Drummer Billie Organ, a.k.a. “Billie O,” is a local legend, a rock ’n’ roll pioneer and a master of many musical styles. Together with his brother Danny on bass guitar, they formed the rhythm section of several of Kansas City’s best and earliest rock bands, touring throughout the country.
In 1959 Billie traded a 1937 Ford to Ray “Bags” Bagby for his first set of drums and never looked back. By the age of 19 he was pulling down $60 a week at the Rainbow Club in downtown Kansas City, working for J.B. Russell. Next he joined bassist Buddy Ross and guitarist Garry Mac to form the Bygones, perfecting the “shuffle” rhythm on the drums.
The Roulettes wound up competing with The Stragglers, a popular band from Omaha, Neb. Stealing members back and forth from each other became a kind of sport. Half of Joe Anthony’s Stragglers would eventually help to form Electric Flag. Garry Mac formed the Mac Truque, which released an album in 1969 on Capitol Records.
On one of his trips to Omaha, Billie noticed a young man with big dreams who just wanted to help out in exchange for learning more about playing the drums. That’s when Billie befriended young Buddy Miles, giving Buddy lessons in his spare time between gigs, often in his hotel room. Their friendship was cemented long before Miles joined Mike Bloomfield in Electric Flag or Jimi Hendrix in the Band of Gypsys.
California soon beckoned, and Billie took off to seek his fortune there, playing the 49er Club near the Sunset Strip and the Showcase Club in Oakland, among others. His reputation as a drummer quickly grew, and Billie caught the eye of talent scouts for the newly forming “Shindig” music program on ABC (1964 – 66). Host Jimmy O’Neill and Producer Jack Good were lining up top talent for the show, including Glen Campbell, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, James Burton and Bobby Sherman. With good reason, too, as the Beatles, Stones, Beach Boys and Who were soon to appear on the show.
After several talks, Billie was tempted but turned down “Shindig,” unsure about the new television concept and what it would do to his schedule. He was already riding high with his own band, working with and sharing the stage with legends like Ike and Tina Turner, Chuck Berry, Lou Rawls, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Bobby Freeman and Jimmy Reed, to name a few. “Shindig” kept searching for its drummer, eventually offering the job to session man Chuck Blackwell.
Wasn’t ever greater success sure to follow if Billie just kept on the same path?
What followed instead was war. Billie was drafted to serve in Vietnam. By the time his “in country” Army tour came to an end, his base was being bombed almost nightly by the Vietcong. Something even more foreboding was in the air. The day Billie left Vietnam, he felt extremely uneasy. Barely an hour into the flight after leaving the remote airstrip, the pilot notified those on board that he had just received shocking news. Both the base and the airport they had just left had been overrun. The Tet Offensive had begun. To this day, Billie doesn’t know whether any of the people he said goodbye to that morning survived.
Back in the States, times had changed, but Billie continued to play music on his own terms. Again with his brother Danny, he founded a band called American Sound Ltd. He and Danny also started a painting company that continues to this day. Tragically, Danny’s life was cut short in a car accident in July 2001.
Buddy Miles’ death in 2008 put the kibosh on a reunion of KC/Omaha musicians Miles was planning, to include Billie on drums.
For over 50 years, Billie Organ’s talent and uncompromising drive to create great music has left a lasting mark on the Kansas City scene. As of 2012, you can still catch him playing around town at places like Accurso’s and B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ, and at The Phoenix, where he is often invited to jam. He is a true rock ’n’ roll survivor.
Billy my friend, what a wonderful tribute to you and your great talents. The man behind the music is a sweet spirited, fun loving guy that is greatly loved by many! Congratulations on this wonderful tribute.
I thought it was a great tribute to my brother. He is an awsome drummer. Anyway of posting all this onto my FaceBook page??? I would love for all my friends to read this. If so I thank you!
Just saw Billie and Bags playing together at a jam on Saturday August 31st in the Jazz District – They switched back and forth between drums and congas – It was fantastic !!!!!!! Met Billie’s sister Sandy – she is a doll !! Hoping to see them all again soon :~)
I have wonderful memories of the roulettes when they took Omaha by storm in very early 60’s. Ron Tuccito joined the band on fender bass. They were great .
Wonderful memory of great and fun times
Wow how interesting.l knew Danny better then Billie.they played at school soc hops and were really good and really handsome.congratulations Billie you have done a lot for rock and roll.these were the good days.thank you for your love of music.
Billy Job well done thru the years proud to know you
I might be mistaken, but didn’t you and Danny play with Roger Calkins as the Holidays?
My dear friend Billie welcomed me to The American Sound in 1972, when I was only 20 years old. What a fantastic experience to play with the great ones: Danny, Billie, Danny Gregory, and David VanFleet and later Chris ImmeIe, Barry Burgess, and Tony Swisher! What an experience! I still feel toward Billie as a big brother. Turns out I didn’t know HALF of what you have done in music. And I have rarely seen you without that great big smile. Thanks for all you’ve done
Love you Billie
Congratulations in this write up. It’s great to know a little more of your life story.
OMG!!! Billy, Danny, Danny, Chris, Jimmy & Barry!!!! We remember you from Fort Walton Beach, FL!!! This article makes us grin like idiots. Hello from the “girls” from Montgomery, AL. Yes, we definitely remember you!
Love Y’all!
Kay, Kathy, Bev & Linda
When Billy left KC for California, I was riding shotgun and I talked his ear off the whole trip. We played the 49er in El Monte opposite Frank Zappa. And we played several hot spots in Hollywood. Worth noting is his son Alex Organ a drummer in San Diego and his other sons all of whom are professional drummers in their own right. What a legacy he will leave.
My sweet uncle Billie! You are amazing and I love learning and hearing about your life and journey! I love you forever ❤️
Billie and I became close friends over the years, talented beyond measure, he was truly a prince and a gentleman, he had a way about him that drew females like flies to honey, illness slowly robbed him from playing, and getting around town, Billie you said that prayer that made you a child of God, you are now in the Presence of The Lord, but you will be missed by so many of us that loved you, but never will be forgotten, I will see you again my friend.
Billie, you left this world and all it’s pain & sorrow just yesterday. I am so happy you’re no longer hurting and with Danny again but I’m struggling with the loss of your wisdom, wit and friendship.
I love you my brother.