Bill Easley

2017 bill easley
Bill Easley’s professional career began in 1959 at the age of 13 performing with his parents. The Bob Easley Combo played in and around his hometown of Olean, NY. Easley moved to New York City in 1964, studying at the Julliard School of Music. After serving in the Army, Easley joined The George Benson Quartet in 1968 and traveled with the guitarist for several years, working in legendary jazz spots in New York, Chicago, Boston, and Pittsburgh. After a brief residence in Pittsburgh, he moved to Memphis where he performed and recorded with Isaac Hayes and continued his formal education at Memphis State University. In the 1970’s Easley toured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra under the direction of Mercer Ellington. In 1980 he returned to New York. His Broadway credits include: Sophisticated Ladies, The Wiz, Black and Blue, Jelly’s Last Jam, Swingin’ On A Star, Play On, Fosse, and The Wild Party. Easley has been a part of the Jazz Repertory Movement, playing in The American Jazz Orchestra, The Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra, and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. He was a guest soloist with The Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra in its tribute to Benny Goodman on Nov. 21, 1993.