Bill Leverty
Bill Leverty | |
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Bill Leverty 2007 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | William G. Leverty II |
Born | January 30, 1967 |
Origin | Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
Genres | Rock, hard rock, melodic rock |
Occupation(s) | Guitarist, musician, songwriter, producer |
Instruments | Guitar, vocals, lap steel guitar, acoustic guitar |
Years active | 1984–present |
Associated acts | FireHouse, White Heat |
Website | www.leverty.com |
Notable instruments | |
Yamaha Guitars C.R. Alsip Guitars |
William G. Leverty II (born January 30, 1967) is an American guitarist, who is a founding and current member of the American rock band FireHouse. Leverty was responsible for writing many of the band's hit songs. In the 2000s, Leverty has also pursued a solo career, releasing four albums; Wanderlust, Southern Exposure, Deep South and Drive.
Biography
Leverty was born in Richmond, Virginia. His parents gave him a guitar when he was 4 years old, but he didn't take it up seriously until he was 15 years old, and studied music theory in high school.
In 1984, his band White Heat auditioned for a drummer, where he met Michael Foster and was impressed with him. Some time later, they hooked up with C.J. Snare and Perry Richardson, and formed FireHouse. Leverty got an endorsement deal with Yamaha Guitar Development and played them for 16 years.
Leverty married his wife Kris in 1996; together they have a child named Dabney.
In 2004, after almost 10 years with FireHouse, Leverty released his first solo album, Wanderlust.
On July 4, 2006 GREM USA announced that Leverty signed an exclusive endorsement with the guitar manufacturer. GREM guitars produced "The Bill Leverty Free Radical" guitar and presented it to Leverty in July.
On October 9, 2007, Leverty released his first instrumental solo album, Southern Exposure, followed by a third album Deep South in 2009. His fourth solo album, "Drive", was released in February 2013.
In 2012, Leverty began working with C.R. Alsip Guitars and became the guitar manufacturer's first endorsee. Leverty worked hand in hand with C.R. Alsip's master luthier & owner Jake Willoughby in the prototyping stages & Leverty's C.R. Alsip guitar known as "Lucky 13" was born. Shortly after Leverty received his second Alsip that he calls "Goldie" which was pictured on his solo album "Drive".
Discography
- Wanderlust (2004)
- Southern Exposure (2007)
- Deep South (2009)
- Celebrate Christmas (2009)
- Drive (2013)
References
External links
- The Official Bill Leverty Site
- Firehouse Official Site
- Bill Leverty interviewed on Metal Rules! Radio episode 10.
- Bill Leverty iPhone App
- Bill Leverty Android App
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