Musical History
Billy discovered his love of singing at age 3 when he heard Pam Tillis’ hit song, “Cleopatra, Queen of Denial.” As an avid music lover, Billy enjoys and sings everything from country to standards to pop and rock. His recorded and live performances receive rave reviews from critics and fans nationwide.

Accomplishments
Billy’s first album, the double-platinum (2 million sold) and Grammy- nominated “One Voice,” was
released in June 2000. He is listed in Guinness World Records as the youngest performer to record a No. 1 country hit (One Voice). He eclipsed the previous record set in the 1960s. Less than four months later, Billy followed with “Classic Christmas” (certified gold), and his third album, “Dare to Dream” (certified gold), hit record stores before his 13th birthday.

In 2001, Billy earned four Billboard Music Video Awards, including Best New Artist in three categories (Country, Jazz/Adult Contemporary and Contemporary Christian) and Best Video in the Contemporary Christian category. He won the American Music Award for Favorite New Country Artist, became the youngest artist to be nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award and starred in his own television special.

On April 15, 2003, Billy released his fourth album, “Music Through Heartsongs: Songs Based on the Poems of Mattie J.T. Stepanek.” The CD was the result of a yearlong collaboration between Billy and Mattie, the best-selling poet who served as MDA’s National Goodwill Ambassador until his death at age 13 from a rare form of muscular dystrophy in June 2004. The CD debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard country music charts.

Billy’s fifth album, “Everything and More,” dedicated to Mattie, was released on May 3, 2005. The title track won Single of the Year at the New Music Weekly Awards in 2005.

Billy’s sixth CD, the self-titled “Billy Gilman” was released in 2006 and brought him back full circle to country music with guitar, fiddle and steel accompaniment.

MDA Activities
For six years as MDA National Youth Chairman, Billy spearheaded the efforts of thousands of teenagers and young adults who help the Association’s lifesaving mission.

Not surprisingly, he was recognized for his philanthropic endeavors by Teen Magazine in 2003 as one of 10 teens making a difference in the world.

Billy supports MDA through appearances and performances at sponsor events and fundraisers and through media interviews. He performs and co-hosts segments of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.

For more information about Billy, visit www.BillyGilman.com.