The Lineage of Billy Buchanan- Extended Article!

By Kolbe Gelbaugh

“My mom taught me to set my mind on my goals and let nobody stand in my way,” said Billy Buchanan, a well-known “Rock n’ Soul” artist who plays throughout NE Florida. “And I’ve accomplished everything I’ve ever wanted to do as far as my career goes.” 

Buchanan, who grew up in Cleveland, OH, says that music has always been a huge part of his life and that from a young age, he knew it was his calling to be a musician. 

“That [Cleveland] was really where I found my love for music,” Buchanan said. “I studied music all through [elementary and senior high] school. So, it was really where I nurtured this gift.”

At his shows, Buchanan often speaks about and plays the songs of some of his musical heroes. Starting with his father and grandfather, who are very passionate about music, his list of heroes goes long including Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. 

“I love Jimmy Hendricks too,” Buchanan said. “It’s so funny, man. We’ve gotten so accustomed to saying that name, you know, he's like a guitar hero guy. But he’s a black dude and he really crossed all these lines. Guys like that always impressed me.”

As an accomplished artist and award-winning songwriter, Buchanan has travelled and played throughout the entire US and more than 25 countries. 

After living and playing in Cleveland, Atlanta, Nashville and now Saint Augustine, Buchanan says that Saint Augustine is really where he found his voice as a musician. 

“As an artist, you really have to figure out who you are,” Buchanan said. “Saint Augustine really helped me hone-in, playing those clubs and restaurants for 10 years straight and figuring out who I am. I feel very strongly about the type of artist I am now and the stuff that I'm good at. And I totally give Saint Augustine credit for that.”

In light of the current political and social climate in the US, Buchanan spoke on what it means to him to be a Black artist. 

“Being an African American musician does put me in some amazing company and it makes me a part of an amazing lineage,” Buchanan said. “I do take pride in that…but I don’t think it gives me any sort of edge or anything.” 

Buchanan says that being a musician has nothing to do with the color of his skin, and if anything, being Black has been an asset to his career, though he has experienced racism in his life. 

“In America, I believe every person of color has experienced some form of racism in their lives,” he said, “but I do believe that our lives are much better than our parents and our grandparents.” 

Buchanan spoke on the event of George Floyd’s death, saying that it was awful. 

“[It’s] just a disgrace to our country and to the uniform. And the policemen’s response should be punished to the full extent of the law,” Buchanan said, “but I do think, we all know that most cops aren't like that.”

Buchanan says that he simply wants all people to get along no matter what color their skin is and that individuals should never be judged on the basis of race. 

“I want to be seen for my character, my skillsets and [for] how I treat people,” he said. “I don’t want somebody to look at me and judge me positively or negatively because of my skin color.”

With a busy schedule ahead of him, Buchanan will be performing at various venues and events well into the next year. For booking, inquiries, or more information about Billy Buchanan visit https://billybuchanan.org.