Billy Mize's remarkable career in country music earned him 11 Academy of Country Music Award nominations and five wins, including Most Promising Male Vocalist. His song Who Will Buy the Wine is widely regarded as one of the top 50 country western songs of all time. His music has been covered by an array of legendary artists, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean Martin, Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, Ray Price, Waylon Jennings, and Barbara Mandrell. Yet, despite his accolades and chart success, Billy Mize’s greatest legacy is not measured in awards—it lies in his unwavering dedication to family.

That dedication was shaped by a difficult beginning. In 1932, at just three years old, Billy’s father, Earnest Forth, abandoned him and his mother to fend for themselves in the Dust Bowl of Kansas. Struggling through the hardships of the Great Depression, Billy’s mother remarried Ray Mize, and together they moved west to California in search of opportunity. The pain of his father’s absence left a lasting impression on Billy, instilling in him a deep understanding of what a husband and father should be. Through every challenge in life, his guiding principle remained: family first.

Billy’s musical talent was evident from an early age. His stepfather bought him a steel guitar at an auction, and Billy quickly taught himself to play. Before long, he became a staple of the Bakersfield club scene, performing in honky-tonks despite being underage. His reputation spread quickly, and shortly after getting married, Billy landed a dream opportunity—touring with his idol, Tommy Duncan. At that time, touring was the only way to grow an audience, however it meant months and months away from home. 

A new medium was on the rise—television. With his natural charm and good looks, Billy was the perfect fit for country music variety shows. His transition to TV was seamless, earning him three consecutive Academy wins for Best Television Personality in the 1960s and logging more than 7,000 hours on the air. He became a key figure on beloved country programs like Cousin Herb’s Trading Post, Chuck Wagon Gang, Town Hall Party, Melody Ranch, and The Billy Mize Show. He managed to balance a thriving career with staying close to home—exactly the life he wanted.

As an established figure in the Bakersfield Sound, Billy became a mentor to aspiring musicians. One night, a young Buck Owens arrived in town, having lost everything. Desperate for a guitar to audition for a gig, he approached Billy, who, without hesitation, handed him his own instrument. Buck never forgot the kindness. Another hopeful musician seeking a break was Merle Haggard. Billy immediately recognized Merle’s talent and gave him his first shot on stage. The two remained lifelong friends.

At the height of his career, Billy was nominated for Single Record of the Year, competing against icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Glen Campbell. He will be remembered as an icon of country music. Someone who genuinely cares for others, supporting their dreams and easing their fears.

Billy Mize passed away on October 29, 2017, at the age of 88. His incredible journey, contributions to the Bakersfield Sound, and the country music industry were captured in the award-winning documentary Billy Mize and the Bakersfield Sound. This site is dedicated to preserving Billy Mize’s music, television legacy, and impact on country music. Please help us keep his story alive by sharing this page, his songs, and his legacy. Stay tuned as we continue to update with more history, videos, and, most importantly, more music.