Billy taught himself to play the piano, guitar and banjo. Aged just 21, he won the 'best Alto Sax' in a Dance Band Competition held at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton on 17th April 1947. He composed some of his own and arranged other music for his dance band, "Billy Nunley's Swingtette".

Performing was in his blood, as his mother had been a member of Rushden Repertory Company.