Billy Kilson is known as a drummer of the highest calibre, known as such for his revelational improvisation and timing and an undeniable stage presence reminiscent of the great jazz drummers before him. With diverse backgrounds, his projects are a summation of his collective life and musical experiences.​​​​​​

In an illustrious career spanning many decades, this Berklee graduate and associate professor has performed alongside a who’s who of the world's leading recording artists, such as Chris Botti, Sting, Gladys Knight, Burt Bacharach, Steven Tyler, John Mayer, Yo-Yo Ma, Dave Holland, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Herbie Hancock, and Larry Carlton, to name just a few.

While attending Berklee and studying privately with Alan Dawson, Billy absorbed everything he taught. After a short tour with Walter Davis Jr., word spread and the calls began to come. Donald Byrd, Ahmad Jamal, and Dianne Reeves were some of the first artists who hired Billy for their tours. From this exposure, Billy caught the attention of George Duke, Mike Mineari and Steps Ahead, Najee, Freddie Jackson, Michael Franks, and Bob James, and the calls kept coming.

From 2016 to 2024 Billy was David Sanborn's primary drummer. Outside of Alan Dawson and Ahmad Jamal, Billy credits Dave with providing the greatest platform of diverse music to date. Dave Sanborn was not just an incredible talent but also one of Billy's most invaluable mentors. "I credit Dave for never cheating the music. Leave it all on the stage."

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Although he has achieved notable success as a sideman in concert and on recordings, Billy's first love is creating and performing his own music. As a multi Grammy-Award nominee, his fifth and newest album is with another stellar trio. This trio includes Geoffrey Keezer on piano and Essiet Essiet on bass. Recalling his experiences with Ahmad Jamal, Hank Jones, and Donald Brown, this recording is loaded with standards. Upbeat but with a high priority of swing and groove, Billy is able to maintain, just as he does on stage, a playful sonic resonance for the listener. 

The drummer, educator, and now author is sharing his experiences with his fans around the world. However, he always says nothing is greater than sharing each and every moment of his history as well as knowledge with his students at Berklee. Billy says, “No doubt, besides my family, my students are my greatest inspiration.”