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In the past two and a half years, Billy Gilman has been a participant in his own reality series - the reality of surviving in his own skin and a life away from music. It was a forced reality for the young artist who was sidelined at the height of his multi-platinum selling career by a really normal and typical development for a boy his age. His voice changed. At 14, just as quickly as Billy Gilman made his explosive debut in the country music scene, mother-nature removed him--immediately and entirely from the spotlight.
"I was doing so much - 90 plus concerts a year, television appearances, recording in the studio, and tons of interviews. I was in constant motion and because of my voice change, I went from doing all of that to doing absolutely nothing at all. It wasn't as if I made the decision to leave my music career to go back to being 'normal.' Being in music and singing is 'normal' for me. I've been singing since I was two years old. It was my life and this was pretty traumatizing for me."
By mid 2002, Billy was forced to cancel concerts and he was ordered to take complete vocal rest. His voice, bearing the chance of serious damage, was silenced. The young star faced the challenge of becoming what some folks might say 'a flash in the pan.' "My immediate thought was 'why so soon?' I was just learning how to use my voice, getting it all down and feeling comfortable with my career - being in the spotlight - and doing what I needed to do. I went to Vanderbilt Voice Clinic in Nashville - one of the world's best voice centers and they told me 'no singing, no talking.' They may have well have just said, 'stop breathing.' " With the voice change - a life change - came the fear that he may never sing again.
Through the support of his family, friends and his manager, Billy reluctantly followed doctor's orders. "I look back now over those two years and I'm grateful for the time and wisdom I gained. It was a good time to rest, re-group, think of the future and make a decision as to my long term commitments. Just as most kids at my age are getting their lives started, I was forced to face a possible career change! Being on vocal rest gave me the time to search my heart and my priorities and make a full commitment to my music and getting back to it."
The good news is Billy Gilman is a winning survivor! Back from vocal exile to the business of making music, he introduces his groundbreaking new project, 'Everything and More,' his debut project under the Image Entertainment imprint. Soon to be 17 (born May 24, 1988), the dynamic teenager has lost nothing but time and the new album showcases a voice that has undergone a welcomed mature change. Billy Gilman makes a clear comeback with all of the charisma, youthful energy and pizzazz that made him a child star phenomenon worldwide.
'Everything and More,' is really Chapter V of Billy Gilman's career. Billy introduces his fifth recording: "I think 'Everything and More' is a more mature version of 'One Voice.' The music is fun and includes all aspects of the country genre (including bluegrass, pop, country rock, and traditional ballads) and every song is about a new aspect in my life. One song is about the trying times that I went through with my voice change and my fear that I may never sing again. Another song, 'I'm Not Me Anymore,' is about how I've grown and changed - it's my favorite. This time, I had a say in what I wanted to record and I'm so proud of this project because it's a reflection of who I am today as a young adult. I think the lyrics of each and every song create a picture - just as if you were at the movies. I really hope everyone enjoys my personal 'photo' album!" The music in its entirety was custom written for Billy by Sandy Linzer and Charlie Calello and it is a sampler of all that signifies the best of the best in country music. Producer Sandy Linzer adds, "Billy Gilman is a producer's dream. The only thing bigger than his talent is his heart."
A brief look back at previous chapters, Billy Gilman is a show-business natural who burst into the country music scene with the release of his debut single 'One Voice,' the sensational and touching story of social commentary that spoke of the violence in the world being silenced by one voice in a single prayer. The single entered the Billboard chart in 2000, making him the youngest artist at the time to ever hit the Billboard country airplay chart. The tiny 11-year old powerhouse edged out Brenda Lee to become the youngest person ever to have a song on the magazine's Country Singles Chart. Gilman has already earned his spot at the top in Country Music. As testimony to his success, 'One Voice' was certified platinum selling, over one million copies less than three months after its release (September 2000). Billy released his second album, 'Classic Christmas,' in October 2000 and the holiday CD was certified gold before the close of the year. In May 2001, just weeks before his thirteenth birthday, Billy recorded and released his third album, 'Dare to Dream.' He went on to record 'Music Through Heart Songs,' a collaboration with young poet Mattie J. T. Stepanek, which was issued under Sony Music (2003).
Billy has appeared on national television programs including The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Oprah, The Tonight Show and The Today Show. He's also appeared as presenter or performer at some of the industries most renowned awards shows such as the CMA Awards, the TNN/Country Weekly Awards and the American Music Awards and he earned a prestigious Grammy nomination (losing out to the legendary Johnny Cash).
"I honestly did not think I would record again. But by the grace of God and thanks to all of those who had patience, faith and confidence in me, I was able to overcome some personal insecurities - which are really quite normal for a kid my age!"
Billy Gilman emerges as a young adult who is a gifted young man full of heart and courage with his promise that he is 'Everything and More' and the very best is yet to come.
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