BILLY HAGEN
Legendary guitarist from Portland, OR.
This site is dedicated to celebrating the life, music, and legacy of Billy Hagen. Originally created as part of a submission to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) in November 2024, this platform has since evolved into a home for Bill’s music, a hub for his remarkable legacy, and a foundation for the documentary being developed with contributions from his fellow musicians, friends, and fans.
Bill’s musical journey was as diverse as it was extraordinary, spanning classical, jazz, blues, and rock. Over four decades, his talent and generosity left an indelible mark on countless musicians, bands, and performances. His impact was deeply felt at his memorial, where over 150 friends, collaborators, and admirers gathered to share stories, music, and memories. What stood out was how many had been profoundly influenced by Bill yet had never crossed paths with one another—underscoring the vast reach of his artistry.
This site serves not only as a celebration of Bill’s contributions to music but as a living archive of his work. Here, you’ll find select performance footage, a glimpse at his catalog of recordings, and heartfelt testimonials from those who knew him best. While no single site can fully capture the depth of Bill’s genius, we hope this offers a meaningful glimpse into his life and legacy.
Looking ahead, this site will play a vital role in the development of the documentary about Bill’s extraordinary career, which will explore his wide-ranging influence and the enduring love and admiration he inspired. We also invite you to contribute—whether it’s sharing your stories, photos, videos, or memories of Bill. Simply email us, and we’ll continue to update the site as this project evolves.
Thank you for joining us in honoring a true musical legend. Take some time to explore the videos, listen to his music, and reflect on the incredible spirit of a guitarist who meant so much to so many. Together, we can ensure that Bill’s legacy lives on for generations to come.
Rock On!
A LIFE IN MUSIC
WILLIAM ‘BILLY’ HAGEN [December 26, 1958 - March 13, 2024] was one of the most versatile and dynamic musicians to emerge from Oregon. A native of Beaverton, Hagen’s lifelong devotion to music not only defined his career but also deeply influenced the countless people he connected with through his craft. Whether performing onstage, jamming in rehearsal rooms, or recording in studios, Billy’s singular talent and magnetic personality left an indelible mark on Oregon’s music scene and beyond.
Billy’s musical journey began in the Beaverton area, where he first gained recognition with Killin’ Floor, a band that showcased his virtuosic Rock ’n’ Roll guitar skills. As his career flourished, he joined the popular touring act Johnny Limbo & the Lugnuts, where his electrifying guitar work and exuberant stage presence further solidified his reputation. This recognition led to memorable opportunities, including performing alongside Chuck Berry on multiple occasions at Berry’s specific request.
As his tastes and artistic vision evolved, Billy’s focus shifted toward jazz, where he collaborated with numerous ensembles and legendary musicians, including Mel Brown, Signe Anderson, Ike Willis, and many others. His ability to transcend genres—from rock to jazz to blues—made him a beloved figure across Oregon’s diverse music community. Fellow OMHOF inductees and collaborators alike testify to the lasting impact of his contributions.
Billy’s story is one of versatility, passion, and generosity. His musical legacy continues to inspire, and his absence leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him. Through this site, we aim to preserve and celebrate that legacy—a life dedicated to the transformative power of music and the connections it forges.
DAN DAVIS, Jazz Artist
He was such an outstanding talent. From JOHNNY LIMBO to THE MEL BROWN ORGAN TRIO, he would always shine.
ASHBOLT STEWART, Drummer and frequent collaborator
He could play it all, from classical to jazz to rock, and his performances were always edgy and high octane! Billy was a true original and he left most other guitarists in the dust..
JIMI HARDIN, Hagen & Hardin Band
He was a great spirit, musician, and showman. He treated the small gigs and the arena gigs with the same energy and passion. One of the very best and most versatile guitarists I have ever seen.
DAVE GILL, The Weevils
Billy's talents always stood out. Every time we played together, he did something amazing. As a musician, he had few peers on the local scene. He deserves to be recognized by the OMHOF.
JON DITTMORE, Drummer, and frequent collaborator
There have been few guitarists in the world with as much talent as Bill. I still don't know anyone outside of a handful of other world-class players that could do what he could on the guitar. Billy was also unmatched as a performer. He would include diving somersaults, backflips, and “The Duck Walk,” all without losing a beat. Billy deserves to be in the Oregon Music Hall of Fame because there has been nobody else like him. His musical presence should be acknowledged and preserved as part of Oregon music history.
KEN LUKER, Guitarist, and frequent collaborator
Bill Hagen was a wild man with an impeccable sense of time and focus, an exciting performer both visually and musically. Bill and I spent the summer of ‘88 writing dozens of songs with Matt Kinney and Dusty Hill as THE NERVE AGENTS. Playing guitar with Hagen was like riding a wave. He was a Rock’N’Roll freight train. His songs and his music were the reflection of his Rock’N’Roll life. Candy Apple Chevy cars, take me for a ride. Billy was the real deal.
BANDS & COLLABORATIONS
Killin' Floor
Johnny Limbo & The Lugnuts
The Jazz Pinheads
Mel Brown Trio
Nerve Agents
Rolling Clones
The Headliners
The Weevils
The Bill Brothers
Robert Moore Band
Dave Fleschner Trio
Jazz Pistols
The Bill Hagen Trip
Hagen/Hardin Band
Lorna Baxter Trio
SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
1. Billy Hagen - You’ll Have That (Rock)
Featuring James Ruby, Joel Young, Ken Ollis, Mike Mason, Gavin Pursinger, Cherilyn Hagen, Rex Henrickson, Ken Garcia, Maxim Garcia, Doris Russell.
2. Bill Hagen - Classical Guitar Surgery (Classical)
3. Billy Hagen - Still Alive & Well Mixed Sessions (Rock/Jazz)
Featuring Dave Fleschner, Ken Ollis, Joel Young, Robert Carson, Tom Klobas, Dusty Hill, Mike Mason, Boomer Band, Brad Herret, James Ruby, Patrick Lamb, Jof Lee.
4. The Weevils - None More (Rock/Blues)
Featuring Blake Wood, Mike Mason, Bill Hagen, James Ruby, Steven Solomon, Joel Young, Dave Gill, Ike Willis, Mark Young, Marc Leverett & others.
5. Billy Hagen - Taking Notation (Rock)
Featuring Dusty Hill, Tom Klobas, George Mitchell, Scott Franklin, Warren Rand, Ken Luker, Joel Young.
6. The Dave Fleschner Trio - Best of Dave Fleschner Trio (Jazz)
Featuring Dave Fleschner and Ken Ollis.
7. Billy Hagen & Friends – Off the Cuff (Rock/Jazz)
Featuring Ashbolt Stewart, Gavin Pursinger, Rex Colin-Johnston, Robert Moore, James Ruby, Kevin Cosgrove, Scott Steele, Mike Mason, Signe Toly-Anderson, Kevin Garcia.
8. The Bill Hagen Trip - Now and Then (Rock)
Featuring James Ruby, Stus Gersen, Ike Willis, Ron Risberg, Russ Cook, Mary Slifman, Mike Mason, Dave Gill, Barry Bender, Joe Hondo, Casey Thomas.
IN PERFORMANCE
