Comedic Duo Penn & Teller
Las Vegas
Magic Show to Nashville
Billy Joe Burnette
By Kalena
Harmer
Don Williams In Ireland
The Gentle
Giant In Concert
John Conlee Honored
By Georgia
Sheriffs’ Association
Restaurants & Live Music
Writers
Nights
CD Reviews
Videos
Country Entertainment USA
Compilation CD
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No words were ever
spoken / no time to say good-bye. /
You were gone before we knew it/And only God
knows why!"In
Loving Memory of the Late Multi-Talented Music
Man, Mr. Billy Joe Burnette.
By Kalena Harmer
• kalena.harmer@gmail.com
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 Born on June 21st -
1941, in Roanoke Virginia; Billy Joe Burnette in
his youth dreamed of becoming a star. Though
times were tough, nothing was too difficult for
Billy Joe. He was dedicated, committed and hard
working.
He recorded several albums, and wrote many
well-known songs, but he was most recognized for
co-writing “Teddy Bear,” recorded by
Red Sovine. It quickly became a multi-million
seller all over the world, and one of the most
popular truck driver songs in history. In 1976
Billy Joe Burnette garnered every prestigious BMI
award for “Teddy Bear.”
Billy Joe also recorded and produced an album in
tribute to the late Elvis Presley entitled
"Remembering Elvis." Most people do not
know that Elvis himself told the LeGarde twins
that his friend, Billy Joe Burnette sang so great
and with so much soul, that he sounded more like
him {Elvis} than any other singer! What a
compliment coming from Elvis Presley.
“Welcome Home Elvis," a song that went
Gold, is another song that Burnette wrote and
recorded as a special tribute to his friend,
Elvis. Billy Joe thought the world of Elvis and
loved to perform his Elvis songs. As you can
guess, this album was a million dollar seller as
well.
Billy Joe always gave one hundred percent of
himself to any musical project that he was
involved with. He was also a well-known and
respected music producer, and definitely a most
talented individual. So many recording artists
found a true friend in Billy Joe Burnette. He was
so deeply loved and respected by fellow recording
artists, musicians and song writers in the music
industry. Billy Joe had a beautiful clear, strong
voice with a four octave range, which allowed him
to record several genres of music. He taught
himself how to play the guitar and piano, but
most importantly of all, how to sing and perform.
He was a natural showman who loved to entertain
and make people laugh.
He was born loaded with talent, but his big,
warm, teddy bear heart is what I loved best.
Material things did not matter to him. Making
others smile and laugh is what brought him the
most joy. He would often reach out and help those
around him who he could see were in need, without
asking them if they wanted his help, or without
letting other people know who he was doing
something for.
The entire music world lost a mighty talent on
December 29th 2016, when Billy Joe Burnette
passed away at his home in Florida, where he
loved to fish. As we will forever remember
Elvis...let us also be sure to remember our true
friend Billy Joe Burnette. He was a gentle giant
in the music industry who had a multitude of
plaques awards, and accomplishments during his
fifty year span in music. He had many ups and
downs, challenges and successes to remember, but
music was his heart beat. Yes music was
definitely his first true love. “Remembering
Elvis” … Remembering the legend, Mr.
Billy Joe Burnette. ”Welcome Home
Elvis” - Now heaven most definitely welcomes
home Billy Joe Burnette. Gone but NEVER
forgotten, for he remains in our hearts. Rest in
peace my best friend. With deepest sympathy you
have gone on to the greatest home of all . . . We
all miss and love you. God bless you always Billy
Joe Burnette. |
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