Bill Churchville (Tower of Power // Session Musician)

Bill Churchville, renown trumpet artist in the recording studios of Los Angeles and concert stages of the world, is in high demand as a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer and music producer for the television, film and music industries. Perhaps best known for his six year tenure with legendary soul band, Tower of Power, Churchville recorded four albums with the group, performed six world tours, and was a featured soloist on TOP's 40th Anniversary Concert DVD and album. His signature sound has graced the recordings/performances of Elton John, Al Green, Santana, Bruno Mars, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, Sergio Mendes, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and his precise, nuanced artistry has been featured in Hollywood's top films and television productions, as well as live performances with Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bob Dylan, Prince, Tom Jones, Mavis Staples, Juanes, Jackson Brown, and countless others. He has musically contributed to the network television landscape in recent years as house band member, arranger, and composer for the shows The Arsenio Hall Show (2013), Lopez Tonight, The Next and Oh, Sit!

Growing up in New Orleans, Churchville's early years were drenched in the multicultural city's deep musical traditions of jazz, blues and soul. Moved and transformed by the sounds of Louis Armstrong and Al Hirt, Churchville decided that the trumpet would be his voice. After a brief tour with the US Army Band, he completed a Bachelor of Music degree at McNeese State University before relocating to Los Angeles where he graduated USC at the top of his class with a Masters degree in Jazz Studies and Studio Performance. He was then selected as trumpet soloist and horn arranger with Tower of Power, followed by six years of touring with the group. Churchville later spent two years on tour with Tom Jones before joining the cast of Lopez Tonight. His extensive recording, television, film and live performance credits bear testimony to the breadth of his experience, and the unparalleled artistry he brings to each musical situation.