Bill Wilson, prominent Kootenays drummer, passes away

The Kootenays music community is mourning the loss of drummer Bill Wilson, known as the "shuffle king," who passed away on March 27, 2026.

Originally from Arkansas, Wilson was heavily influenced by Southern Blues, Soul, R&B, and Southern Rock. His technical skill was notable for his ability to play the simultaneous parts of two drummers from the Allman Brothers Band during a single performance. Before moving to Canada in 1981, he performed in the California Bay Area with musician Michael Bloomfield.

After settling in the Slocan Valley, Wilson became a prominent figure in the local music scene. He served as a drum instructor at David Thompson University (DTUC) in Nelson and was a frequent collaborator with various local groups, including the dance band No Excuse and the party band Albert Ficke. He was also a regular performer at the Silverton Winter Blues Boogie and the Kaslo Jazz Fest.