Violinist Billy Bang, noted for forging his own way on his instrument, died on April 11. According to an associate, he had been suffering from lung cancer. Bang was 63.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, as William Vincent Walker, Bang was raised in the Bronx and began playing the violin at a very young age. He was given the nickname Billy Bang in homage to a cartoon character.
Jazz Violinist Billy Bang Dies
Co-founder of String Trio of New York and collaborator with Don Cherry, David Murray and other creative music notables was 63