HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - "OFFICIAL SITE" - Chapter 199 - SYRACUSE MUSIC HISTORY LOSES ANOTHER GREAT - BILLY ELMIGER PASSES AWAY IN VIRGINIA ,OCTOBER 26 AT AGE 75.

I am sad to report the passing of one of Syracuse Music history greats- Bill Elminger on October 26, 2016 at age 75.  Bill was born in Bayonne, New Jersey where he attended Tenafly Middle School (1954-57) followed by Teanfly High School (1957-60). During his New Jersey High School years he played and recorded with schoolmates Gary Wright (Dream Weaver), Buddy Randall of the Kockerbockers (Lies) and Dave Palmer (of Steely Dan).

It was then on to Syracuse University (1961-66) where Bill studied Industrial Design. At SU be became of member of the popular bands- The Vanguards, The Techinques, Headliners, All Night Workers that became Otis And the All Night Workers (w/ Lloyd Baskin, Herb Flower, Steve McCord, Otis Smith and Bill),  he playing bass and adding backing vocals. During this period Bill also appeared on the Palmer Record label single "Love Is Happening To Me Now" by The Girls From Syracuse" that included his All Night Worker bandmates Lloyd Baskin and Herb Flower. This session was fronted by the Freeman Brothers and produced by Jerry Vance. 

Otis and the All Night Workers released three singles with Bill, "Don't Put All Youe Eggs" (Round Sound label a Jerry Vance production), Honey and Wine" (Cameo Parkway label) and "Misery" (Mercury Records) between 1965-68, Upon the breakup of the "All Night Workers" Bill returned home to the New York City music scene where he recorded three albums for Perception Records- J.C's 'Fire; (1969, who was Jimmy Curiss of the Hobbits), The Albert, 'The Albert"(1970) with old Syracuse University friends- Otis Smith, Howie Wyeth, Mike Gibson, Mike Mattia, Jon Huston, Steve McCord, Paul Petrucelli,  and others . He also appeared on the James Moody recording "The Teacher". 

Bill Elmiger wrote the famed hit "Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket" (Round Sound label) that reached #1 on Syracuse's WOLF Radio chart on December 4, 1965. 

Bill did return to Syracuse along with band mates Steve McCord, Herb Flower for Otis Smith's induction into the Syracuse Area Music Hall of Fame in 2009. Through these years Bill called Lynchburg, Virgina home. He was kind enough to send me a wonderful photo of the All Night Workers and shared many Syracuse music memories that I still use to this day.

The sad ending came on October 26, 2017 with the supprising new of his passing at age 75. He was be deeply missed by many.