Billy Hinsche
Hinsche performing live in 2017
Background information
Birth nameWilliam Hinsche
Born(1951-06-29)June 29, 1951
Manila, Philippines
DiedNovember 20, 2021(2021-11-20) (aged 70)
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instrument(s)
Years active1965–2021
Labels

William Hinsche (June 29, 1951 – November 20, 2021) was an American musician who was a co-founding member of the singing trio Dino, Desi & Billy and a keyboardist for the Beach Boys' backing band.

Background

Hinsche was born in Manila, the Philippines, the son of Celia Bautista and Otto "Doc" Hinsche, who owned a local casino. His father was from New Jersey and his mother was a Filipina.[1] The family moved to the United States and settled in Beverly Hills. Hinsche attended Loyola High School, where he met Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Dean Paul Martin. The three later formed the group Dino, Desi & Billy and signed with Frank Sinatra's record label Reprise Records.[2][3]

In the late 1960s, Hinsche began to work as a session musician for The Beach Boys. Although he declined at least one offer to formally join the group in favor of continuing his education in August 1969, he toured extensively with the band as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist (often playing keyboards and rhythm guitar) from 1971 to 1977 and 1982 to 1996. His sister, Annie Hinsche-Wilson-Karges, was married to the group's guitarist, Carl Wilson.[2] He earned a B.F.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Theater, Film and Television in 1974.

Billy Hinsche provided backing vocals on recordings for Elton John's "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me," Warren Zevon's "Desperados Under The Eaves," America's "Hat Trick," Joan Jett's "Good Music" and others.[citation needed]

He was also part of a UK “legends” music concept. The Beach Legends, and USA legends. Which did some shows in the UK. Featured Dennis Diken (The smithereens) on drums, David Marks (co founding member of The Beach Boys), Robert Lamm (Chicago), Jeffrey Foskett (Brian Wilson, Beach Boys), and Charlotte Cooper (Lucky Guy on Spotify).

Hinsche died after a short battle with lung cancer on November 20, 2021. His mother, Celia Hinsche, also died on the same day.[4]

Discography

Singles with Dino, Desi & Billy

Albums with Dino, Desi & Billy

Albums with Ricci, Desi & Billy

Albums with The Beach Boys

Albums with Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys

Films

References

  1. ^ "William Hinsche Obituary - Los Angeles, CA".
  2. ^ a b Gaines, Steven S. (1995). Heroes and Villains: The True Story of the Beach Boys. Da Capo Press. p. 185. ISBN 0-786-75104-5.
  3. ^ Martin, Ricci; Smith, Christopher E. (2002). That's Amore: A Son Remembers Dean Martin. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 143–145. ISBN 0-878-33272-3.
  4. ^ "Bill Hinsche of Dino, Desi & Billy Dies at 70 on the Same Day as His Mom". November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  5. ^ Three songs sung by Dino, Desi & Billy, "Thru Spray Colored Glasses" (co-written by Stu Phillips and David Gates), "Like The Wind And Sea" (co-written by Phillips and Ronnie Franklin) and "Just Lookin' For Someone" (co-written by Phillips and Gates). See Follow Me soundtrack particulars; www.discogs.com.
  6. ^ "Dean Martin: The King of Cool".

External links

Wilson family (the Beach Boys)
Authority control databases: Artists
Categories