About

Bill Foley was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. As a teenager, he first started playing the drums in the South High School Marching Band. He would also spend hours practicing on a drum set in the basement of his house playing along to oldies records. It wouldn’t take long before Bill’s mom would open the basement door to tell him “You’ve practiced long enough today, honey!” While in a high school play, he discovered the acoustic guitar. Much to Bill’s mom’s relief, this became his instrument of choice! Bill plays by ear and is completely self taught.

Bill also attended the Fort Hayes Center for Performing Arts and dreamed of becoming an actor. His mentor at Fort Hayes, Dr. Phil Wilson, helped direct Bill into a career of music. Bill often thanks Dr. Wilson for his insight and nurturing.

Bill’s parents thought he needed a “regular job.” So, for a few years, he worked as a paramedic for the Columbus Division of Fire and EMS. This gave him time to gain experience performing on his days off.

After a few years, Bill quit his job as a paramedic and became a full time musician, which he continues today!

If you asked Bill about his experience as a musician, he would tell you it isn’t a job – he loves what he does that much! Of course, don’t be mistaken. He takes music very seriously. His entire song list is memorized. He never uses sheet music, won’t change song lyrics “dirty” and always strives to provide an enjoyable and entertaining experience for each and every audience.

Bill travels nationally (with even a few international trips). Locally, he performs almost nightly. Check out the video samples to hear for yourself!

In his spare time, which is often rare, Bill enjoys studying the American Civil War and sharing this love with others. Bill travels the country presenting a look into the life of a Civil War soldier. Wearing an authentic Civil War soldier uniform, Bill seeks to bring history to life. An extensive display enhances the presentation. With reproductions, attendees are able to have a hands on experience. Visit www.fortheloveofhistory.com

Dan Clark

Dan plays the bass and sings backing vocals. Dan played with Bill on and off, until joining Bill regularly in 2004. Dan plays with other groups, such as The Time Between and Gayla Smith. He has a beautiful voice that compliments his great bass playing. In fact, if you have never heard Dan play lead bass on a song, you are missing out. It doesn’t happen on every song, but it is something to hear!

One thing I always do before a show? I make sure everything is plugged into the right place and that my instrument is in tune. That may sound rather mundane, but it helps avoid unpleasant surprises! I don’t have any compulsive pre-show rituals that I know of, other than snapping my fingers three times and blinking each eye twice ;)

What is my favorite song that the Bill Foley Band performs? It’s a tie between “Please Come to Boston” and “Danny’s Song” because Bill sings them both so well and the chord structure in both songs is a little more complex than a lot of songs, making them more interesting and challenging to play.

What is something people may not know about me? People are sometimes surprised to know that I am a classical cello player who plays in orchestras and string quartets and other classical venues. By the same token, a lot of the people I perform with in those situations are surprised to know I play bass and sing back-up vocals in an oldies band! I think of it as having the best of both worlds!

My favorite place the band has performed? One of the more memorable places the band performed was the converted train station (Union Station) in Indianapolis that was decorated impeccable and had a high, curved art deco ceiling that not only looked exquisite, but helped the band sound amazing. We played a wedding reception there and arrived in enough time that we were able to walk around downtown Indianapolis and visit the Civil War museum at the base of the big memorial in the town square.

Birthday: June 5…Gemini – the split personality twins! No you’re not. Yes I am. No you’re not. Yes I am. No you’re not. Yes I am. No you’re not. Yes I am No you’re not. Yes I am. No you’re not. Yes I am. No you’re not. Yes I am. No you’re not. Yes I am. No you’re not. Yes I am.