Billy was born with non-violent inclinations. He was also born with an extreme desire to hit things. He did, at an early age, find some common ground in this dichotomy in the world of percussion. After eleven years, the tolerating Mr. and Mrs. Hulting agreed to let him start with the drums. Music led him to college at California State University at Northridge where he got a Bachelor of Music Degree in the Studio Music Option (so what if it took six years). Two weeks after graduation he went on the road with Maynard Ferguson’s High Voltage 2. He later toured with Maynard’s 60th Birthday Big Band and recorded albums with both groups. During the Maynard days he did the Nia Peeples tour of Japan. He then toured for two years with Natalie Cole followed by Barry Manilow.



Billy had been touring for over thirteen years with Lou Rawls until he passed away recently. In the last few years Billy also toured with The Rippingtons, Patti Labelle, and The Manhattan Transfer. Billy also co-wrote one of the songs on their CD "Vibrate." He is now touring with Zappa Plays Zappa - a band led by Dweezil Zappa performing the music of Frank Zappa. Several years ago Billy released his first CD - The Hundredth Monkey on the Truemedia label. He has worked with many others including Clare Fisher, Luci Arnaz, and Howard Hewitt. Billy also stays busy in town doing shows, sessions, playing with his trio and his fusion group. His hobbys include sailing, SCUBA diving, skating in-line marathons, and cooking spicy vegan foods from all over the world (his Jamaican Jerk Marinade is not for the weak).