"Then, the audience was treated to a stellar performance by Bill Cosby. His stage presence, rapport with the audience, and his unbelievably delightful and skillful playing was dazzling!! Many in the audience stood in the back so they could watch, in total awe, both of his hands fly flawlessly over the keys and buttons. The accuracy and emotion this man pours into his music makes it very hard to believe that Bill stopped playing accordion over 30 years ago and has only recently started playing again."
Joan Grauman, Accordion USA December 2009
"With his accordion shining like a black onyx, Mr. Cosby went into an hour of accordion history, playing songs ranging from “Ragtime”, up through Pietro Deiro concert pieces, through jazz pieces by Leon Sash, a rendition of “Dizzy Fingers”, a wonderful Bassetti piece, and finishing off with “Konzertstuck” arranged by one of his teachers, Maestro Anthony Galla-Rini.
"You were pinned to your seat as he played this piece, drenched in sweat, fingers flying up and down his 45 key Giulietti like a tornado and then he finished, threw his hands off the accordion, breathed a sigh of relief and the audience jumped to their feet with applause. Dazzling virtuosity, supreme artistry and a warm rapport with the audience, it was truly a musical event. You did not want him to stop playing. Thank you Mr. Cosby for this wonderful evening!"
James Pollara, Accordion USA November 2009
"Keep practicing"
Myron Floren, handwritten note on Bettie Thomas Recital Program 1957
To my student, "Bill Cosby", who is afflicted with bassetti-itis; may you never recover!!!
"Sincerely", "Tito"
Inscription on manuscript of Hollywood Fantasia, 1962
Dear Tito,
Heard your young prodigee and it was tops in my book. If he fails here it is because it is in a "class by itself" and most would not understand at present time. Keep up the wonderful work.
Sincerely, Mickey Bisilia
Written on manuscript of Hollywood Fantasia, 1962, AAA Invitational International Competition
To Bill Cosby, who can play anything" Gregory Stone
Inscription on manuscript, Chopinnovations based on Chopin's Etude opus 25 - No. 6.
William Cosby, accordionist