Billy James is an American publicist and talent scout, best known for his work in the 1960s and 1970s discovering and developing musical talent for record companies such as Columbia, Elektra, and RCA Records.
He wrote liner notes for The Byrds' first album, Mr. Tambourine Man, and brought artists such as The Doors and Jackson Browne to the attention of Elektra Records.
In 1966, he managed the folk singer Penny Nichols, who was hired by The Sandpipers, but sang with them on just one concert at San Diego.
James was respected by artists and his peers for his humor, irreverence, intelligence and integrity in an industry that rarely fostered the latter.
Semi-retired, he lives with his wife and family in Redwood City, California.