R.I.P. Billy Block

Billy-Block-webOne of the founding figures of the Americana music movement, and former Music Connection columnist, Billy Block died on Wednesday afternoon, March 11, following a battle with cancer. He was 59. Donations can be made to: The Block Family Fund, Wells Fargo Private Bank, 3100 West End Ave., One American Center, Suite 530, Nashville, TN, attention Bradley Gallimore.

A musician, manager, promoter, talent booker, radio host, journalist––Block’s music career was multi-faceted. As a drummer, his work can be heard on cuts by Frank Black, Little Milton, Steve Cropper, John Scott Sherrill, Tony Orlando, the Walt Wilkins Band, P.F. Sloan, Garnett Mimms, Essra Mohawk, the Woodys, Rick Vito and many others. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.