"I have lived in the Ozark Hills most of my adult life.  I moved to the Ozarks from Northwest Colorado in my 22nd  year.  I came and found a quiet and serene area in the Osage Creek Valley in Southern Carroll County, Arkansas.  At the time, my first born, Katie, was just 6 months old. We arrived in June of 1975 to what was referred to as the "Old Philips Place," a small two-room shot gun house nestled in a clearing by the dirt road.  There was a barn, chicken house, pond and a shed.  The spring was not too far from the house and the privy was a short ways out back. 

It was here that I would build a house, raise my children, and do unimaginable amounts of grueling, back-breaking, physical labor and literally dig out a life from the rough, rocky hillside.  At the time, I was young and wild-eyed with enthusiasm for the challenge at hand.  Kin-folk, still connected to the old ways, quickly taught me many important and valuable lessons about the trials and tribulations of rural Ozark life.  I consider myself very fortunate, indeed to have had the opportunity to witness and experience a large number of rural Ozark Traditions, first hand. 

The hill folks possess a simple, subtle philosophy which is very endearing and demonstrates the incredibly strong character of these self-reliant people.  It's the memories that go with the music.  A tune reminds you of friends you have known, the places you've been, and the good times you have had.  There is a strong element of truth conveyed throughout this music about who we are as people.  Old time music is still very much alive and well in the hearts and souls of those who play and those who listen."  Regards, Billy

                            

Biography- A Legend in His Own Time~

Billy Mathews is known far and wide across this land for his musical skill and old-time fiddling ability.  He has traveled extensively throughout the Midwest for over 30 years.  Thoughtful musical kin-ships maintained throughout all these many years have earned him a considerable amount of notoriety and recognition throughout  old-time traditional music circles.  At 50 years of age, Billy has literally become the embodiment of his Scot-Irish  ancestors by continuing their traditional approach to life.

Billy continues to collect and play a huge repertoire of old-time fiddle tunes.  He has already made a sizeable and significant contribution to our American musical culture and there is no end in sight!

Billy has been performing as a professional musician for the past 35 years and has at least 14 different recordings.

As a member of the internationally acclaimed old time string band, "The Skirtlifters";  Billy has shared the stage with such noteworthy musicians as Joe Burke, John Koener John Hartford, The Fiddle Puppets, Mike Seeger, De Dannan and Bill Monroe. 

Billy has  performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals in the country including The Piccolo Spoleto Festival, The Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, The Brandywine Festival and The Savannah Folk Festival.

Billy plays several other instruments, including the piano, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and banjolin. 

                    

Billy's Past Performances 1972- 2005- Coming Soon!