As a fan of classic rock from the 1960’s – not to mention a fan of Lucille Ball – I most certainly sat up and took notice at one of the guests who appeared at the Hollywood Show in Los Angeles on October 5, 2013. I was quite aware of the rock trio of Dino, Desi, & Billy – comprised of Dean Martin’s son Dean Paul Martin, Lucy and Desi’s son Desi Arnaz Jr., and the one that no one had heard of: Billy Hinsche. Naturally it was Billy who was making the personal appearance.
Of course Dean couldn’t be doing any appearances because he passed away in 1987 at the young age of 35 in a plane accident. Desi unfortunately is rather reclusive and hadn’t done many personal appearances of any nature in recent years. BUT Billy offered the next best thing, photos of the band that had been pre-signed by his friend Desi.
And even if Billy was the least-known of the trio, that doesn’t mean that he didn’t have any talent. It took a musician like him to hold the band together. His talent was also utilized as a session musician with the Beach Boys, with whom he played on no less than 11 of their studio albums from 1972-1996.
It was a pleasure to meet this iconic name fo the 1960’s, and well worth the $30 for the photo signed by both him AND Desi Arnaz Jr. The additional photo op, plus one with Carolyn, was free. I count this as quite a cool encounter.
Celebrity encounters from the Fall 2013 Hollywood Show will continue…
Billy’s sister was the first wife of Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys. Carl’s sons are his nephews. And interestingly enough, Carl’s second wife and widow was Dino’s sister.
Nicky
September 17th, 2014