RI Country Music Star Billy Gilman making a comeback
By Mike LaCrosse
Childhood country music star and Rhode Island native Billy Gilman is making a comeback.
Gilman, now 26-years-old, released a new single called “Say You Will” through his own label.
“Many people can consider it to be a come back that’s fine,” said Gilman.
ABC6 News had a chance to sit down with Gilman at his agent Angela Bacari’s Westerly home to talk about his plans.
Gilman says he took time off during his teens when his voice changed.
“So it took a long time for the confidence level to come back and when I wanted to come back I wanted to finally be able to write music, say what I wanted to say. Have it sound the way I want it to sound and so it took a little bit longer, it was more of an organic process,” said Gilman.
Gilman grew up in the spotlight here in Rhode Island and around the country. He sold millions of albums and made a name for himself by being the youngest singer to ever make the Billboard Top 40 Country Single Charts.
He says over the last few years he’s focused on charity work and making appearances on the annual MDA Telethon.
Today he splits his time between Rhode Island and Nashville writing, recording and reintroducing himself to the players in the industry.
“I went back and said Hi I’m Billy Gilman. I’ve done this, this and this and I would love to set up a writing appointment and I began songwriting. I began going into studio working on these projects,” said Gilman.
Gilman recently finished shooting the music video for “Say You Will” at several locations in Westerly. It’s due out soon. He also plans to release more singles through itunes.
“I’ve had people come up to me and go we hated you when you were a kid, but we love this song. We love the new sound. It’s like a double edge compliment you know,” said Gilman.
Gilman admits it’s not going to be easy, but says he’s in it for the long run.
“This is what I was put on this earth to do, but it probably will take a lot longer because of the stigma that follows … but so be it,” said Gilman.
Gilman is planning some shows for the Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut areas. To find out more about the performances check out his website – http://www.billygilman.net/
(C) WLNE-TV 2014
