Bill Cisco

Who is Bill Cisco?

Bill Cisco (born Billy Thomas) is s an American musician, songwriter and record producer most noted as a later member of The Drifters. Inspired by Art Tatum, "Fats" Domino and Ray Charles as a child, he went on to become a very influential behind the scenes musician. His work with Motown, Curtom, and Dolomite record companies introduced him to some of the biggest names in the industry. At Motown, he was one of their renaissance men. Bill did it all. He wrote, produced, sang and played a variety of instruments, making himself an indispensable session musician. It was during his Motown years that he became acquainted with the Drifters. He co-wrote and produced songs for the group with the production team of Gene McFadden and John Whitehead. The team worked with many groups including The Drifters, Harold Melvin The Blue Notes, Gladys Knight and The Pips, The Jackson 5, The Ojays, Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, Gloria Gaynor, Teddy Pendergrass, James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Lou Rawls. They produced a string of hits such as "For The Love Of Money," I'll Always Love My Momma," "Bad Luck," "Wake Up Everybody," "Where Are All My Friends," "The More I Want", and "Backstabbers". By 1978, the team had amassed 22 gold records, two platinum albums and two Grammy nominations. Bill assumed a position as a singer for The Drifters while working as one of their producers. His production skills would later land him a position with Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records. At Curtom he worked on projects with blues legends Johnnie Taylor, Z. Z. Hill, The Staple Singers and of course, Curtis Mayfield. Amidst all, he maintained his touring status with the Drifters and soon became their touring manager.The Drifters are the longest running American vocal group still performing live and enjoying over 50 hits world-wide. No other vocal group has had as much success artistically and commercially as The Drifters and they are now one of the biggest selling artistes of all time. When the group formed, their record company Atlantic Records initially disliked "The Drifters" as a band-name. Fortunately, the group insisted and it proved to be prophetic, as a multitude of members simply drifted in and out over a glittering 50-year career. The Drifters went on to achieve phenomenal chart success in the USA with a series of back-to-back gold records that established and solidified their prominence in the industry. Hits like the pop-RB classics, "There Goes My Baby", "Under The Boardwalk”, “White Christmas”, “Save the Last Dance for Me”, “This Magic Moment”, “Up On the Roof” and “On Broadway”, paved the way to an infallible legacy. In the late 70's, Bill and the Drifters relocated to New Orleans. There, Bill established Dolomite Records. He was introduced to the New Orleans sound through an array of musicians. He hung out on sets with blues guitar legend Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, and songwriter/producer Allen Toussaint. Bill often performed locally with The Drifters and other New Orleans celebrities (Fats Dominos, Jean Knight, Ernie K-Doe, Aaron Neville, George Porter of The Meters and others). He made solo appearances as a featured artist at various local venues. He is revered as a New Orleans celebrity and is locally dubbed "The Bishop of Soul". The Drifters have five Grammy nominations and numerous other awards. In 1988, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bill's contribution to the ongoing preservation of this successful legacy is invaluable. He is currently the touring manager and lead singer for the group. They perform benefits and concerts around the world.