Guide Note

Will Oldham, more commonly known as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, is a prolific American musician who has released albums under several names since he first began performing in 1993. His music is notoriously difficult to categorize, and draws influences from a broad palette of sounds, from folk to punk. From these influences he writes emotionally revealing songs that are backed by his unique singing voice.

Oldham is also an actor, and had his first movie in 1987's Matewan—years before he began performing music. He grew disillusioned with the industry and he quit in 1989, but has appeared in a few independent movies since then.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: William Oldham
2. Also known as: Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3. Birth date: December 24, 1970
4. Years active: 1993 - Present
5. Record labels: Drag City
6. Based in Louisville, Kentucky
7. Performed as Palace Brothers, Palace Songs, and/or Palace Music from 1993 - 1997
8. Appears in Kanye West's music video "Can't Tell Me Nothing"

"[Oldham's singing voice is] a fragile sort-of warble frittering around haunted melodies in the American folk or country tradition." -Journalist Chris Baldwin

"He doesn't rehearse. ... But he gets absolutely spontaneous moments of greatness you couldn't rehearse." -Producer Steve Albini

• 1999 - I See a Darkness
• 2001 - Ease Down The Road
• 2003 - Master and Everyone
• 2004 - Sings Greatest Palace Music
• 2005 - Superwolf (with Matt Sweeney)
• 2006 - The Brave and the Bold (with Tortoise)
• 2006 - Letting Go
• 2007 - Ask Forgiveness
• 2008 - Lie Down in the Light