Billy Eli (born Billy V. Lambeth; 1962) is an Austin, Texas based Americana singer and songwriter from Livingston, Texas. Billy is known for performing Americana that blends elements of blues, rock, and country, shaped by his upbringing in East Texas and his working-class experience in oil pipeline jobs and honky-tonk venues. A native of Livingston, Texas, he began developing his musical style in the 1980s, formed a touring band in 1990, and released his first album in 1994, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the Austin music scene with songs that portray everyday life and human perseverance.
His 2024 album Lace, produced by Ed Tree, includes tracks such as "Hey Maria" and "Wine in the Desert," and reflects the melodic sensibilities of 1960s country legends like George Jones and Charlie Rich. The album emphasizes themes of memory, relationships, and human behavior rather than material concerns, earning recognition for its traditional sound. Outside of his music career, Eli is also involved in supporting autism-related charities through benefit performances held internationally to raise both awareness and funding.
Eli worked on oil and gas pipelines before starting to write and play music in his early twenties. His musical influences include the Rolling Stones, Steve Earle, Tom Petty, Guy Clark, the Eagles and the Byrds.
Eli began touring with various country and rock bands in 1984. He began fronting his own band and performing original music around 1990, and has toured throughout the country. His first album, Something's Going On, was released in 1994. The album was one of a number of Austin produced albums that helped establish Austin's national music reputation in that era. His album was among the first wave of music that eventually became known as Americana, but at the time of its release there was no single genre label that fit. Music journalists variously referred to Eli's music as "stand-and-deliver rock 'n' roll", "roots-rock" and "countrified pop songs". His album Hell Yeah! was listed in the Roots Music Report's Top 100 Roots Country Albums of 2011.
Eli is involved in fundraising efforts for autism groups, and has a son with autism.
Among the many musicians Eli has had in his band over the last years was bassist Joseph Stack (ca. 2005âÂÂ2007). Stack is now more widely known for flying his private plane into an Austin IRS office in 2010, killing himself and one other, as well as injuring 13.