Billy Joe Royal in one of his final performances

[@saffronwetter8413]

I seen him when he were so young singing down in the boondocks , He had some moves back then , He could do some footsteping , Billy Joe Royal ♥ who's watching this in November 2020 ?? Thank you for sharing this rip 🙏

[@riceski]

Sept. 23 2023 He was a great guy and wrote for several main entertainers. Always liked his I knew you when and all of these.

[@haroldgillette7157]

He's one of the rock names,that don't readily come to mind when most people tell their FAVORITES,BUT HE ABSOLUTELY WAS A GREAT TALENT.

[@patriciajrs46]

Yes, he was.

[@kevinkelly9956]

I got to meet Billy Joe about 4 months before he past away. I had a long chat with him. He was delightful and btw sang as good as he ever did , till the end.

[@elainemoore6745]

I loved his singing and just loved him. RIP

[@clarencenalley5888]

Billy Jo was my friend lived with me for 3 years off and on the stories he told me.billy and I did several movies togather b rated movies but was good memories did his last studio recordings with my wife sue Nalley so we have last songs ever recorded.was such a humble man

[@julieo6266]

Those are the one to have ,,those will last forever in your hearts I loved and still do love his songs

[@Kenziesnana22]

You and your wife were blessed to know him. I was fortunate enough to have a photo with Billy Joe outside at his bus many many years ago and yes he was a very humble man! We used to go watch him anytime he was in the Charlotte area and also in Tunica, MS when he'd play there. The last time we got to see him was in 2007. Yes, there were rumors he was gay, but every woman who ever heard him would tell you there is no possible way! Even if he was and I'd been single at the time, I know I could have changed him (ha ha ha - so did every woman who ever watched him). I used to sit on the stage and watch him with my best friend. She sat right there with me and my husband watching the whole time. He never had to worry! He knew I belonged to him and him only even if I did have that crush on Billy Joe. My husband always got the benefits of watching Billy Joe sing. I will always miss him and listen to his music. He was better than Elvis. Better range, better songs and he kept his dignity at all times. That's what I loved about him.

[@anthonylilly6862]

I'm from New Bern. We know Billy

[@CC-ex7ki]

I agree with you Tom! Billy Joe Royal was one of the nicest, most down to earth people I ever had the opportunity to meet and visit with. My husband and I met him at a concert in the 1980s. I was working at a radio station at the time and it was one concert that stood out head and shoulders above the many we attended.

[@heywardhamilton9612]

Got to meet Billy joe Royal in Agusta Georgia super nice guy.👍

[@georgiaferguson4218]

He was my first concert back in the late 60s. Have loved him ever since.

[@simonesavoie7576]

I think Billy Joe Royal had the most beautiful voice ever. I have all his records and I am so sad to find out he passed away. He never got the recognition he deserved. I loved this man. I will cherish his talent to the day I die.

[@justme-dm7sb]

I absolutely agree. He was in my opinion a rival to Vince Gill in his ability to sing. I used to hear his songs on the radio all the time. I heard that the country music whoevers heard he was gay so they refused to play his music anymore. Whatever to those MFs. I had every single album he ever made when cassettes were a thing.

[@Kenziesnana22]

@@justme-dm7sb Billy Joe was NOT gay! He was married twice! He was divorced when he passed away. Greatest singer God ever created! It devastated me when he passed away. He wouldn't play their games. He couldn't be bought, just my opinion.

[@pamelabarham]

Yes he was, beautiful voice 💯❤️❤️

[@Darlene546]

I still love Billy Joe Royals' music...what an amazing talent he was....met him at Fan Fare in Nashville years ago....what a kind gentleman...Pin a Note on Your Pillow is one of my Favorites... RIP Billy Joe....

[@blinko656]

He fought to the end, I admire him....:) RIP.

[@msherer260]

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall back when Billy Joe and Joe South were working out some of the many songs Joe wrote and Billy recorded....

[@joesouthsgirl5662]

They were magic together. Joe Loved Billy's voice. Beautiful men.

