compilation of his work spanning more than 60 years.
“When I went on the road as a drummer at 15 years of age, being a part of music, and especially rockabilly, history was definitely not on my mind,” said Weir, “I just wanted to play the drums and tour with one of the most popular group of guys I knew.”
Weir is a Jackson, TN, native who moved with his family to Memphis in the 1950s. Many may remember his name as the first drummer for Harold Jenkins and the Rockhousers. Jenkins later became known as Conway Twitty. Weir traveled the region playing with Jenkins and later became an accomplished guitarist after receiving instruction from guitar legends such as Scottie Moore. He has performed with the Elvis Presley Band and shared the stage with many other music greats.
He was in his twenties when he began to dabble in songwriting and this album contains 12 of those original songs, all written and compiled over his years in the music industry. One is a remix of a song that features Twitty and the original band as accompaniment from the early 1970s.
“After working with others in the recording studio for so many years,” explains Weir, “I wanted to challenge myself to produce a record of my own works and this LP is the result – 61 years in the making.”
Weir has been listed as one of Sun Records “Great Drummers.” He has also been inducted into the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Jackson TN, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, for his contributions to the genre. He still performs on occasion with Twitty and Lynn, the grandchildren of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn.
For more information about ‘An Afternoon with Billy Weir,’ call 731-779-9000. This is a free event. Albums may be purchased ($20) on site and Weir will be available to sign.
About the Center: The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, is a music heritage destination that offers a refreshing Southern experience showcasing the history and culture of rural West Tennessee. Inside visitors can learn about the history of cotton, explore the scenic and “wild” Hatchie River and get to know the legendary musicians who call West Tennessee home. Also located on the grounds is the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner, and the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes. The Delta Heritage Center is also a featured stop along the Americana Music Triangle connecting Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans and an official Tennessee Music Pathways location. To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.
