Billy Crain was an important member of the Henry Paul Band from 1978 until 1982, collaborating on songwriting, and being the featured lead guitarist. In 2008 Crain would hook up again with Henry Paul, but this time in the reformed Outlaws. He has been a staple performer in the Southern rock scene since the early 1970s. He has performed with various artists including The Allman Brothers Band, The Rossington-Collins Band, The Rolling Stones and ZZ Top. In the late 1980s he pursued songwriting and record production. He co-wrote the song "Call It Love" (by Poco) with Ron Guilbeau and Rick Lonow; "It's My Time" by Martina McBride (co-writers Kim Tribble and Tammy Hyler); and Another Nine Minutes (co-writers Tim Buppert and Tom Douglas); and "Let 'er Rip" by the Dixie Chicks (co-written with Sandy Ramos).