Tucson, AZ –Country music speaks to its listeners through their hearts, featuring songs about real life, sorrow, and joy. Billy Shaw Jr, Arizona’s go-to award winning Country Music entertainer has connected with the hearts and souls of his many followers for over a decade. On March 14 Shaw will release his debut album “Billy Shaw Jr,” at The Maverick, Tucson’s top country music venue. Produced in Nashville by Platinum-selling Country Music Singer/Songwriter, Jamie O’Neal, known for her hit singles, "There Is No Arizona," "When I Think About Angels," and “Somebody’s Hero,” and backed up by a stellar group of top country musicians. The self-titled debut album is a joyful blend of the best of Billy Shaw Jr. a heartwarming celebration of life, love, laughter, and loss.
When asked about his music Shaw explains, “I love the storytelling style of traditional country music, and I am a big fan of 90s Country and 80s Rock. I also like to use humor in a lot of my songs as it was a coping mechanism of mine growing up. So, blend that all together and that's what you get.” The Tucson native started playing at 9 years old on a violin that belonged to his grandfather. Shaw’s early talent was noticed by a member of the Tucson Symphony who worked with him to develop his skills. He praises his mentor, fellow Tucson Singer/Songwriter Andy Hersey, for inspiring him with his enigmatic signature story telling style which has made him a sought-after talent. Shaw even wrote a “proposal” song and surprised his wife (girlfriend at the time) when he sang it to her live on local country radio station KIIM FM. The song,” I Will (If You Say I Do),” can be heard on the album. After winning Cumulus Radio’s NASH Next Country Star, placing Top 10 in the Nation in 2016, he started his namesake band which also went on to win Arizona’s 2017 NASH Next as well as earning them a performance slot at the Nova Arizona Bowl among many other honors over the years.
Four-time Grammy nominee Jamie O’Neal is thrilled to have helped Shaw complete his first album: “We were so excited to be a part of Billy’s amazing album! It was a joy to get to produce and be part of the team bringing his infectious sound to the world! I can’t wait for everyone to hear it, and to be part of the album release celebration in Tucson at The Maverick on March 14!” Shaw adds, “It was such an honor, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with Jamie and Rodney (Good). They treated my music as if it were their own and didn't consider it finished until they thought it was perfect!”
The Billy Shaw Jr Band is Tucson Rodeo’s entertainment for their 2023 Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Official After Party Feb 23-26 and they have opened for many acts including The Oak Ridge Boys, Lauren Alaina, Thompson Square, Ronnie Milsap, and Ray Scott. You can catch Shaw’s band at a special performance on March 11th at the Fox Tucson Theatre when they open for The Coal Miner’s Daughter movie (https://foxtucson.com/event/coal-miners-daughter).
Release Details
The album release party will take place at the Maverick on March 14 and will be emceed by DJ Brett “PorkChop” Miller from KIIM-FM. Jamie O’Neal and husband Rodney Good will open the evening with an acoustic set. Members of the Billy Shaw Jr Band include Bobby Soto Jr, Drummer, Amy Munoz, Bass, Johnny Pesqueira, Lead Guitar, Billy Shaw Jr, Fiddle, Rhythm Guitar, Harmonica & Mandolin. The album was produced by Jamie O’Neal and Rodney Good, recorded and mixed by Rodney Good at Sound Stage Studios, Gwin’s Garage, and Good Vibes Studio. And mastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering. Studio Musicians: David Dorn, Evan Hutchings, Jason Roller, Solomon Philcox, and Ethan Pilzer. For details visit: BillyShawJr.com. For photos, interviews and exclusive track first listen samples of album contents contact: Jessica Northey-Shaw jessicanorthey@gmail.com 559-349-5933.
Track list Order:
Cowboy at Heart https://youtu.be/z23cnTlSyqY
Wild
Bar Down The Way
When I Close My Eyes
Twist It Off
Don't Leave My Lips Hangin’
I Will (If You Say I Do)
I Fell Off The Wagon
Getaway Driver
The CD is available now at all LIVE Billy Shaw Jr shows and will be available on all streaming platforms on March 14.
About Jamie O'Neal
Jamie O’Neal is a platinum-selling entertainer and hit songwriter that became a household name with her back-to-back No. 1 singles, “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels.” With multiple hits that followed such as “Shiver,” “Trying To Find Atlantis” and “Somebody’s Hero,” O’Neal caught fire and earned numerous career accolades, including three GRAMMY® nominations, an Academy of Country Music™ Award for Top New Female Vocalist and a Billboard® Award for New Country Artist. While she has penned most of her own songs, O’Neal has also written hits for Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, CeCe Winans, Idina Menzel and others. Her voice can be heard internationally in major studio films, including “All by Myself” for “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”
About Billy Shaw Jr.
Tucson Native Billy Shaw Jr is Arizona's go-to award-winning Country Music entertainer for classics, contemporary, southern rock & originals. His signature black-framed glasses scream mild-mannered Clark Kent, but when he puts bow to fiddle, he transforms into a Country Music Superman. By day Billy is a patient yet outgoing geek. At night, the virtuoso transforms an unassuming stage with his unique Soulful Southwestern Rock Country sound influenced by Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, and Bob Wills.
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