Billy Mize

b. 29 April 1929, Kansas City, Kansas, USA. Raised in the San Joaquin Valley of California, Mize first learned to play guitar as a child, but converted to steel guitar when he received one for his 18th birthday. Originally, he was influenced by the music of Bob Wills and when he moved to Bakersfield, he formed his own band and played residences at local venues. He also worked as a disc jockey on KPMC. In 1953, he appeared onThe Cousin Herb Trading Post Show on KERO-TV Bakersfield, and became affectionately known as Billy The Kid. He was a regular with the show for 13 years, in...