Billy Strange, born William Everett Strange on September 29, 1930, in Long Beach, California, was a multifaceted American musician, composer, and actor. Renowned for his work as a session guitarist, Strange was a key member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of elite studio musicians in the 1960s and 1970s. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007 as part of this ensemble.

Strange's career was marked by his collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. He co-wrote several hit songs for Elvis Presley, including "A Little Less Conversation" and the theme from Charro!. His songwriting prowess also extended to "Limbo Rock," recorded by The Champs and Chubby Checker. As an arranger, Strange was instrumental in crafting iconic tracks such as Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" and her duet with Frank Sinatra, "Somethin' Stupid."

His guitar work was featured on numerous hits, including The Beach Boys' "Sloop John B" and the Pet Sounds album. Strange's versatility saw him working with artists like Jan & Dean, The Ventures, Willie Nelson, The Everly Brothers, and Nat King Cole. He was also known for his arrangements of James Bond themes and his contributions to film and TV soundtracks, including the themes for "The Munsters" and "Batman."

Strange's personal life included marriages to Joan O'Brien, with whom he had a son, and Betty Jo Conrad, with whom he had two children. He later married singer Jeanne Black in 1999. Billy Strange passed away on February 22, 2012, in Franklin, Tennessee, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering force in rockabilly and pop music.