Bill Gladden was born and raised in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. After surviving a close encounter with the famed tornado of 1957 in the southern portion of this midwestern town, Bill, his two older brothers, and his hardworking parents joined the Barkley Circus for a brief period of time.  Shortly after that, Bill was a tractor clown at tractor pulls (not really...although, the tornado part is true). As a young teen, Bill had already found his niche and passion in life as he discovered his skill and drive as a budding musician. He studied many instruments as a young boy and found that music would become his driving force. At 15, his studies of classical and musical standards brought him acclaim as he was acknowledged with awards for his original music compositions. At 17, he was a cellist with the Kansas City Youth Symphony (note: he did not attend the Julliard School of Music...damn, those entrance exams!).  

For nearly twenty years, Bill continued his relationship with music while playing in regional rock and roll bands locally and throughout the Midwest. A unique interlude arose when he had the opportunity to play the organ on the famed Queen Mary Ocean Liner. It was to be a Los Angeles-based radio promotion that would result in the "marriage" of the Queen Mary Ocean Liner and the S.S. King Longbeach. The renowned King Family sang as Bill provided the music.

For the last 17 years, Bill has become a local personality who shares his talent with audiences who come to enjoy his flavor of entertainment as a house musician and singer.

Branching out from his life as an entertainer, Bill has also worked on many compositions for corporate and industrial films, documentaries, and he has even starred in music videos, which featured his original music (he's the head Demon Dog in Bazaar Bizaar). Also, he has produced multiple original works in the genre of belly dance music under the pseudo name of Hassan Funk.

Bill values his long friendship with acclaimed writer/director, and the multi-talented, Benjamin Meade. It was through this friendship that Bill ignited his newest passion, composing soundtracks for independent films, which include Das Bus, Bazaar Bizarre, and American Stag. It should be noted that he did NOT compose the music for Out of Africa, Apocalypse Now, or Pee Wee's Playhouse......although he should have!