Billy "The Kid" Emerson

Billy " The Kid" Emerson ( born December 21, 1925 in Tarpon Springs, Florida) is an American keyboard player, who enjoyed success in the genres blues, R & B, rock and roll and gospel.

After his military service in World War II Emerson began playing in clubs around Tarpon Springs piano. During this time he got his nickname when his band appeared in Western costumes.

Beginning of the 1950s sang Emerson at Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm. Turner helped him in 1954 to his first disc recording "No Teasing Around" (Sun 195). Emerson then took several more singles, including 1955 " Red Hot " (Sun 219), for Sun Records in Memphis.

Emerson wrote several successful songs, but mostly as a cover version were by other artists become hits. " When It Rains It Pours " for example, was recorded by Elvis Presley, " Red Hot " was known by the recordings of Billy Lee Riley and Bob Luman. Emerson also wrote tracks for Junior Wells, Wynonie Harris, Buddy Guy and others, often in collaboration with Willie Dixon.

In 1966 Emerson his own record label " Tarpon ". When the record failed to success, he performed in clubs and hotels. In 1979 he went with the "American Blues Legends" on tour in Europe (recordings released on Big Bear Records). He most recently served as a gospel musician in Florida go.