- From Columbia, South Carolina (lives in Nashville)
- Primarily a country singer and songwriter, known to millions as “Whisperin’ Bill.”
- Has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961.
- Has had over 80 of his own singles reach the country charts, including “Still,” “Bright Lights and Country Music,” “Po’ Folks.”
- Has written dozens of songs which were hits for other artists, beginning with “City Lights” (Ray Price) in 1958, which Bill wrote at age 19. Recent chart toppers: Alison Krauss/Brad Paisley hit “Whiskey Lullaby” (2005) and George Strait’s “Give It Away” (2007). Both of those songs won the CMA Award for Song of the Year.
- 2001, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- 2007, recorded “Whisperin’ Bluegrass,” his first bluegrass album, with guest appearances from Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Vince Gill.