Bill Renn was born in Pittsburgh, PA the son of a professional jazz drummer. His cousin, Dodo Marmarosa played briefly with the jazz sax legend Charlie Parker and became the early inspiration for Bill's jazz piano style. His 3 decades of playing, singing and song writing has been shaped by a wide range of influences including jazz, gospel and rock.
Jazz influences: Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Horace Silver, Weather Report, Josef Zawinul.
Gospel influences: Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matt Redman, Steve Green, Larnelle Harris
Rock influences: the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Dave Matthews and U2
He began playing semi-professionally in high school as a jazz pianist around the Pittsburgh area teaming up with local musicians as well as playing solo. He graduated with honors from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ were he minored in Music Performance and was the pianist the first ever Jazz Combo formed at the school. During this time he also toured with several local artists and accompanied future stars Linda Carter, and gospel singer, Steve Green.
While earning a Master's of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Bill toured through out the country and performed with nationally known gospel artist Larnelle Harris. He spent 12 years as a pastor in Texas and Pennsylvania during which time he began to write gospel and jazz music.
In 1998 he formed the gospel-jazz ensemble, "Trophies of Grace" with twin brother Wayne which toured the midwest and produced the self-titled album of 9 original tunes. The 2001 solo release, "Reflections" showcases Bill's jazz piano and vocal stylings that one listener described as "Devastatingly beautiful, Heart-wrenching music that goes directly to my soul". Bill's 2003 release, "Peace and Calm" is a collection of worship songs that "beautifully expresses the journey to finding hope and peace". The 2006 release, "In the Glory" is a collection of pre-released original gospel and jazz pieces. The wide variety of music styles in this last two projects demonstrates a diversity of influence that has helped create a unique quality to Bill's playing and song writing that can swing, rock as well as inspire the listener.
Bill currently lives with his wife Pam in Portland, TN just outside Nashville . If you are interested in scheduling an event please contact us.
