A life in music, one stage at the same time
William “Bill” McKay not only fell into music: he builds his life around him. From small university shows in Colorado to share stages with the legends of Rock Southern, McKay has followed a rule: he continues to play.
Now based in Colorado, Bill has spent about 30 years acting, recording and leading the American music scene. Its path has not always been linear, but that is part of what makes it remarkable.
“I have always been interested in where you can take music,” he says. “It’s never about chasing the same sound. It’s about growing.”
How the University caused a life career
In 1987, McKay left his hometown behind and moved to College to attend College. While she specialized in political sciences, she was deeply eligible in music, not only western styles, but the world musical traditions of India, Africa and American native cultures.
“I was attracted to rhythm and roots,” recalls McKay. “I spent a lot of time working with the dance department, exploring how the movement and sound are connected.”
That curiosity helped shape his first performances with the circle, a band formed on the campus. His senior thesis explored the link between music and choreography, an early sign that McKay saw music as more than sound.
Touring The World with the Band Du Jour
After the university, McKay moved to Boulder and joined the band Du Jour, a group of soul ‘n’ roll known for his energetic shows and eclectic style.
Not only did they play diving bars. They toured international, including a tour of the United States Department of Defense that inclined them to Japan, South Korea and Okinawa. At home, they shared stages with Phish, Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd.
“That was my first sample of the real life of tour,” says McKay. “He taught me how to act night after night and stay connected to people through music.”
The Derek Trucks Band years: Southern Rock meets the soul
In 1995, McKay’s Journey Tok an acute turn to the south. He joined the Derek Trucks band as a main singer and keyboardist and moved to Atlanta.
“He had been a fan of Derek’s interpretation since he was a teenager,” he says. “Receiving the call to join the band was a great moment.”
Approximately five years, McKay recorded and toured the group, playing with legends of rock Southern as Gregg Allman, Phil Lesh, Warren Haynes and Colonel Bruce Hampton.
“That time he put me improvisation,” he says. “You had to listen, adapt and bring soul to everything. They did not hide on stage.”
Back to Colorado and on the jam scene
By 2000, McKay returned to Colorado and joined the leftover Salmon, a band that helped to be pioneer to Jamgrass, a mixture of bluegrass, rock and improvisation.
“I’m going to border on the road for a long time and I wanted to be closer to home,” he explains. “But it was decreasing speed.”
For almost a decade, McKay toured and recorded with the group and at the same time formed the Bill McKay band, a project that allowed him to write and lead his own style.
“I needed an exit for my own voice, literally and creative,” he says. “The band gave me that.”
The McKay brothers: family, roots and song composition
One of McKay’s most personal projects is the McKay Brothers, a duo with his brother John. Its sound combines folk, blues and American, mixing Bill’s instrumental talent with John’s song composition.
“It’s the music that feels at home,” says McKay. “We grew up playing together, so there is a shared language that cannot be spoken.”
Its programs highlight the deep harmonies and acoustic narration, what McKay calls “music porch music with spine.”
Creek Coral, Jerry Tribute and Steely Dan Mashups
Never one to stay still, McKay also acting and recording with Creek coral, a Colorado band directed by Chris Thompson. He contributed original songs to albums like Free Dog and worked with producer Tim Carbone.
In recent years, McKay joined Steely Dead, a project that fuses Steely Dan’s music and the Grateful Dead, and Jerry’s band, which honors the catalog of Jerry García’s band.
He also plays with the other brothers, a colored tribute to the Allman Brothers band, where he assumes the role of Gregg Allman.
“It’s not about imitation,” he says. “It’s about honoring the spirit of music and the artists who inspired us.”
Why William McKay still matters in music today
In an industry known for rapid successes and useful life, McKay’s career stands out. He is building it from the way: a show, a project and a relationship at the same time.
Continue acting, collaborating and leading in the world of music. Whether it is a tribute band or a solo piano concert, it brings the same energy.
“I’ve been doing this all my life,” he says. “Music changes, but the mission is not playing. Keep connecting. Keep growing.”
Contraded key to fans and fellow musicians
- Longevity requires flexibility: McKay’s ability to change between genres and bands has kept it relevant for more than three decades.
- The collaboration builds the community: from Boulder to Atlanta and back, McKay has built lasting associations through music.
- The roots are important: either playing Jamgrass, soul or folk, McKay’s work is maintained based on real emotions and experiences.
If you are looking for a musician who has formed the Jam and Roots scene from inside, it is worth knowing William McKay. Its history is not striking, but it is full of depth, soul and the son of the last hand.
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