Billy Joe Royal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy Joe Royal
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Royal in 1966
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| Background information | |
| Born | April 3, 1942 Valdosta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | October 6, 2015 (aged 73) Morehead City, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock and roll, country rock, country soul, country pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals, acoustic guitar, piano |
| Years active | 1950s–2015 |
| Labels | Sussex, Columbia, Atlantic, Tower |
Billy Joe Royal (born April 3, 1942 – died October 6, 2015) was an American singer. He was known for blending different music styles like country, rock and roll, and soul. His most famous song was "Down in the Boondocks" in 1965.
Contents
Billy Joe Royal's Early Life and Music Journey
Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and grew up in Marietta, Georgia. He started performing at the Georgia Jubilee in Atlanta when he was a teenager. He formed his own rock and roll band and became a local favorite in Savannah in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His singing style was inspired by African-American performers, including Sam Cooke.
How Billy Joe Royal Became Famous
Billy Joe Royal was friends with the talented performer and songwriter Joe South. Royal recorded a song called "Down in the Boondocks" as a practice recording. However, Columbia Records heard it and were so impressed that they offered Royal a singing contract in 1965. They released his version of the song, which Joe South also produced. "Down in the Boondocks" became his biggest hit, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart.
More Hit Songs and Styles
After his first big success, Billy Joe Royal released more popular songs. These included "I Knew You When" in 1965 and "Hush" in 1967. Both of these songs were also written and produced by Joe South. Another song by Joe South, "Yo-Yo", was not a big hit for Royal, but it became very popular later when The Osmonds recorded it. In 1969, his song "Cherry Hill Park" reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the 1970s, his recording of "Heart's Desire" became popular in Northern soul nightclubs.
Billy Joe Royal's Career in the 1980s and Beyond
By the late 1970s, Billy Joe Royal was performing regularly in Las Vegas. He also appeared as an actor in movies and on television. His last hit on the pop music charts was in 1978 with his version of "Under the Boardwalk".
In the 1980s, he changed his style and became a successful country music star. His first country hit was "Burned Like a Rocket" in 1985. Other country hits included "I'll Pin a Note on Your Pillow" (1987), "Tell It Like It Is", and "Till I Can't Take It Anymore" (both 1989). He continued to have success on the country charts into the early 1990s.
Later Years and Legacy
Billy Joe Royal had another comeback in the 2000s. His music was played often on country and classic radio stations. Younger fans also discovered his music through an online music group called The Beat Army. Royal kept touring, performing concerts at casinos, music festivals, and clubs in North America, Japan, and Europe. His shows included a mix of songs from the 1960s onwards. He also acted in the Western film Billy the Kid (2013).
Billy Joe Royal passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 6, 2015, in Morehead City, North Carolina.
Discography
See also
In Spanish: Billy Joe Royal para niños
