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Bill Watkins


Cincinnati, late 1950s-2000s

Bill  Watkins, like many other SW Ohio musicians from the 1950s, came from Kentucky and settled in Cincinnati after the Korean War. He started playing locally.

In 1958 he had his first recording session and cut some classic rockabilly songs, "Missed The Workhouse" came out on Lucky and despite the quality it was one of the label's poorest sellers. At the same session Bill recorded "Big Guitar" and "Red Cadillac" which were unreleased until 1978. "Big Guitar" is recognized as a classic and has been covered by many modern rockabilly bands.

Bills recording career was quiet until 1965 when he and his wife Axie built their own recording studio and created their own Tip-Toe label. Bill recorded his second 45 there. 

He recored three more 45s over the next 20 years. His 1974 45 was "aimed at young people" according to newspaper blurb..

Bill remained an active performer well into the 2000s, and was frequently interviewed about his role in Cincinnati rockabilly music. An example story is posted below.

There were a few other artists who had 45s on the Tip-Toe label. The most interesting one is by Rick Saucedo, a Chicago based Elvis Presley imitation/tribute act who played the Cincinnati area often. He made a 45 at Tip-Toe in 1980, recording two of Bill's songs. 

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Discography
Missed The Workhouse / Time Will Make You Pay - Lucky 0006, 1959
I Got Troubles / Lips Too Cold To Kiss - Tip-Toe no # (Rite master 14321/2), 1965
Hung Up On Jesus / Waters Of Sin - Tip-Toe no # (Artist's master 741029), Oct 1974
Baby Don't Love Me No More / Pieces From My Heart - Tip-Toe 001, 1980
Naggin' Woman / Red Cadillac - General Store 7388, July 1988