Billy Block 1955-2015

Nashville lost a hero today. The following was posted on Facebook by Jill Rochlitz Block:

Billy Block has died peacefully today. Thank you for the love. Here is a tribute to this great man who will be missed, and information you may be seeking.

William Donald “Billy” Block died peacefully today at the age of 59. Billy had been waging war with Stage 4 Melanoma since he was diagnosed during Christmas in 2013. Billy was dubbed “Mr. Nashville” for his ubiquitous presence on Nashville’s radio, TV, stages, Music Row, and golf courses. He left behind his wife of nearly 23 years, Jill, and his sons Rocky Block (18), Grady Block (15), Micheal Hughes (18) and Shandon Mayes (17), his sisters Francine Beckman, Nancy Block and brother Jay Block all of Houston, Texas.

Billy had an indomitable spirit through his public fight with cancer, and his battle cry, “No Fear. All Faith!” was inspirational. A professional drummer, Billy is perhaps best known as the Godfather of Americana, a format that he launched on KIEV radio as Western Beat Radio in Los Angeles in 1992. His tireless promotion of musical talent from Los Angeles and Nashville of what is now simply called the Billy Block Show was his life’s work for 25 years. His weekly show was a launching pad not only for the Americana format, but also for thousands of artists of all genres from around the globe.

Billy’s drum set from his days as the Ronnie Mack’s Barndance house drummer at the legendary Palomino Club in North Hollywood will be donated to the Musician’s Hall of Fame. Billy was a five-time recipient of the Drummer of the Year award from the California Country Music Association, and was inducted into the California Country Music Hall of Fame. As the house drum set for the Billy Block Show, they were played by Levon Helm amongst many other esteemed drummers, used on the set of his CMT Television show, Western Beat with Billy Block, played on the Billy Block Radio Show Live from Tootsies, played on the Ryman stage in the house band for Silver Stars, as well as recorded and toured with Frank Black (Black Francis) of the Pixies, Patti Smith, Lucinda Williams, Al Greene, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller and the Bum Steers.

Billy’s wife Jill has met with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and plans to donate her husband’s archives to help establish an Americana exhibit. The Block’s have archived over 40 years of some of the most memorable and notorious moments of Country Music history. Through their donation the family intends to share this legacy with musicians, songwriters, music industry professionals and fans worldwide.

When asked by his wife how he wanted to be remembered, Billy simply said “Giving”. There is no doubt by the outpouring of love, prayer and support to the Block family during this fight that Billy was a giver to many. He was tireless in his efforts to help others, and was considered the “Champion of the Underdogs”.

With all of the many hats Billy wore, he was most proud of his role as Father, husband, brother, and son. Billy was a family man who fully embraced and lived for the love of his children. Jill gets comfort in knowing that her boys were close to their Dad and they have inherited many of his wonderful attributes. Billy will live on in sprit through his treasured boys.

The Block Family wants to thank everyone for being so generous, caring, thoughtful and kind throughout their ordeal. Jill says her family has been wrapped in love and light since Billy’s diagnosis, which has enabled the family to focus on spending precious time together.

As a devotee of ParamahansaYoganonda and a lifelong follower of Jesus, Billy welcomed the journey to Heaven. He asked us all to “expect a miracle”. His last morning in his home he told his wife Jill that their room was full of angels and that he knew where he was going. Jill believes he has now taken the drum seat behind dear friends Walter Hyatt, Duane Jarvis and Buck Jones in the “Band of Angels”. Be listening. The beat goes on. The miracle is Billy’s love and spirit that can now permeate through the world. Jill believes we are all his legacy and his miracle as long as we continue to share his love with each other.

“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours”. Billy Block

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Billy Block Family Fund. This fund was created in 2013 when Billy was diagnosed to help the Block family make ends meet. The Billy Block Family Fund has already been able to give back to organizations that have helped their fight via fundraising concerts and through sales of safe healing alternatives at their new website www.nashvillenontoxic.com The goal of the Fund is to not only provide for the family during this fight, but to aide others via contributions of time and money to Musicares, the Opry Trust Fund, and Music Health Alliance, and Meals 2 Heal. These organizations have all been assisting the Block’s during their time of crisis.

Nashville Non-Toxic is not a 5013C.

There are two ways to contribute to the Billy Block Family Fund:

Donate online via PayPal
Go to www.paypal.com and donate using the e-mail address: billyblockfamilyfund@gmail.com

Donate via Check
You can donate with a check made payable to the Billy Block Family Fund, and mail to:

Wells Fargo Private Bank, 3100 West End Ave., One American Center, Suite 550, Nashville, TN 37203 Attention Bradley Gallimore.

Arrangements will be announced soon.