Billy Ocean with whom he released "On The Run" backed with "Let's Put Our Emotions in Motion" in 1974. Ocean took his stage name from the Ocean Estate, Stepney in London's East End, where he was living at the time. In 1976, he recorded his first album, "Billy Ocean", with its first single release, "Love Really Hurts Without You", charting at No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 22 in the US "Billboard" Hot 100. He enjoyed club success from the songs "Are You Ready" and "Stay The Night" from the album "City Limit"—both of which were later covered by
Billy T. James Empire for services to entertainment. In 1986 Billy and Chris Slane published "Real Hard Case" which contained comic-strip interpretations of Billy's comedy. "Real Hard Case 2" followed in 1987. During this period his name and likeness was used for the company "Billy T's Hangi Takeaways," with locations in Auckland, but the business did not last and closed after several years. In 1990 Billy received the prestigious Benny Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc for a lifetime of excellence in the performing arts. Billy T James self-titled television show for TVNZ featured sketch comedy and live performances