William "Bill" Wayne Tillman

William “Bill” Wayne Tillman, 65, passed away on August 15, 2012. He was a Musical Legend who started playing the piano at the early age of 5, along with his mother in church. At 8 years old, he received his first guitar from his mom; by 10, he also played the tenor saxophone, the acoustic, electric and electric bass guitar; by 11, was a paid musician who hitchhiked all over Houston to earn money to help his single mother and siblings; by 12, he added the clarinet and the alto saxophone to his list; all along he played in the band programs of HISD and performed at night with professional performing artist. Bill had his first 3 television appearances on CBS “Salute to Youth”, performed as a featured soloist on recordings by BJ Thomas and Roy Head, and at the age of 18, he received the “Texas Most Outstanding Musician Award; all before his high school graduation. Bill was pursued by ten colleges and chose the University of North Texas and progressed through the music. At the age of 21, he went on a United States tour with The Coasters and followed it up travelling on the road with Chuck Berry and Bo Didley. He settled in Nashville and performed with Roy Orbison for one year. Upon his return to Dallas he formed the band Rose Colored Glass with Bobby Caldwell and recorded a #3 National Hit in the Pop Charts called “Can’t Find the Time”. Bill moved into the national scene with Gladys Night and the Pips which lasted almost 2 years until he got his biggest opportunity to date. He received a call to come to New York City and audition for the already famous group, Blood Sweat and Tears. His audition was outstanding and was used on his first album of many more to come. He was a key member of this world-renowned group for five years. He played four saxophones and the flute, wrote musical scores, traveled around the world five times and performed on over 50 live television shows including Mike Douglas; Merv Griffin; Dinah Shore; The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Peter Marshall; and The Midnight Special with Wolfman Jack. The group performed at many extra special events such as The 76’ Olympics, both the Monterrey and Newport Jazz Festivals. During these years, four television shows focused solely on BS& T, they were: ABC & CBS Special hosted by Clive Davis; On Tour in Scandinavia & Tour in Canada. Bill was featured on 9 albums while in the group, they are entitled: Mirror Image, New City, More Than Ever, Blood Sweat & Tears; and BS&T in Concert, BS&T Live at the Monterrey Jazz Festival; BS&T Live at Newport Jazz Festival and BS&T Live in Scandinavia. Five compact disc compilation albums have been released in which Bill’s solos and arrangements are featured. After completed the five world tours and seven albums with BS&T, Bill decided to return to Texas to raise his family and continue his music career. Upon his return to Dallas he was featured soloist for both The Dallas Symphony & Jazz Orchestra. He was featured soloist on the Dallas Jazz Orchestra’s First Album in the early eighties he toured the United States with Duke Ellington Orchestra. At the age of 34, Bill formed The Bill Tillman band with a collection of musicians who could perform at his high standards for musical talent and professionalism. His group has entertained: President Bill Clinton while in office, Ross Perot, Loretta Swit, Michael Dell, Bob Crandell, The US Navy, The 100th Anniversary of the Wall Street Journal, The 100th Anniversary of the Dallas Country Club, The Crystal Charity Ball of Texas, The Tennessee Swan Ball, The Kentucky Beaux-Arts Ball and for many more prestigious people and events. Bill’s musical performance, personal charm and professionalism were keys to his success for Corporate Events, Weddings, Charity Fundraisers and other Special Events. In recent years he owned and was Vice President of Bill Tillman’s Seafood House and Sax Club in Fort Worth, TX; partner and GM to The King’s Club at the Aldolphus Hotel in Dallas, TX. Bill has a very large following of devoted and loyal fans which will continue to grow. To have seen and heard the awesome talents of Bill Tillman and his band was truly a delight and will forever be an unforgettable event. His memory will be cherished by his family: sons: Wayne Tillman & wife Bridget, Anthony Tillman & wife Marie Tillman (by marriage to Judy Tillman); daughter, Dallas Tillman Hebert & husband Ryan (by marriage to Debra Tillman); son: Brian Tillman, daughter, Grace Tillman & Richard Tillman (by wife Suzanne Tillman); mother, Marilyn Miller; sister, Evelyn Scott and grandchildren.