Bonnie Prince Billy

Bonnie Prince Billy is the name Will Oldham has used for his music since 1998. He started releasing songs in the early 1990s under the name Palace Brothers, often working with his brother Paul Oldham. Oldham grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and his music draws from the sounds of that region, like bluegrass and country, as well as from songwriters like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

His songs are built around acoustic guitar and his distinctive voice, with lyrics that circle themes of love and isolation. The 1999 album 'I See a Darkness' includes the title track and songs like 'A Minor Place,' which became touchstones for a certain kind of raw, introspective folk. He has recorded many albums since, including 'Master and Everyone' in 2003 and 'The Letting Go' in 2006.

Oldham has collaborated with various musicians over time, including guitarist Matt Sweeney and vocalist Angel Olsen. While some of his earlier lyrics drew criticism, he has addressed those concerns. He continues to write and record, with recent work like the 2019 album 'When the Brine Takes Hold.'