Bill Hickey was born on a farm in Glanpatrick,county Waterford.The year was 1944, and Billy was joining a very musical family.Violin,accordion,flutes and tambourines were a normalpart of the household, so learning to play the ten key button box at the age of sixfelt quite natural to Billy.
Growing up, he was strongly influenced by Jimmy Shand,and as his skills grew. found his own talents in great demand.For many years, he was heard on th eradio show, "Music from Munster" by the Ceili House Station, and on Radio Erin and on the Cork Studios. Starting to see the world, Billy played in London,and at countless Irish Festivals.
At the age of twenty five,Bill came to the United States,where he found his skills
greatly appreciated.Influenced now by his freinds,Fintan Stanley,Dermot O'Brien and Joe Hayes,Bill
continued his success in the entertainment field,adding the NewPort Festival,carnegie Halla,
and Countless festivals and concerts.
For a number of years,Bill has enjoyed playing in a group consisting of himself on accordion,
Rich Micallef,Vocalsand keyboards,Marek Dykta on accoustic and electric guitars,
and Jimmy McCaul who arranges and records as well as adding drums and buss.The Group is Named
"Emigrant Eyes" after the song of the same name, which meant so much to them.
It seems as if Bill Hickey was born playing the accordion. He never took lessons,
just learned to play by listening to others. His talent in playing the accordion,
especially traditional Irish songs, is known throughout New York.
Bill was born and raised in Glenpatrick, Waterford, Ireland and credits much of his
ear for music to listening to his family members playing and singing traditional Irish songs.
Bill played in many Irish pubs, numerous weddings and for just about anyone who would listen,
while he lived in his native Ireland. When he came to America in 1969 with his young family,
he supplemented his income by playing in many venues with many accomplished Irish musicians and singers.
Some of the many places he played and with many truly talented musicians are:
- Beginning in 1965 doing numerous broadcasts on Radio Erin.
- The John Barleycorn (NYC), New York Towerview Ballroom and Jaegerhouse during the years 1969- 1975.
- Became the Champion All Ireland Player during the 1960's.
- Carnegie Hall with the Irish All Stars in 1971.
- Lincoln Center with the Irish Emerald Concert in 1978
Once you listen to Bill, either live or on CD, you will quickly come to appreciate his unique talent, as much as his family, friends and fellow musicians have come to appreciate his music.
