The demo ended up at Columbia, and the label signed Royal to a six-year deal. Royal flew from Cincinnati (where he was working at the time) to Atlanta and cut “Down in the Boondocks,” whose churchy echo resulted from the use during recording of a large septic tank that had been dragged into the studio. Royal and South roomed together for a time, and two or three years later South contacted him with a song he wanted Royal to sing as a demo, in the hope that Gene Pitney would record it.
In 1962, he recorded an independent single that went unnoticed. Performing at a nightclub that also booked Sam Cooke and other African-American stars, Royal observed their vocal moves and began to practice them on his own time. He also spent time in Savannah, where he was influenced by African-American vocal styles and began to develop his distinctive vocal sound. Royal had his own rock & roll band in high school and was regularly singing around Atlanta by the age of 16. He learned to play steel guitar and joined the Georgia Jubilee in Atlanta at 14, performing with Joe South, Jerry Reed, and Ray Stevens, among several other artists. Royal was born into a family of musical entertainers in Valdosta, Georgia, and made his debut on his uncle’s radio show at the age of 11. Although he never had another hit as successful as “Down in the Boondocks,” he racked up about 15 singles that hit the country charts over the course of the 1980s. The family will receive friends and fans 7:00-8:00 pm Friday, Octoat Parkview Baptist Church.July 7, 1989, we asked Billy Joe Royal to join our “Wall of Fame.” (He said yes).īest known for his country-flavored rock hit “Down in the Boondocks,” Billy Joe Royal had a long career that saw him become one of the first pop performers to successfully revive his commercial fortunes by turning to straight country music. 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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