Bill Norris

Performing 12 concerts in Paris, France, Bill was described as a great success in "Le Figaro," a Paris newspaper. He played at night clubs and bases from Norway to Turkey.

He also appeared with the Benny Strong Orchestra at the world famous "Cocoanut Grove" at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. And, he made many guest appearances as a single at major Los Angeles and Las Vegas television stations.

The Visiting Fireman, Forrest Duke, in The Las Vegas Sun wrote: "Have you heard Bill Rand? Play's all styles -- ragtime, dixieland, progressive, sparkling musical comedy, and his original boogie-woogie, recorded twice in LA. Hear him at the Nevada Room."

Bill appeared at noted Hollywood Supper Clubs and at the famous "Flamingo Hotel" in Las Vegas.

Leigh Kamman of station KQRS said "with the Doc Evans Band, Bill Rand perpetuated the dixieland tradition. He plays the positive sounds of Jess Stacy and the two-fisted contrapuntals of Bob Zurke, reminiscent of the old Bobcat era -- I wish him well."

Jack Cortez of the "Fabulous Las Vegas" magazine reported "talented people in this town are flocking nightly to hear Bill Rand and his unusual piano -- you hear Teddy Wilson, Art Tatum and Bob Zurke plus a lot of original sounds -- worth the trip. Bill Rand, who cranks up that sparkling Baldwin at the Nevada Room, is off to Paris for the fourth time. This time to study and play concerts for the USIA Cultural Exchange -- we'll miss him."

Writer Roland Hill said he was "delighted to see my old friend Bill Rand playing in the Bankers Room at Diamond Jim's recently. I listened to Bill's remarkable piano in Las Vegas for years -- happy to see him in Minneopolis."

Bill Norris was the pianist for The Bob Snyder Show on KPYK for nearly four years. Bill was one of the main features on the show with his marvelous playing as a soloist and accompanist. The Bob Snyder Show was broadcast every Saturday afternoon from 2:15 until 3:00, and was replayed Saturday night. Bill was also noted for his many wonderful stories he would tell about his vast experiences with countless famous celebrities and bands.

Bill Norris was such a joy to work with, and he gave so generously of his time to all. He brought many hours of joy to the residents of the Terrell Care Center, and he will be greatly missed.