Billy Joe Royal
Country Singer
Country rock singer of hits like "Down in the Boondocks" and "I Knew You When." He had numerous singles reached the Billboard Hot 100, including "Cherry Hill Park" at #15.
Performing rock 'n' roll since the age of fourteen, he cut "Down in the Boondocks" as a demo for Columbia and saw it reach the Top Ten of the pop charts.
After his country-rock act was no longer working, he came back to just country, scoring hits with "Tell It Like It Is" and "Burned Like a Rocket."
He was born in Valdosta, Georgia. He had three children: Joey, Trey, and Savannah.
His singles "I Knew You When" and "Hush" were written and produced by Joe South.