Billy Steele ca 1935

William J. Folz, Jr. was an award-winning poet, accomplished artist, lyricist, and first-time author with the publication of  Marathon Dancer: The Billy Steele Story. 

 

Born in Evansville, Indiana in December 1916, young William left the home of his father, the Honorable William J. Folz Sr.,  in his teens to escape the Depression,, and found his way into the world of the dance marathon. Among many adventures therein, he met and married his wife of 45 years.

Mr. Folz. spent the last ten years of his life writing this story, and died before its completion. His dream to share with all generations the excitement of the 1930s Marathon Dance Contests -- a largely misunderstood era -- is now posthumously realized by this book's publication.
 
       
 
 
       
 
   

         
           
       

Author & Daughter

 Annette Folz Sevedge, the author's daughter, spent the last two and a half years compiling, completing, and editing Marathon Dancer: The Billy Steele Story. In the process of  fulfilling her promise to her father, she was inspired to turn the book into a musical. Feeling Divinely-inspired, her pen flows effortlessly with the creation of lyrics for now 25 songs. Two songs to be included in the musical were written by her father, "Mine For A Time" and "Try Happiness." Ms. Sevedge is busy writing the play for Marathon Dancer: The Muscial, based on the book . She envisions it for the stage and screen.

Personally, Ms. Sevedge is happiest with a song in her heart. Her love of music began in childhood, singing popular songs and studying piano. Moving from Encino, CA to Littleton, Co at 16 years old, she excelled in drama at Littleton High School and went on to major in speech and drama at the University of Colorado.

       
       
       
       
       
       
       

During a career with the airlines, she later studied acting at the Santa Monica Playhouse and the Joanne Baron, W.D. Brown Studio. Some of her favorite scenes to perform were from musicals such as "Sweet Charity."