It was good to catch up with Billy at his first Country gig since lockdown at the Snodland CMC in Kent on 8th August.
The John C King Family Band were firm favourites at clubs and festivals through the 1980s and early 1990s. The band comprised John C King (lead vocals and guitar), Angie King (lead and harmony vocals and guitar), John King Jr (bass) and Billy King (drums and vocals).
Although a man of few words, John was a real showman with a deep rich baritone voice delivering a traditional programme which always included a good selection of train and hobo songs. I saw Billy many times with the family band in the early 90s. At that time I got to know the family well and would often sit in the tour bus chatting with them into the early hours after a gig. Angie left the band in 1993 to concentrate on bringing up her family. The band continued for three or four years as a trio but eventually John and Billy decided to go solo. John moved back to Scotland from Norfolk after lockdown and he was looking forward to going back on the road. Very sadly he passed away on 3rd July 2023.
Billy launched his solo career using the name Billy Bubba King and, in over 20 years, he has built up an excellent reputation as a modern Country singer. He has embraced the line dance culture; and always keeps up to date with the latest trends.He is married to line dance instructor Sara King.
Research by Nick Catford.