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MIZE, Billy

(b 29 April '29, Kansas City) Country bandleader, songwriter and TV host. Began late '40s on KERO-TV in Bakersfield CA, then a regular on many country shows originating in L.A., host of Gene Autry's Melody Ranch show and a member of Tommy Duncan's band. Led own group the Tennesseans early '60s, winning Band of the Year (non- touring) award from ACM '68. Recorded for Columbia, Imperial, UA late '60s-70s, scoring minor country hits; wrote songs for Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, Charlie Walker, many others. Headed Billy Mize Productions, responsible for several syndicated series, TV specials such as Merle Haggard And His Friends '81. Still played the odd club date with the Tennesseans.