"Rhythms of a Lifetime" is the only way to describe Bill King's multifaceted career, from his beginnings as a musician, (which he still is to this day) his transition into writing, mentoring and his passion for photography. ((First Photo Credit Bill King Vintage photo says it all)
Bill's creative journey has been marked by exploration, innovation, and a willingness to constantly change with the times. His experiences offer valuable insights into the artistic process, the music industry, and the power of reinvention, combined with his ongoing passion, curiosity and tenacity.
With a treasure trove of stories and anecdotes to draw from the Through the ‘60s – An American Rock ‘n Road Story, a book released a few years ago is still available on Amazon. Coming Through the ’60s: An American Rock ’n’ Road Story: King, William M., King, William M.: 9781777179939: Books - Amazon.ca
The title leads you to think it is about being on the road and the legendary artists Bill toured with reads like a Who’s Who in music history, but the first few chapters show you the mosaic of this man’s life that led him to the life and path he chose to follow. Growing up with a WW11 veteran soldier father, who suffered PTSD, had this creative soul growing up in a violent and volatile home setting, never knowing when the next outburst would happen. It also traces the geographical journey and his roots in the South.
“I didn’t want the book to be just about music,’ King shared with me from his home on Toronto, Canada. “I have had a remarkable life, and it all started with that part of my story. It wasn’t easy and I left out a lot as it was very emotional for me but in some way it was healing for me as well.”
Bill King moved to Canada from the U.S. in the early '70s to avoid the draft as so many musical people did back then. After working for a time to change the laws about conscientious objection, he formed a band in Toronto and signed with Capitol. “Goodbye Superdad” was released in 1973 and Blue Skies appeared the following year. He formed the band China in 1982 with Christopher Kearney and Danny McBride. Gradually moving from rock to jazz, King formed Night Passage Records and released Avenue B (1984) and City of Dreams (1985) in that vein (as the Bill King Quintet). He has worked with the Jazz Report All-Stars with tenor saxophonist Pat LaBarbera and Kirk MacDonald, Campbell Ryga on alto, guitarist Ted Quinlan, vibist Don Thompson and conductor John Cheesman. Bill continues to play live today.
The brightest lights in his life are his wife Kris Sandels King and his son, Jesse King, a 2-time Juno Winner - 10-time Nominee. Jesse has followed in his Dad’s musical footsteps with his band, Dubamtix, a genre named on their Facebook cover artwork as Rebel Skank.
“As parents, Jesse is a source of immense pride to witness his independence, his strong work ethic, and his commitment to carving his own path. Jesse's ability to synthesize knowledge from various sources—biographies, business literature, and current events—gives him an edge as an articulate and thoughtful broadcaster. His enthusiasm for discussion and debate has made him a standout voice in the talk radio sphere. “
Check out more about Jesse here: dubmatix.com
Bill and Jesse also co-host a weekly show together on CIUT Home - CIUT.FM Toronto’s eclectic radio station and home to diversified programming, Engaging and entertaining You can listen live Saturdays @ 10-11am Live stream - The Sound of Your City (securenetsystems.net)
Adding one more project to his already full dance card, Bill King also holds the position for Director of Strategies for SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival.
“I’ve had a blast in my role as director of strategies and engagement for SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival in the past few years. This after 30 years as artistic director of the Beaches International Jazz Festival. Singers are my thing. I’ve produced 18 recordings from Sophie Milman, Liberty Silver, John McDermott and recently, Heather Christine. Hunting down venues, making the calls, and meeting with donors are my thing. I’m a people person. Also, implementing I Love to SING for kids and adults rewards on so many levels. The voice, the emotion, the community. That’s who we are!”
Always a busy man, Bill has recently become the Artistic Director at Toronto’s latest hot place to play, The Redwood Theatre. A venue nestled in the heart of East End Toronto, The Redwood Theatre is a multidisciplinary arts centre where music, dance, circus, comedy, theatre, installation art, film, production, and live shows. “Additionally, my work with the Redwood venue has been a rewarding challenge. Programming and nurturing the potential of this budding arts venue speaks to his deep commitment to both the local arts scene and his broader creative journey.”
Music Theatre | The Redwood Theatre | Toronto
Also known as a much in demand artist photographer, Bill has the uncanny knack of capturing people in a way that is organic, showing a bit of their soul while provided great head shots to portray their musical genre.
“Always a silver lining in life, the photography path actually came from my Dad. He started to send Kris and I $1000 each at Christmas and said we should buy cameras. We did just that and he continued that tradition every year so we could upgrade. It was something he actually loved to see, and it was truly a way to forgive and heal from all the trauma. He praised my photos and that was an incredible part of my Dad and I connecting on a different level.”
Bill and Kris also travel about this great city of ours taking landscape, hot spots and cool photographs on their weekend jaunts.
Now he has just finished the follow up book, Rolling Through the ‘70s, set for release soon. In the meantime purchase Through the ‘60s so you will be ready to read the follow-up on this man’s journey.
And if all of the above wasn’t enough check out this announcement: Randolph College for the Performing Arts to establish a new flagship location, “The Bill King Centre,” in 2024 — Randolph College For The Performing Arts
I truly believe all we want in life is to leave a mark, a legacy, something that says ‘I was here”. Bill King has done just this but the amazing thing I think that with someone like Bill King, he is just getting started. Truly a remarkable man, the indefatigable Bill King is an inspiration to us all.
His final comment in our busy conversation, “No darkness in the world needed, always go into the world of light”. And thank you Bill King for sharing so much of your light for all of us.
https://www.facebook.com/billkingpiano
Editor’s Note: There are so many facets of Bill King’s life and career that are not mentioned or we have not touched on here so please go explore and enjoy more stories on this Canadian treasure.
