Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA., Bill Tole comes from a musical family.  His father was a high school band director for many years is still active as a professional trombonist and piano player.  His mother also plays the piano and for many years performed with master chorales in the western Pennsylvania area.  They have both been a tremendous influence on Tole developing an appreciation and love for the art.  Bill is the oldest of four children.  His sister Nancy is the featured vocalist with the  Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and is the lead singer and leader of the famous  His brother Gary is a busy studio musician and leader of his own band     in the Los Angeles area.  And the youngest of the four children  Amy, who has not chosen a career in music as a performer,  enjoys listening to all music and is one of the Tole family's' biggest fans.
Wishing to pursue a career as a musician, Bill attended Duquesne University School of Music. After four years of college he auditioned for the Tommy Dorsey Band and went on tour with the band. He later joined the Air Force dance band, , a continuation of the Army Air Force "Glenn Miller Orchestra". Tole was first trombonist and assistant leader for his four years with that band.
Following the military service he quickly became a much sought after musician.  Bill moved to New York City in the mid 60's and played for many of the top Broadway shows, worked club dates and was busy doing recordings in the studios.
However, a change in the studio scene relocated Bill to Los Angeles in 1967 where he continued his professional career.  Bill has performed with many of the great stars in the music business.  Some of the big band leaders he has played with include; Ray Anthony, Tex Beneke, Louis Bellson, Les Brown, Bob Crosby, Harry James, Quincy Jones, Nelson Riddle and Si Zentner.  The great singing stars include; Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, Tony Martin and many more.
Bill is very much in demand as a soloist, teacher and clinician in the United States for    Bill plays King trombones exclusively.  He has also performed in Great Britain,  Australia and Japan as a clinician and lecturer as well as leader of the Bill Tole Orchestra in concert.

January 1, 2002 Bill became the leader of the  as well.