BILLY JOE CARR 1949-1968 Iowa City, Iowa

The poses were those of Billy Joe Carr, and even though dynamite may be too strong a term, there's little doubt that he's one of the most dynamic models we've ever photographed. Billy Joe's photos seem to breathe a vital, surging quality in physique, facial expression and posing that is universally attractive. Although he had never posed before and had actually done little bodybuilding, it was apparent as soon as he stepped before the camera that Billy Joe is an extraordinary model. How did he get that way? With characteristic modesty, Billy Joe credits his physical achievements to having the right parents, and in particular a muscular father. Born William Joseph Carr 20 years ago on August 3rd in Iowa City, Iowa, he was his parent's first child and weighed only five pounds. Of English and German heritage, his folks were average in stature, but his father, who worked as an automobile mechanic, was exceptionally strong. "Billy" at first, he soon came to be called "Billy Joe," a mellifluous appellation that has stuck with him ever since. Billy Joe's early years were normal and happy. He became an average-sized child, and the birth of a beautiful baby sister made a closely knit family of four. While there was seldom a lot of money, there was enough, and there was always more than enough love. Perhaps the "secret" of his muscularity today is a horizontal high bar his father helped him erect in the backyard. A six-foot pipe supported by two 4x4's, it was close at hand when Billy Joe got the urge, and he kept it shiny with all sorts of chins, levers, giant swings and other routines. He also made good use of the equipment in a nearby park, rings, parallel bars and occasionally a trampoline. Billy Joe's reflexes were lightning-fast and his coordination just about perfect in everything he tried. On several occasions he gave high bar and ring demonstrations at a "Showagon" performance before several hundred neighbors in the park on a balmy summer evening. Although the family always had a car, it was usually far from new, and Billy Joe's muscles got a frequent tuneup helping his father keep it in running condition. Scholastically, Billy Joe was not an egghead, but he has a quick, responsive mind, and his grades were always above average. Being athletic, he was popular with the boys, and being good-looking, he got lots of attention from the girls. His teachers liked him too because he was interested, unfailingly polite, and had a ready smile.