BILL ELLISON grew up with all types of music. His father had a country band. They had a local radio show and were the house band for many country performers that played in the Upstate of South Carolina. Bill began his own musical career in the school band. This led to awards like the All-State Jazz Band, All-State Chorus, and other bands. He entered Furman University on a music scholarship. There he played in the "E — Basement Blues Band" and the marching and symphonic bands. This provided him with a background that ran from bluegrass, to country, to classical, to gospel, to rock, to blues, and jazz. One night he would be playing in a jazz combo, the next at a bluegrass festival, and gospel on Sunday. He has played jazz with Charlie Spivak, and Pat Thornburg and bluegrass with Charlie Moore to name a few. Bill began studying to be a minister while in college and had to choose between the life of music and the life of service. He toured much of the south from South and North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana before he began his life career as a minister. He is an accomplished musician playing the upright bass and electric bass. For his own pleasure he plays guitar, banjo, tuba, trumpet, and keyboard. He does vocals and has done numerous radio spots with his deep bass voice and heavy southern drawl. Bill has been part of seven albums dating back to 1977, though none were designed for commercial release. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Furman University and a master’s degree from Southeastern Theological Seminary.
Bill’s battle with Meniere's Disease began in March of 1999. The attacks began with enormous intensity and he had to retire from ministry in 2000 after numerous surgeries and procedures. He counts the ability to cope on his faith, his dear and wonderful wife, and their precious children. Without their support and love this would be an even more difficult journey. His Meniere’s has been unrelenting and he hopes that new treatments come soon that will provide some measure of relief. His wonderful physician is Dr. Waters and he counts him as his friend as well as his doctor.
He is thankful to Stacey and the rest of the members of "Staggered" for the opportunity to pick up his ax again and be a part of this wonderful project and hopes they can endure his rusty riffs.
