However, he reinvented himself in the 1980s as a mainstream country star, and had his first hit on the country music chart in 1985 with " Burned Like a Rocket", released on the Atlantic label. His last hit on the US pop charts was in 1978, when his version of " Under the Boardwalk" became a minor hit. īy the late 1970s, Royal had become a regular performer in Las Vegas, and also appeared as an actor in movies and on television. In the 1970s his recording of "Heart's Desire" gained popularity among Northern soul enthusiasts and was regularly played in Northern soul nightclubs. His 1969 single, " Cherry Hill Park", peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. when Royal released it in 1967, but a later remake by The Osmonds was a much greater success. Another South composition, " Yo-Yo", just missed the top 40 in Canada and charted poorly in the U.S. He followed up his initial success with the singles " I Knew You When" (Top 20, 1965) and " Hush" (1967), also written and produced by Joe South. "Down in the Boondocks" remained his best-known song, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 38 in the UK. The recording was heard at Columbia Records, who offered Royal a singing contract in 1965 and released his version of the song, produced by South. Royal was a friend of performer and songwriter Joe South, and recorded what was intended as a demo of South's song " Down in the Boondocks". He formed his own rock and roll band, and became a local star at the Bamboo Ranch in Savannah in the late 1950s and early 1960s, where his singing style was influenced by African-American performers, including Sam Cooke. The family will receive friends and fans 7:00-8:00 pm Friday, Octoat Parkview Baptist Church.Born in Valdosta, Georgia, to Clarence and Mary Sue Smith Royal, and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Royal performed at the Georgia Jubilee in Atlanta during his teens. Morehead City, NC 28557 or Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame, 222 5th Ave South Nashville, TN 37203. The family welcome flowers or memorial may be made to Parkview Baptist Church, 4738Arendell St. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Marilyn and Tina and his father Clarence. He is survived by his daughter, Savannah Royal of Morehead City two sons, Trey Rivenbark and wife Falyn of Harkers Island, and Joey Rivenbark and girlfriend Sarah of Morehead City mother, Mary Royal of Marietta GA two grandsons, Beau and Preston one nephew, Michael Williams one niece, Amanda Williams along with several other nieces and nephews who reside in Georgia one brother Jack Royal dear friends, Dave and Michelle Kent of Morehead City. Royal, had taken much time off to spend with his daughter Savannah, a student at North Carolina State University. His voice was still as good as ever, and he continued to travel the country to perform. This would be followed by with several country hits including, “I’ll Pin A Note On Your Pillow ” Tell It Like It Is,” and Till I Can’t Take it Anymore,” In 1988, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Royal would experience his first Top 10 Country single, “Burn like A Rocket,” but was removed from radio after the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenge tragedy. His career was revitalized in the mid-1980s after he signed with Atlantic Records and began releasing a multitude of songs. Royal found success again in a South composed song, “I Knew You When”. Royal’s 1965 breakout single, “Down in the Boondocks,” who went to the top of the charts. Royal began singing at a young age, and as a young man had the opportunity to perform on the radio program “Georgia Jubilee,” where he met artist such as Joe South and Jerry Reed. Shortly after, the family moved to Marietta, GA. Graveside services will be private.īilly Joe was born on Apto Mary and Clarence Royal in Valdosta, GA. Billy Joe Royal, 73, of Morehead City passed away Tuesday, Octoat his home.Ī funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, Octoat Parkview Baptist Church with Rev.
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