Billy Georgette

Who is Billy Georgette?

Billy Georgette is a Canadian jazz pianist. Born William Albert Georgette on December 7, 1935 in Montreal, he began playing the piano at age nine, first studying with Florence Powers, then with Art Roberts. During his teenager years, he used the pseudonym Billy Marlin and played with Wimp Henstridge. After completing high school at Sir Georges Williams University, Georgette studied liberal arts at the college while working with the Buddy Jordan Band from 1956 to 1958. He lived in Los Angeles from 1959 to 1962, where he worked with trumpeter Joe Gordon among others. After returning to Montreal in 1962 and working in numerous bands around the city, he worked with Leroy Mason from 1966 to 1973, playing rhythm and blues. Other gigs include working with Errol Walters at Hotel de La Montagne, solo acts at the Cage aux Sports, Queen Elizabeth hotel and Abacus. His most recent performances have been with the Paradise Band at Biddles and the House of Jazz in Montreal. Georgette, who has lived most of his life in Montreal, Quebec, has been an important supporter and promoter of Jazz music in the city and has frequently provided support to musicians in many other genres.