Billy Bean

American jazz guitarist. He played with Zoot Sims, Paul Horn, Buddy Collette, Charlie Ventura, Calvin Jackson, Bud Shank, Les Elgart, John Pisano, Stan Getz, Herbie Mann & John Lewis, among others. Born into a musical family, his tutelage included a year studying under Dennis Sandole. By the late 40's Bean was gigging around Philadelphia. He recorded 3 records as a member of Charlie Ventura Quintet (1956-58) before moving to Los.Angeles in 1958 where he recorded as co-leader with fellow guitarist John Pisano. In 1959 he moved to New York upon accepting invitation to join Tony Bennett's band. Returning to Philadelphia in 1965, Bean retired from performing in 1986. [Bor]: December 26, 1933 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [Died[: January 06, 2012.