Singer-songwriter born William Anthony Brown in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, who was a member of The Broadways and The Uniques before joining The Moments.
He wrote some of the group’s material, such as “Dolly My Love”, “Lovely Way She Loves” and “Somebody Loves You, Baby”. Sylvia Robinson recorded his original composition, “Didn’t I”, and released it as a single in 1973. In 1974, Harry Ray used Billy’s song “Best Thing for Me” as side B of “Ride Your Pony Girl”. First Class included his “Foxy Lady” on their 1976 release, Going First Class. After The Moments became Ray, Goodman & Brown, they recorded his songs, “How Can Love So Right (Be So Wrong)” and “You Turned My World Around”.
Albums on which he appears include: Gambled on Your Love; The Moments: Greatest Hits – Volume 1; and, Not on the Outside, But on the Inside, Strong!
The Moments evolved into the trio member of Ray, Goodman & Brown with Kevin “Ray” Owens and Al Goodman and they continued to perform, record and tour into the 2000s where they sang backup for Alicia Keys on her chart-topping “You Don’t Know My Name”. Al Goodman passed away in 2008 and was replaced by Larry “Ice” Winfree. The Moments greatest hit compilation which released in 2014.
The Moments recordings
Jack in the Box (Al Goodman/ Harry Ray/Tommy Keith)
All Platinum 6146 318 (UK single)
Love on a Two-Way Street (Burt Keyes/Sylvia Robinson) (Uncredited Lyrics: Lezli Valentine)
(LP: Not on the Outside, but on the Inside, Strong!)
Here are The Broadways with “Are You Telling Me Goodbye”…
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