Billy Panda / joined The Ship at inception in 1971
2024
Grew up (although that's debatable) in Crystal Lake, Illinois; currently living in Sarasota, Florida.
Music Education major at the U of I; active with The Ship from 1971-1977, appearing on all their recordings performing vocals, guitars, pedal steel, banjo, synth, and whatever else happened to be lying around the studio.
After The Ship: (1977-1980) Broadcast producer, guitarist, and recording engineer at Ackerman/McQueen advertising agency in Oklahoma City; (1980-1992) Studio musician and avid Cubs fan in Chicago; (1992-2019) Studio musician, songwriter, and producer in Nashville.
Married 36 years with a daughter and one grandchild, so far. Now retired but making music virtually with friends most every day from the confines of Studio P, a well-equipped second floor bedroom. Life is good.
1976