Billy Thermal
Encyclopedia
Billy Thermal is a band formed by hit songwriter Billy Steinberg
in 1979. The name Billy Thermal comes from the vineyards located in Thermal, California
where Steinberg's father Lionel Steinberg owned Freedman Farms.
The Band consisted of Billy Steinberg as lead vocalist and guitarist, guitarist Craig Hull, vocalist and drummer Efren Espinosa http://www.myspace.com/efrenespinosa, who had previously played drums and sang with Edwin Starr
(Motown), and bassist and vocalist Bob Carlisle
, who had a hit during the mid-90's with "Butterfly Kisses
." Planet Records was owned by top producer Richard Perry
. Most of master tracks were recorded at Perry's studio in Los Angeles with Billy Steinberg and Craig Hull as listed producers. Another portion of Billy Thermal's initial recordings were recorded at Record One, which was owned and operated by Val Garay
. Two of the songs recorded were "How Do I Make You" that would later be recorded and was a pop hit for Linda Ronstadt
and "I'm Gonna Follow You" for Pat Benatar
on her debut album. Most of Billy Thermal's recordings would later be reissued through an LA independent label Kinetic Records
. The song, "I'm Gonna Follow You" is also featured on a compilation LP released through Planet Records called Sharp Cuts. Today, Billy Steinberg remains one of the biggest songwriters and producers in the music business. Bob Carlisle continues to perform primarily in Christian venues. Efren Espinosa also continues to sing, play, and perform. Craig Hull's whereabouts are currently unknown but his distinctive guitar playing can be heard on "Bette Davis Eyes
" performed by Kim Carnes
.
Billy Steinberg
William Endfield "Billy" Steinberg is an American songwriter. He has achieved most of his success as part of a song writing team, most notably with Tom Kelly. He has also co-written several hit songs with Rick Nowels.-Biography:...
in 1979. The name Billy Thermal comes from the vineyards located in Thermal, California
Thermal, California
Thermal is a census-designated place located approximately 25 miles southeast of Palm Springs and about 9.5 miles north of the Salton Sea. Although one can find sunny skies most days, residents occasionally endure strong winds and sizzling summer temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The...
where Steinberg's father Lionel Steinberg owned Freedman Farms.
The Band consisted of Billy Steinberg as lead vocalist and guitarist, guitarist Craig Hull, vocalist and drummer Efren Espinosa http://www.myspace.com/efrenespinosa, who had previously played drums and sang with Edwin Starr
Edwin Starr
Edwin Starr was an American soul music singer. Starr is most famous for his Norman Whitfield produced singles of the 1970s, most notably the number one hit "War".-Biography:...
(Motown), and bassist and vocalist Bob Carlisle
Bob Carlisle
Bob Carlisle is a Grammy Award and Dove Award-winning American musician who performs Christian music. He performed with several bands, most notably Allies and Billy Thermal, before launching a solo career...
, who had a hit during the mid-90's with "Butterfly Kisses
Butterfly Kisses (song)
"Butterfly Kisses" is the title of a song written by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas from Carlisle's third studio album Butterfly Kisses . The song was written for his daughter Brooke's 16th birthday. Carlisle also wrote a journal entitled Butterfly Kisses for fathers and their daughters...
." Planet Records was owned by top producer Richard Perry
Richard Perry
Richard Perry is an American music producer. Perry began as a performer in his adolescence, but shifted gears after graduating college and rose through the late 1960s and early 1970s to become a highly successful and popular record producer with over a dozen gold records to his credit by 1982...
. Most of master tracks were recorded at Perry's studio in Los Angeles with Billy Steinberg and Craig Hull as listed producers. Another portion of Billy Thermal's initial recordings were recorded at Record One, which was owned and operated by Val Garay
Val Garay
Val Garay is a record producer and engineer who has worked with Kim Carnes, The Motels, Marty Balin, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Armatrading, Dolly Parton, Pablo Cruise, James Taylor, Queensrÿche, Cock Robin, Dramarama, EZO, Ringo Starr, Linda Ronstadt, Sarah Brightman, Nicolette Larson, and Reel Big Fish,...
. Two of the songs recorded were "How Do I Make You" that would later be recorded and was a pop hit for Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden...
and "I'm Gonna Follow You" for Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is an American singer and four-time Grammy winner. She had considerable commercial success particularly in the United States...
on her debut album. Most of Billy Thermal's recordings would later be reissued through an LA independent label Kinetic Records
Kinetic Records
Kinetic Records was a New York City-based record label founded by Steve Lau , that launched the careers of artists and DJs such as Paul Oakenfold, BT, Deepsky, Kosheen, Tilt, Timo Maas, Grace, Sandra Collins, Billy Thermal, Binary Finary, and Shpongle...
. The song, "I'm Gonna Follow You" is also featured on a compilation LP released through Planet Records called Sharp Cuts. Today, Billy Steinberg remains one of the biggest songwriters and producers in the music business. Bob Carlisle continues to perform primarily in Christian venues. Efren Espinosa also continues to sing, play, and perform. Craig Hull's whereabouts are currently unknown but his distinctive guitar playing can be heard on "Bette Davis Eyes
Bette Davis Eyes
"Bette Davis Eyes" is a song written in 1974 by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon and made popular by American singer-songwriter Kim Carnes.-History:...
" performed by Kim Carnes
Kim Carnes
Kim Carnes is an American singer-songwriter. She is a two-time Grammy Award winner noted for her distinctive raspy vocal style. Some people have called her "The Female Rod Stewart" due to her raspy voice....
.