At the age of two, Will attempted to play his first tune, "Poor Old Joe", on a melodeon belonging to his father, Joseph Starrs.
His family recognised the musical potential in young William and encouraged him to continue playing the melodeon.
Will frequently played at local events and social functions accompanied by his sister Rosie, a singer.
Jock invited him to join the cast as a solo performer, and after being granted permission to take time off school, Will began his initially part-time professional stage career.
When at the age of eighteen in World War II he became eligible for service in the armed forces, he was exempted as an already working miner.