Because
of Al Gomes and A. Michelle of Big Noise's strategic and
publicity efforts, Bill Harley won Grammy Awards in 2007
for 'Blah Blah Blah' and 2009 for 'Yes to Running - Bill
Harley Live.'
Al and A. Michelle were personally
invited to the Rhode Island State House for an official ceremony honoring
Bill on his Grammy Award wins.
Bill first worked with Big Noise
in 1992 when his song 'You're In Trouble' appeared on their
award-winning compilation 'First Night Providence '92' (Recording
of the Year - Phoenix Best Music Poll) and on their
'First Night Providence '95' collection with his exclusive
new track 'Already Someplace Warm.'
'His witty, wise songs, which can be falling-down funny or catch-in-the-throat touching, are the work of a master
wordsmith.' - Billboard Magazine
'...songster/storyteller Harley is a real find...humorous, canny and supremely tuneful...' - TV Guide
'...a champion yarn-spinner and tunesmith with a sense of wonder, whimsy and mischief...' - Washington Post
Bill Harley's uncanny ability to reach both adults and children has earned him numerous national awards and acclaim as a storyteller, songwriter, author, playwright and performer.
Considered one of the premier storytellers in the country, Bill Harley has written seven children's books and
thirty-three award-winning recordings of stories and songs. He draws large audiences at the National
Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee and at many regional festivals. His monologues on the trials and
tribulations of growing up have led more than one critic to dub him a 'Garrison Keillor for kids.' In 2001, he was
named a member of the Circle of Excellence by the National Storytelling network in recognition of his excellence in
performance, leadership and service. His first novel, The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher was released in
October of 2006. He is also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RI Council for the Humanities.
As a recording artist, Bill stands out among his peers. He has won national awards for every one of his children's recordings, including two Grammy Awards for 'Blah Blah Blah' in 2007 and 'Yes to Running - Bill Harley Live' in 2009. His music, reflecting a variety of styles and topics, is often humorous but usually carries a message. 'Humor is my weapon.' notes Harley. The title song from Harley's recording, 'I Wanna Play' won second place in the International Songwriting Competition.
Bill can be heard on National Public Radio's 'All Things Considered' (he has contributed his observations to the
program since 1991) keynote speaking, performing at schools, festivals and theaters all across the United States
and thank goodness, in the car stereo on a long road trip.
In 1991, Bill produced an album of Freedom Songs from the civil rights movement, entitled 'I'm Gonna Let it Shine,'
which was named one of the best recordings of 1991 by Entertainment Weekly. Harley also moonlights as a
folk-artist. Since 1987, he has released four recordings of songs and stories for adults. In the last several years,
Harley has turned his energy toward writing. He has twice been invited to the Sundance Institute's Playwright's
Lab and written two plays and several scripts for film. Recent theater projects of Bill's include a full length play 'My
Sarajevo' set during the Bosnian war, and a retelling of stories from naturalist John Muir's life, 'Stickeen.'
Bill's manager is also his wife, Debbie Block. Bill and Debbie have two sons, and
live in an old farmhouse in Seekonk, Massachusetts.