[@pata3957]

One of the most beautiful voices .... EVER! Just found out he died and in my state at that. My heart is broken. Have just about every song he ever sang. Down in the Boondocks was the first and at a very special time in my life and it still holds such sweet and great memories. He's singing with the angels now. RIP BJR

[@Sherriedc]

I could cry watching this. I miss him so much❤️

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Damn! He still sounded great! He will be missed. 😞

[@DERedhead65]

Billy Joe Royal was Fabulous!! Incredible talent, what a Voice and Nice guy, got to see him a few times with my family. My Mom loved him, and I know he is up in Heaven singing to her, SO Sad to hear of his Passing and Never knew he had Passed in 2015, until I came across this in 2020 listening to his songs here. You will be Missed, BJR

[@carlastead3605]

Thank you for your music..RIP B.J.R..a fan from South Dakota

[@suziboggus5206]

I have always loved listening to him sing!

[@777bigbird]

I loved his voice also and yours Suzi . Chet knew talent

[@country8543]

Tom, thank you kindly for sharing "Billy Joe Royal in one of his final performances". I truly enjoyed listening to it. I got to see him only one time, perform live in Augusta, GA years ago. He gave an outstanding concert, and his entire heart and soul, was in every song he did. I talked to Billy Joe, after the show, and he was the nicest, down to earth guy. He also signed one of his 8x10 photos for me. He was/is still one of my favorite singers. He had a very great, and beautiful voice, which he never lost. Gone but not forgotten. R.I.P. Billy Joe Royal. God bless your family and all your friends and fans. 🙏✝️🕯️🌹🕊️

[@rose473]

I am also very happy t get to see this performance A friend and I had gone down to see him, in Little Nashville, IN. that was probably 2004, I got The album of biggest hits, and I talked to him and he signed by CD. I got married in 2005 and I moved over the border to OH. During the move, many of my CD's turned up missing and we were never ableto find them. I was upset because of my autographed CD. A friend said she was going to be going to see Billy in I think Gatlinburg. She told him that the CD had come up missing and I was upset about it. So he signed the same CD for me and she sent it to me. Only about a month later, he passed away. I say he went to sleep and woke up in Heaven. I so happy I got that Album and signed again. Thank you so much for these videos.

[@heywilbur]

I played keys with him back in 1998. Not to brag here (just my job), but I've worked with 7 or 8 Nashville stars and none were any nicer or easier to work for than Billy. 'And his voice was as strong as ever...'very proud to have worked for him and great memories :-) ...

[@wandalathinghouse5069]

I love his songs and listen to them often. He's an amazing person and singer!! ❤️

[@marinagarciasolorzano1724]

Beautiful as always...to my heart's eyes and to me, in my best youth memories !!!!

[@saffronwetter8413]

You better stay closed too home,!! This is more true then ever before, times has changed since I were growing up, 'Billy Joe Royal and Vince Gill has the most amazing unique voices , They both could sing the phone book, rip from NC

[@jameslawson5932]

I had the pleasure of meeting Billy Joe in 1970 and met up with him again in 1993 in Las Vegas..Have always loved his music and he was the most kind and sincere gentleman and entertainer...I just found out during the Grammy's that he passed in Oct. 2015..I am devastated...

[@reneedortch9709]

Billie Joe Royal will always be one of my favorite singers, I loved most all his songs, especially his country songs; I seen him a few times in person , once at the Carousel Lounge in Pensacola, Fla. and a couple of times at the Chumuckla Opry House in Jay, Fla., he will be missed, may he rest in peace, also peace and comfort to his family, friends and fans!🌹

[@bjbroadway1248]

Loved him...always had a crush on him!! So handsome! Got to hang with him several times many years ago when he played at Folly Beach pier and in Isle of Palms in Charleston, SC

[@patriciajrs46]

He could still sing. Bless his heart. The way that music lyrics and live pergormance dance moves changed from 1958 to the mid 60s! Wow! Suggestive lyrics came into a fashion. Sad songs, and good happy songs always ring true. Loved his songs.

