ABOUT THE BAND
BILLY WOOD AND THE CLASSIC COUNTRY BAND deliver an unforgettable experience with authentic country music and classic ’60s rock. They are the premier entertainment choice for corporate events, dance halls, private clubs, wedding receptions, nightclubs, parties, and street festivals.
BOOK NOW and enjoy Kentucky’s Finest Classic Country Entertainment!
Billy Wood-Vocal/Guitar
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Billy’s musical journey began early when, at 9, he received a Kay acoustic guitar and a Mel Bay chord book for Christmas. While in high school, his family relocated to a farm outside Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Playing school dances and county fairs, he honed his craft as a singer and guitarist.
At 18, Billy began his professional career in the Paducah area with the popular band Tommy Belcher and the Four Fifths.
Billy has become a staple in the Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana music scenes, performing in numerous house bands and backing legendary artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Del Reeves, Warner Mack, David Wills, and others.
In 1985, he released a self-penned single, “Drinkin’ Beer and Tellin’ Lies.” In 2006, he formed BILLY WOOD AND THE CLASSIC COUNTRY BAND which he continues to front today, bringing timeless country sounds to audiences with authenticity and heart.
Danny Erkman-Drums
Danny is a lifelong musician who began playing drums as a child. He quickly developed a versatile style that spans various genres. Based in the Evansville area, he is a well-known figure in the regional music scene, performing with several bands and contributing his talent to various projects.
Throughout his career, Danny has shared the stage with country stars such as Billie Jo Spears, Mel Street, Collin Raye, and Gail Davies, as well as renowned musicians like Chris Scruggs, Doug Jernigan, and Zane Beck. His powerful yet tasteful drumming has resonated in legendary venues, including the Nashville Palace, the Station Inn, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Since 2012, Danny has been a driving force behind the Classic Country Band, ensuring that the heart of traditional country music continues to thrive.
Nick Reed-Steel Guitar
Nick’s journey with the steel guitar began in 1985 when he acquired his first instrument and instinctively taught himself to play by ear. Since then, his smooth and expressive style has made him a highly sought-after musician in country and gospel music scenes.
Over the years, Nick has graced the stage with numerous bands and collaborated with legendary artists such as Bobby Bare, George Hamilton IV, Ronnie McDowell, and Leona Williams. In 2000, he took a significant step in promoting the steel guitar by founding the Nashville, Tennessee Steel Guitar Association, an endeavor for which he was recently honored.
In 2023, he joined the Classic Country Band, dedicating himself to the noble mission of keeping the spirit of traditional country music alive with every heartfelt note he plays.
Tony Norton-Bassist
Born in Evansville, Indiana, Tony is a seasoned bass player with deep roots in American music. Son of locally renowned guitarist and performer Henry Norton, Tony was immersed in music from an early age.
Tony picked up the ukulele at 10 years of age and transitioned to bass guitar by 15.
From the late 70s to 2003, he played with several respected local acts, including Gary Dawson, Kenny Mason, Mike Whitiker, and the Country Gentlemen. From 2004 to 2020, Tony was a core member of the popular band Hybrid Country, for which his father played guitar.
In 2021, he joined The Classic Country Band, where he continues to bring his deep foundation and decades of experience to audiences across the region.
Bobby "Woody" Wood-Audio Engineer
Bobby started his lifelong love of music production at the age of 14, when he constructed his first sound system. Out of necessity, he modified a guitar amp chassis with a Radio Shack 4-channel microphone mixer and built 2 speakers. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, eventually ending up in Little Rock, Arkansas. After serving, he joined a local band as the bass player and assembled a substantial sound system. After leaving the band, he worked as a freelance audio engineer, mixing bands in clubs and festivals and installing sound equipment in various venues. Bobby formed Wesco Audio in the late 80s, contracting with the Red Man Country Concert Series, which led to his becoming road manager and monitor engineer for country music legend John Anderson in 1993.
After over a decade with John, he returned to Little Rock, where he worked as a sound engineer in larger nightclubs such as Cajun’s Wharf, Jimmy Doyle Country, and others. In 2005, he joined the super-popular band Tragikly White, where he remained until moving to western Kentucky in 2022 to lend his talents to the Classic Country Band.