Biography

Billy Rader, always the consummate entertainer and musician. Rader was born with a gift of becoming a great musician and singer. Many years of hard work and practice, has allowed him to perfect his craft. Being in the Gospel and country music industry, and performing professionally for over 35 years has afforded this talented man the opportunity to bring happiness, joy, and hope to thousands, and thousands of folks that have had the opportunity to witness him live and in concert. It has always been his desire to simply be an instrument for God through his talent. Music can touch the soul in a special way that is unexplainable. It can bring peace and joy to your heart.

Growing up in a musical family, this son of Wayne and Patsy Rader was born in Wichita, Kansas and moved to Panama City, Florida in 1978. Billy along with his family, the Rader Family built a 1,000 seat theater in Panama City Beach, Fl. and started performing 200 nights a year together. They named their theater “The Ocean Opry.” The Opry soon became a landmark, and major tourist destination at Panama City Beach. The Opry allowed Billy the opportunity to take his performing to the next level. Many national acts appeared at the Ocean Opry including, The Oak Ridge Boys, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Shoji Tabuchi, Loretta Lynn, Ray Price, and hundreds of others.

Billy married Becky Corum in 1976, and they sing and perform together quite often. Becky loves singing and ministering side by side with Billy any chance she gets. They have 2 children, Shawn 27, who is married to Jennifer Stepp. Shawn and Jennifer have two daughters, Sheila age 4 and Lilia age 2. Billy and Becky also have a wonderful and talented daughter, Ashley who is 20. Ashley is currently a college student majoring in music. This couple loves being grand parents. Shawn and Ashley are both very gifted singers and musicians.

Since Shawn and Ashley have grown up, Billy feels that now is the perfect time for him and Becky to work together as husband and wife team. Billy plays many instruments, including guitar, fiddle, 5 string banjo, pedal steel guitar, bass, piano, mandolin and just about anything else that has strings. Every performance he demonstrates and plays different styles to the audience. Whether it be Chet Atkins thumb style picking or the flat picking style of Ricky Skaggs, you will love and be touched by his talent. Through the years, Billy developed up a knack of learning to do impressions. He has always stated that, “any impression he does is a tribute to that entertainer.” In Billy’s performances he has fun singing like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, and many other popular artists as well.

Billy just recorded two brand new CDs that he is extremely proud of. Both were produced by his nephew, Brent Rader. An all Gospel album is entitled “Songs of Faith and Inspiration,” volume one. The other CD is an all Christmas album, entitled, “Merry Christmas,” volume one. Billy feels that this is some of best work he has ever put out in the market.

All ages love this wonderful, spiritual, and fun talented program live in person. Billy is available for personal appearances. This is the perfect program for churches, festivals, theaters, or whatever the event calls for.   Call or email Billy today, and book this great performer in your church or town, and you will not be sorry.