From Blues to Rock n Roll

Billy and Toni Stevens performing at the programme

A chronological presentation on the evolution of American music, the performance explained the historical contexts of the songs The BilliTones performed. The duo sang from Little Richard, Steven Foster, Sting, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Los Lobos, Ray Charles and many more maestros of the world music.

In their presentation the BilliTones tried to establish the truth that black American musicians made a tremendous contribution in bringing American music to its current position. As Billy Stevens said, 'All American music is a fusion of black and white music.'

Among the audience the US Ambassador Harry K Thomas and veteran folk musician of the country Mustafa Zaman Abbasi were present. Musatafa Zaman Abbasi commented, 'The combined contribution of Americans made their music widely accepted and popular. To understand and enjoy the show properly it needs an intelligent audience. I have enjoyed their performance earlier, so I have come to see their show again.'

As ambassadors of American culture and music, Billy and Toni Stevens have performed in over 25 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Their musical programmes educate while they entertain, demonstrating how social and cultural diversities have contributed to American music's evolution. The BilliTones duo recreate the sounds of classic rock band using five instruments between them, including synthesisers, harmonicas and percussion, in addition to their tight vocal harmonies. Compact and self-contained, they play a varied mix of rock n' roll, Motown, World Beat, and Rhythm n' Blues for a variety of audiences, occasions and venues.

Inspired by the rock n' rollers of the 1950s and 1960s, Billy began playing blues and country harmonica in college, and began technology-driven solo performances in the early 1980s, becoming a veritable 'Modern-Day One-man Band'. His custom array of keyboards, harmonicas, drum machines and effects made it possible to tour for the US State Department's office of cultural affairs.

Toni joined Billy on stage in 1993. Her lead and harmony vocals, as well as her balanced hand with a vocal harmoniser, contributes to the illusion of a much larger group.

Both Billy and Toni contribute to the spoken portions of their programmes, providing historical context for understanding the development of American music and its global influence. From spirituals to blues, ragtime to swing, country to rock, and reggae to rap, a BilliTones programme makes clear the process of emulation and innovation which underlies the creativity of American musicians, past and present.

By focusing on the interaction between black and white musicians and audiences, Billy and Toni explain how mutual inspiration spurred the creation of each major genre of American music. From Stephen Foster to the Beatles and from Elvis to Eminem, Billy and Toni show how every generation creates their own new music.

As youth movements sprang up across the globe, often united by a passion for anything American, new forms of 'World Music' evolved. Billy and Toni demonstrate that with its message of peace, freedom and social justice.