Bill Coday
Bill Coday has been recording and performing for over twenty-five years.
He began his career as a teenager singing in juke joints in and around
Blytheville, Arkansas, with Son Seals' band. In 1961 he moved to Chicago
and performed under the name Chicago Willie. He became nationally known
in 1969 when he signed with Denise LaSalle's Crajon Records label. With
Denise producing, they released "I Get High On Your Love" and
"Sixty Minute Teaser" which were moderate hits. But Bill's next
record, "Get Your Lie Straight," would be the turning point in
his career. Written and produced by Denise LaSalle, the song soared to
the top of the R&B charts in 1971 and secured Bill's place at the top
of the R&B field.
Crajon Records leased the master of "Get Your Lie Straight" to
Fantasy/Galaxy Records in Berkeley, California so the record could get
wider distribution. Bill continued to record for Galaxy, releasing "When
You Find A Fool Bump His Head" in 1970, and "Let Me Be Your Handyman"
in 1971. In 1973 he signed with Epic Records and released the song "I'm
Back To Collect."
In 1984 Bill began to work with Denise LaSalle again traveling on the road
with her as her opening act. Now after serveral years away from the studio,
Bill Coday is "Sneakin' Back" with his first effort on the Ecko
Records label. He has scored big with Blues programmers with songs such
as "Her Love Is Good Enough To Put In Collard Greens," "I
Can Move The Hoochie Coochie Man," and "Doctor Thrill Good."
One listen and you will know why Bill Coday has had such an immediate and successful comeback on the contemporary blues scene.
His second Ecko CD release "Can't Get Enough" continued the sucess of the first with great songs and outstanding vocal performances from Bill. Highlights from that CD included the cheating songs "In The Room Next To The Room" and "Not A Word" with a guest appearance from Barbara Carr. This release again proved that he had lost none of his vocal power or suppleness through the years.
His thirh CD on Ecko Records,"Put Me In The Mood", Bill Coday further proves he is a force to be reckoned with on the current Soul/Blues scene. The songs are a tasty blend of Southern Soul seasoned with just the right amount of spicy Blues and R&B flavor and are once again well suited for showing off his vocal talents.
Bill Coday's Tribute To Johnnie Taylor. "We're Gonna Miss You Johnnie", is a timely masterpiece with the Johnnie flava that only Bill could deliver. The strong sincere lyrics and his haertfelt emotions make this recording one that will stir the soul of music fans everywhere.