Billy Vera (born May 28, 1944) is an American singer and actor who was born William McCord in Riverside, California. Billy began his singing career in 1962 as a member of the Resolutions. He went on to write several songs throughout the early 60's, writing for the likes of Barbara Lewis and Ricky Nelson.

In 1967 Vera wrote a song entitled "Storybook Children" and brought it to Atlantic Records. They found a talented young singer named Judy Clay to record it with him. It was a minor hit in early 1968, and Billy and Judy recorded an album that was critically acclaimed.