[@charlotteray5150]

Saw him in concert 4 times. Love listening to his music. I play it everyday. RIP

[@leroymcquay7592]

Billy Joe Royal was visiting and performing at one of our small American Legions in Arkansas just a few short weeks before his passing. A good friend of my brother's had scheduled his performance there with us and he had asked if I'd like to meet Billy Joe. Billy Joe looked a little tired and worn perhaps. I opted not to bother him that night. I had already purchased tickets to an upcoming event in Jackson, Tennessee in which Billy Joe was one of the scheduled performers and a "meet and greet" was always scheduled at these particular events so l thought l would just get to meet Billy Joe at that event in Jackson. It was not to be. Billy Joe passed away within the next few short weeks. Have always been a fan...will forever be a fan.

[@reddinglady]

One of my favorite singer,,, sorry he's gone...〽️🎸

[@Robin-zb8qy]

dobie gray did great job on drift away. but billy joe woulda nailed that record too!

[@scottberryhill897]

RIP BROTHER me & my wife met him one time when he come to Liberty Mississippi. Very nice man

[@Robin-zb8qy]

my wife and i met him in troy ohio. a really nice guy. down to earth, common type of guy. loved to sign, without the better than you, air.

[@Robin-zb8qy]

i meant sing!

[@jerryhopper1685]

Billy Joel will always be Remembered as the King of the Honke Tonks He helped bring everyone in the bar' s Especially when he was going to be their, 🕯rest in Paradise 🕯 We miss you Billy⚘🌹⚘🕯

[@thibsteven1]

Tom...that's a great story...When I was a little boy...I would always listen to our AM Radio....Billy Joe Royal was one of my favorites....

[@joanbarrertt7320]

I got to see him preform 3 times,a great singer he's my favorite .

[@deborahkyle6923]

I MISS MY FRIEND SO MUCH!! RIP BILLY JOE!!

[@leroycaudill96]

Got to see Billy when he and I were younger He didn"t dissapoint.

[@dianeshelley6439]

He was a great singer. Loved all his songs.

[@billread3109]

thank you for these great songs!!!

[@carljones6859]

Among my all time favorite performers. If anyone knows if he has a fans club I would greatly appreciate it.

[@marybetz1775]

❤️ LOVE ❤️ NEVER FORGOTTEN. SO MISSED. R I P. GOD BLESS YOU 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@margcanada2371]

Really enjoyed this video.. loved his music......

[@beverlymccollum8861]

I wish so much that Billy Joe was still with us. Feel so sad.

[@Baci302]

If you didn't know who Billy Joe was and just heard this on audio only, you'd think he was black. He was a great soul singer.

[@chuckcasson6412]

I saw Billy Jo every weekend for over a year at Guys N Dolls along with Carl Edmondson & the Driving Winds and The 2 of Clubs. He was a great entertainer who played at Guys N Dolls until his first record hit, Down in the Boondocks.

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

One reason why I wish that I could have been at this gathering is because I would have done what I could to make this beautiful precious smile more. His smile, when its there, is just one of the many things that I love about him. (smiles) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee P.S. To me, this beautiful precious is the complete and total package. (smiles)

[@beverlyhowell2962]

Amen on his smile. He was a hellva friend.

[@barbaracroft510]

HE STILL HAG IT GOD BLESS HIM I KNOW HE LOVED THE LORD ,RIP BJ LOVE BAC

[@christianebonnaves5783]

Wonderful

[@bahe2010utube]

one of my fav singer, I saw in concert in Sky City Casino May 6, 2006. RIP...

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

+bahe2010utube If you got to meet him when you saw him, was Billy Joe nice? I love getting to know more about him and so far, I've read nothing but good things about him. I just wish that I had discovered him sooner because then I would have had a better shot of getting to meet him myself. Now its too late and I couldn't be anymore ashamed of how late I was. (burying my head) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee

[@Kenziesnana22]

@@SweetHeartHolly1982 He was the nicest man you'd ever want to meet. He was VERY protective of his family and friends a very private man.

