Billy Swan, born William Lance Swan on May 12, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is an American singer-songwriter and producer renowned for his 1974 hit single "I Can Help." Growing up in the 1950s, Swan was influenced by country music legends like Hank Williams and rock 'n' roll artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis. He began playing guitar at 14 and was part of a local band, Mirt Mirly & the Rhythm Steppers, which recorded his song "Lover Please." This song later became a top-10 hit for Clyde McPhatter in 1962.

Swan moved to Memphis to work with Bill Black, but after Black's death in 1965, he relocated to Nashville. There, he wrote successful songs for artists like Conway Twitty and Waylon Jennings and produced Tony Joe White's hit "Polk Salad Annie." In 1974, Swan signed with Monument Records and released his debut album featuring "I Can Help," which topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and country charts.

Despite the success of "I Can Help," Swan's subsequent albums did not replicate its success. He later recorded for Epic and A&M Records and participated in the "Havana Jam" festival in 1979. Swan continued to tour and record, maintaining his status as a respected figure in both rock and country music. He was married to Marlu Swan from 1973 until her death in 2003, and they had two children, Planet and Sierra Swan.