Billy Byers

William Mitchell Byers (May 1, 1927 – May 1, 1996) was an American jazz trombonist and arranger.

Early life Byers was born in Los Angeles on May 1, 1927. He suffered from arthritis from a young age and was unable to continue his plans of a career as a pianist.

Career Byers picked up trombone and played with Karl Kiffe before serving in the United States Army in 1944 and 1945.

Personal life Byers died in Malibu, California, on May 1, 1996. Material from his career is held by the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Discography

As leader/co-leader The Jazz Workshop (RCA Victor, 1955) New Sounds in Swing (Jazztone, 1956) with Joe Newman - also released as Byers' Guide Jazz on the Left Bank (Epic, 1956) with Martial Solal Impressions of Duke Ellington (Mercury, 1961)

As sideman With Count Basie More Hits of the 50's and 60's (Verve, 1963) - as arranger and conductor Pop Goes the Basie (Reprise, 1965) - as arranger and conductor Basie Swingin' Voices Singin' (ABC-Paramount, 1966) with the Alan Copeland Singers With Bob Brookmeyer Gloomy Sunday and Other Bright Moments (Verve, 1961) With Al Cohn Mr. Music (RCA Victor, 1955) With Billy Eckstine The Golden Hits of Billy Eckstine (Mercury, 1963) - as arranger With Coleman Hawkins The Hawk in Hi Fi (RCA Victor, 1956) - as arranger and conductor With Al Jarreau Breakin' Away (Warner Bros., 1981) - as arranger With J. J. Johnson Goodies (RCA Victor, 1965) as arranger/conductor With Quincy Jones The Birth of a Band! (Mercury, 1959) Quincy Jones Explores the Music of Henry Mancini (Mercury, 1964) Golden Boy (Mercury, 1964) Quincy Plays for Pussycats (Mercury, 1959-65 ) The Great Wide World of Quincy Jones (Mercury, 1959) With Lee Konitz You and Lee (Verve, 1959) With Jack McDuff Prelude (Prestige, 1963) With Gary McFarland The Jazz Version of "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" (Verve, 1962) With Hal McKusick Triple Exposure (Prestige, 1957) With Carmen McRae Something to Swing About (Kapp, 1959) With Joe Newman I Feel Like a Newman (Storyville, 1956) With Lalo Schifrin Music from Mission: Impossible (Dot, 1967) With Bud Shank Windmills of Your Mind (Pacific Jazz, 1969)

With Charlie Shavers

Excitement Unlimited (Capitol, 1963)

With Julius Watkins French Horns for My Lady (Philips, 1962) - as arranger With Andy Williams Under Paris Skies (Cadence Records, 1960) With Cootie Williams Cootie Williams in Hi-Fi (RCA Victor, 1958) With Kai Winding Kai Olé (Verve, 1961) With Frank Zappa The Grand Wazoo (1972) Waka/Jawaka (1972)