Billy Hinsche, who was a long-time touring member of The Beach Boys has died.

I was just watching an interview with him in the Dean Martin: King of Cool documentary that premiered on TCM the other night. As a teen he had been the member of the group Dino, Desi, and Billy who wasn't a son of a famous star.

Seemed like a good guy who led a real interesting life, and played a lot of good music along the way.

RIP


[www.rollingstone.com]

RIP

I bought the Dino, Desi, Billy album for my sister when they were hot for a moment. This came back to me when I watched the Dean Martin documentary on TCM. RIP, Billy.

RIP Billy.

He did a lot of webcasts during the pandemic. He told stories, played songs, and did phone interviews with friends. I watched a couple. [www.billyhinsche.com]
He led a very interesting life.

RIP Billy

RIP Billy. I don't really remember them as a viable band. More of a gimmick to wheel out on those 60s variety shows. (Which they did). I don't even remember a record by them that was popular.

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RIP Billy. I don't really remember them as a viable band. More of a gimmick to wheel out on those 60s variety shows. (Which they did). I don't even remember a record by them that was popular.

Nor do I.

You'd see them mentioned in magazines, or appearing on TV shows, but I never heard them on the radio. Ever.

One of the vintage RC Cola ads that TCM (them again!) ran during their recent showing of the TV Special "Movin' with Nancy" (Sinatra) had a clip of Dino, Desi, and Billy playing live...to an empty Hollywood Bowl.

Kind of a great visual metaphor for their imaginary fame.


Yet Billy, notable for being the one born without a golden spoon, worked so long with the Beach Boys that he deserves some nod of respect.

They played in the era of package tours. They had to have played somewhere. They were often mentioned in 16 and Tiger Beat magazines, and had two singles in the Top 40.

Billy was one of the few Asian performers during that era, along with Larry Ramos of the Association (both Filipino).