Best known as the longtime keyboard player for the British synth pop/new wave outfit Ultravox, multi-instrumentalist Billy Currie has also issued several solo albums over the years, in addition to playing on recordings by other artists. Born William Lee Currie in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, in 1950, Currie developed a love of music at an early age after plucking away at a guitar that a relative bought for him. This led to violin lessons and singing in a choir. Eventually he attended a nearby music college in the late '60s and played in a few different orchestras. Currie continued to pursue music (as he learned other instruments, including flute, Japanese flute, cello, bassoon, and keys), and during the '70s, met his future Ultravox bandmates. The group (which also included bassist Chris Cross, guitarist Steve Shears, and drummer Warren Cann, in addition to Currie) borrowed musically from both David Bowie and Roxy Music, soon becoming a major player in the burgeoning synth pop movement.