[@mjemigh3304]

That was fun! I never got to work with him, but country wasn't really something I was ever involved with. As a kid in '65, I remember Colombia really pushing the Joe South song, "Boondocks." I doubt that Billy got much of a financial deal out of it, but it sure got him on the radio. I think "Cherry Hill" was also a South tune. Thank you, Tom, for preserving this moment in time (chopped up as it may be)!

[@latokatn506]

One great talent of our time RIP

[@williesmall3855]

loved billys voice

[@riceski]

Yes, and he sure had it here. I am told he was one of the good men in the music biz.

[@scottberryhill897]

l love his music & still do me & my saw him in concert in Liberty MS. @ the Liberty heritage festival yrs ago. we met him he was very nice.

[@georgephilips3528]

My 2nd cousin. God rest his soul.

[@mariemayle5219]

I really love this man even through I never meet him I would have loved to have seem him in person will all ways dream of you

[@luckylady7542]

One of the best voices in the industry. Handsome and had some good moves. Micheal Jackson had to have learned a thing or two.❤

[@patsyjohnson1785]

Remembering this song Billy Joe

[@dhix2388]

An a American treasure.

[@RiaWallace]

He was a regular with the Alabama Blues Brother's. Such a down to earth, wonderful man and performer.

[@bettyharvey8445]

This man never lost he voice but a great entertainer

[@flomurdock]

His death was such a shock, but looking at this, not so much. I had no idea he had ballooned like that. He could still really sing there.

[@spectrumlocalb191]

Never saw him in person but he seemed like a nice person

[@johnschmitt2434]

Still sounds great at 73. Sorely missed

[@brendaoden9540]

I love you!!!!! My heart aches for you.

[@KarenCoffing]

Love his music

[@beverlyhowell2962]

I had the pleasure of being one of Billy's friends. When I got the news of his passing loneliness didn't start to say of how my emotions were turned upside down.

[@gordenscottfan3107]

So many Joe South tunes were demo or released first by Billy Joe Royal....all the way from "Down in the Boondocks" to "Old Bridges Burn Slow"..

[@judithrauenzahn4530]

Watching this video isn't like the real Billy Joe. He seems not his true self. He doesn't look good at all! His spirit isn't like it always was. Last time I seen him I thought the same thing. He wasn't watching his diet, drinking coke too much,I believe his health wasn't like it should have been, as a matter of fact we both found out we were diabetic at the same time, maybe that was it, could've been tired, diabetes will do that to you. He was trying to watch his diet too ,but loved to eat good food ,lol I knew him from way back in 1960, when he was singing at the Bamboo Ranch in Savanah Ga, and kept in touch all these years. My heart was shattered when he died. We were going to get together soon before he passed. He's the dad of my first born son. His first born also.

[@EyesOfTheInternet]

Sadly I had missed word of his death until tonight.

[@kimmiejoherron6486]

going to miss you Billy Jo .. We had a special love between us.Thanks for loving me for the past 2 years.My heart will never be the same and still broken .Can't believe your gone .I will always love you...

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

The more that I watch this clip, the more that I wish that I could have been there. I really missed out on a lot, didn't I? (burying my head) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee (age 33) P.S. If I had been there, I would have been the girl who would have gone up to him and give him my phone number. (nodding with a smile)

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

A REAL SINGER !

[@elizabethwatkins2773]

a very good singer

[@sunnwm]

I Loved him!

[@BS1af]

Watched 1000 Xs 💙💙💙

[@williamouart4108]

thinkin of em tonight!Sure wished it wasnt time for em to call er a day!missin em!lol such a kind one!

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

This may be a stupid thing to say, but if getting to meet this beautiful precious was still possible, I would ask him, "What makes you feel the need to cover so many songs that were done first by other singers?" Don't get me wrong, I love to hear him cover each and every one, but everything else that came from him to me should have been a higher priority, them songs in my opinion were that awesome. Both his Cherry Hill Park and Royal Treatment albums to me were flat out flawless from start to finish. The music industry may have quickly turned their attention towards everyone else in the picture, but to me, it wasn't because of his voice or song choice. To me it was because they didn't have the stones to stick with who sang the songs that needed to be out there the way that they needed to be out there. To me song choice and the way that each one is delivered is what matters most and to me, this beautiful precious can not be touched by anyone else in either area. God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee

[@Kenziesnana22]

Go read his bio........he sang more of his songs than you think

[@patriciajrs46]

Check out the writers of some of tjose songs. You might be surprised.

