Billy Swan
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Billy Swan (born Billy Lance Swan on 12 May 1942) is an American songwriter and singer, best known for his 1974 single, "I Can Help".
Born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Swan's role in the music industry was largely invisible. His first big break was in 1962 when Clyde McPhatter recorded "Lover Please", a single written by Swan that quickly became a Top Ten hit. Moving to Nashville allowed Swan to write hit country songs for numerous artists, including Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, and Mel Tillis.
In 1969, Swan first took on the role of record producer, publishing Tony Joe White's Top Ten hit "Polk Salad Annie". Swan played bass guitar for Kris Kristofferson, and signed a deal with Monument Records.
Swan's first album included the popular song "I Can Help", a rockabilly number that topped both the pop and country charts in 1974. However, other albums with Monument, A&M, and Epic did not have nearly the success of his first.
Swan continued to tour with Kristofferson, and has recorded two albums with Randy Meisner. As of 2005, Swan is still a back-up and session musician.
