pat zill - wild bill

wild bill

The nicest guy you ever wanted to meet, Bill Strickland. Tick him off and you were on the ground looking up at "Wild" Bill Strickland. Often compared to Fats Domino because of their similar singing style, Bill knew the words to just about every song ever recorded. The association of Bill with Pat Zill's Boathouse is legendary.

Bill attended Bowling Green State University studying to be a sports writer. He also Served in the Marines and was the star of the Boathouse basketball team. Bill passed away in 1986 and at the time was the owner of the Musical Lounge, a Columbus Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame.

Bill recorded a single called, "Unsuspecting Heart." Hear that song, like you do here and you will have known the real Wild Bill Strickland.

The Bill Strickland Trio at the Boathouse in June of 1965. LtoR, Frank Queen, Bill Strickland and Dick Jefferies.

The Bill Strickland Trio played at the Boathouse over a twenty year period from roughly 1963 until the lounge closed in 1983. Bill had a variety of musicians that backed him over the years. Drummers Roger Wolf, Dick Jefferies and Cliff Kindle and guitarist Don Beck, Frank Queen, Gary Copley and a taxi driver named Leroy.

There was intense competition for the trio from up and down the strip, but they always managed to wind up back at the Boathouse. New Year's Eve performances, during the mid-sixties, were unparalleled for excitement, dancing and music. Twist and Shout was an all-time favorite and often would last for almost an hour.

Bill Strickland was recently elected into the Columbus, Ohio Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His daughter Valerie and her Mother Anne Conley were there to accept the award, along with many of Bills long standing fans.