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

Hey! Its me again. Can I ask what song is done here just before the one named "Under The Board Walk"? You say here that you talked to him. Can I ask what was said? The more that I listen to him, the more that I regret not listening to him sooner and now its too late for me to do what I wish that I could do and that is tell him that I love him. My goal is to get every song that his name was placed on and so far I have 12 albums of them. How else can you tell some one who isn't here anymore that you love them? Two of them albums are record copies because they apparently were never placed on a CD and I hate it because I love what is on them both! They are his self named albums that were released in 1980 and 1981. The last song on the one released in 1980 named "Love Jones", to me, his delivery of that song couldn't be anymore butt kicking and the shot of him on the back of that record's slot in my opinion couldn't be anymore sexy hot!!! I wish that the beautiful precious could come back just long enough for me to put my arms around him and tell him that I love him. (crying for him) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee P.S. Not to get too personal here of course but I can not help but wonder about this. I've read elsewhere that Billy Joe was married three times and each marriage ended in divorce. If that is all true, then I am just floored. My only question to them three ladies is what in the world was their problem with him??? (absolutely bewildered)

[@jacquesbrun1079]

Beautiful voice,I like what he does with his voice,my favorite song is Burn like a rocket.What year was this concert ?

[@rocknrolluniverse]

You want to hear the entire song "Darlin'...I"ll find it and post it for you. Give me some time, though. -> Tom [e-mail]

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

+Tom Meros Thank you so much! Whatever you can share of Billy Joe that hasn't gone up here already. I will so very much appreciate it. (crying again) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

+Tom Meros Hey! Did you know that today would have been Billy Joe's 74th birthday? God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee P.S. "Darlin', you're so far behind me..." I wonder what the rest of him singing that song sounds like. (smiles)

[@SuperAnnielou]

Tom Meros Well hello, I never thought I would get a chance to post anything to you! You seemed like a true friend and fan to Billy Joe! I had to laugh at one of his concerts you sort of snuck on stage and joined the backup singers! I kept waiting for Billy to see you lol! You are a stand up. Guy and I learned to like you through your interviews and shananigans ( not sure that is a word LoL) I have a you tube friend that wants to know if Billy ever made a Christmas record? I haven't been able to help her,but I know if he did you would be the person to ask! Thanks so much for a chance to have a one way conversation with you!❤️

[@jERRYKIEFER]

Tom, What was his cause of death, heart problems? He still had his voice. I was a fan of his from the mid 60's.

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

When did this performance take place? Thank you so much for sharing it! God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

I have another question about this performance if you do not mind. Did Billy Joe play his guitar at all any? I love to watch him play. To me, his playing just added more to him. (smiles) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee P.S. The Grammy award show powers that be remembered to include him tonight when acknowledging those who went forward this past year and to me, they couldn't have picked a more beautiful clip of him and I loved hearing them play out his awesome singing "Down in the boondocks...down in the boondocks...people put me down cause that's the side of town I was born in." I'll never be over how late I am in getting into him, I love him so much!!! (crying again)

[@MelissaThompson432]

The last time I saw him he did play his guitar on one or two songs. If you check out some of his later live videos on youtube you can see him playing, but not solo.

[@elizabethwatkins2773]

i didnt know he died r.i.p

[@eddrake9542]

He’d close his shows by saying,” Here’s the song that got me out of the sticks.” ( Down in the Boondocks)

[@deniseeaglespeaker8363]

BJR May he rest in peace ♡ Did you ever find that Darlin song?

[@vickiecushing5163]

WAS HE SICK

[@SweetHeartHolly1982]

Hey! I have another question. Did Billy Joe sing a song that night named "The Chicken And The Hawk"? It was done in one of his shows earlier last year and I love watching him sing it so much! (smiles) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZjdk42Mo7NsrqM God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee

[@NancyB-i8i]

Sad1