Billy Joe Royal, RIP

http://www.tennessean.com/story/ent...0/06/singer-billy-joe-royal-dies-73/73489544/

 

very, very sad. loved his voice. geez, that is not that old.

 

Rest in peace. I'll always enjoy Down in the Boondocks.

 

One of the most timeless songs ever.

 

From The Buckinghams' Facebook page :

" Earlier this evening, we heard the news that the dynamic and soulful singer, Billy Joe Royal, passed away today at age 73, in his sleep, at his home in North Carolina. His unique voice defined several songs that are forever 'his'. In past years, you knew him for "Hush," "Cherry Hill Park," "Down in the Boondocks," and this song that The Buckinghams used to do in concert for many years. Posting it here, dedicated to this very special gentleman. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family. "



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Awful news. Very sudden...

 

I hope I'm that blessed, as to go in my sleep.
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**** I thought that said Billy Joel

 

He looked really great for 73. RIP.

 

RIP

 

On his big hits, Mr. Royal sounded to my ears anyway like B. J. Thomas sped up a la how Daffy Duck was essentially a sped-up version, voice-wise, of Sylvester the Cat. But I do have two of his best-known hits - "I Knew You When" and "Cherry Hill Park" (both in promo and stock copies) - plus a 1971 single, "Poor Little Pearl" / "The Lady Lives To Love" which was co-produced by The Tokens and arranged by Charlie Calello.

 

Down In The Boondocks always sounded huge on a juke box.

 

RIP

 

I always liked "Cherry Hill Park" as a kid it sounded like a scary place that people like to go to.

I just played it the other day from a Columbia House V/A box set.

 

R.I.P.

 

RIP, Mr. Royal.

 

I'd forgotten "I Knew You When"

Were he and Joe South buddies?

Three score and 13, not bad. RIP

 

Yes they were.

 

Sad to hear. Even some of his Atlantic recordings ("Burned Like a Rocket") were some of his best.

 

"I Knew You When" was tremendously comforting to me when I had my first really bad case of unrequited love, courtesy of a friend who treated me an awful lot like the girl in the song. I'll always be grateful for the knowledge that others had been there.

 

Very sad. A little over a year ago, he played a concert at a venue within walking distance of my house. I thought about going, but then decided I would just catch him when he came back around. Not to be. We just never know.
His Down In the Boondocks album was the second album I ever bought (the first being Beatles '65). I still have that same vinyl copy 50 years later and still listen to it. Very solid album with no filler, masterfully produced by the late, great Joe South.

 

Terrible news RIP

 

I saw him live in Sumter SC in 1995. He was a very nice man.

 

Billy Joe gave us some great songs including "Boondocks", "Cherry Hill Park" and "I Knew You When", especially in that glorious COLUMBIA mono (Wish that some reissue label would release these on CD!). Another favorite for me was his great cover of McCartney's "Every Night" …