1957
On a memorable Saturday afternoon in 1957, Billy heard his first skiffle group practicing in a friends front room and became immediately hooked.
The group leader Kenny Edgerton offered Billy the loan of an old guitar as he seemed so keen. Billy was enraptured and sat in with the group all afternoon learning just three chords, E, A, and B7. Amazingly, Kenny invited Billy to sit in on their next gig that very evening at the British Legion Wycombe Marsh. Billy sat at the back, no hope of keeping up with the chord changes but strumming away madly.
At the end of the evening with fingers red raw and sore, Billy had made his mind up, this was what he wanted to do and so began a musical journey that still continues to this day. Three months later, armed with his very own and first guitar he formed his own skiffle group The Strollers. The attached photo shows Billy proudly showing off his first guitar whilst behind is a very young looking 15 year old Mr TC Turner on tea chest bass. They became firm friends, a friendship that has lasted over fifty years and their musical association continues to this day.
Enjoy listening
Uncle Figgis
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