Bill Worrell

Bill Worrell is an American guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. His career has included touring 2013-2016 as lead guitarist and often playing keyboards and banjo for the classic rock group America.

Early life and education Worrell was born in Pasadena, California, and raised in Ventura County. The son of guitarist and mixing engineer Jeff Worrell, he began taking private guitar lessons at age 10 and studied jazz guitar at Moorpark High School. He later studied classical guitar at Glendale Community College before earning a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). In 2019, he completed a Master of Business Administration in Music Business at Berklee College of Music.

Career Shortly after graduating from CSUN, Worrell joined the rock band America in 2009 as a guitar technician, initially filling in for tech Pete Leonardo. He took over the role full-time through 2011, while occasionally substituting for lead guitarist Michael Woods during live performances.

Worrell departed in 2011 to pursue solo work, but returned in late 2013 to replace the retiring Woods as lead guitarist. Affectionately introduced on stage as "Billy the Kid," he toured extensively with the band until 2016, when he left to focus on his solo career. Alongside his ongoing solo projects, he rejoined America as lead guitarist in 2026.

Throughout his career, Worrell has performed and recorded with a variety of artists and projects, including Christian Love of The Beach Boys and *The Voice* contestant Manny Cabo. He has also performed with notable tribute acts, including 12 Against Nature (Steely Dan), Make Me Smile (Chicago), and The Long Run (Eagles).

Discography The Nashville Sessions (2016) Time to Change (2017) A Way Back Home (2020) Kinda Makes Me Blue (2026)