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His family history was troubled—his mother likely bipolar, a diagnosis they didn’t have a name for at the time. Billy’s sister, Judith, describes how their home was filled with volatility, forcing them to walk on eggshells. Growing up in this environment, Billy was a sensitive, artistic child who was bullied for his passions. The neighborhood kids called him “gay,” teasing him for his love of ballet and piano. But instead of abandoning his true self to gain acceptance, Billy persisted in his artistic pursuits, demonstrating resilience and integrity rare among his peers. His body language in interviews reveals lingering memories of those painful moments, hinting at a depth that fuels his songwriting.