Fleetwood Mac’s BILLY BURNETTE: One Helluva Rockabilly Musical Tale

Born in Memphis, singer/songwriter/guitarist, Billy Burnette spent most of his youth in the presence of father Dorsey and uncle Johnny (of the legendary Rock and Roll Trio).  The Trio made the Rockabilly name famous by combining the name Billy and his cousin Rocky for the 1953 “Rockabilly Boogie” – thus making the term Rockabilly a household name.

The legendary trio influenced a diverse array of Rock icons including: the Elvis, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rod Stewart, Aerosmith, and Ricky Nelson. Elvis used to spend many evenings jamming with the band. It’s not surprising then that Billy started making music at the age of 7.

At 15 Billy picked up a guitar and began writing songs.  At 18, he was only a week out of high school when he recorded an album with famed Memphis hit-making producer Chips Moman (“Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto” for Elvis).

In his early 20’s, Billy wrote songs for artists like Rod Stewart, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Tammy Wynette, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Brothers, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, and many more.

In 1980, Billy met Mick Fleetwood (of Fleetwood Mac).  The two musicians became fast friends and formed the band Mick Fleetwood’s Zoo

Soon after Billy began his journey as a member of one of the greatest rock bands of all time.  Billy joined and toured with Fleetwood Mac between 1987-1995, appearing on many of their albums.

In 2003, Billy co-wrote a tune for Bonnie Raitt and Ray Charles called “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.” This tune appeared on the album Genius Loves Company, which was the last studio album that Ray Charles recorded and completed. The album garnered 10 Grammy nominations and won Album of the Year.
In 2006, Billy Burnette returned to his roots and recorded one of the most revered Rockabilly albums of his career, Memphis in Manhattan.  He not only recorded several original tunes – but also payed tribute to his father and uncle, by recording “It’s Late” and “Tear it Up.”   In addition, he recorded an Everly Brothers classic, “Bye, Bye Love,” and a song made popular by none other than his very own Memphis neighbour, Elvis: “Big Hunk of Love.”

A collaboration with Shawn Camp and Dennis Morgan became the hit song “River of Love.” George Strait recorded the tune for his 2008 album Troubador, and “River of Love” went on to become Strait’s 44th Number One hit single.

In the last few years, Billy Burnette has contributed his talents as a guitar player and singer on tours with legendary musicians Bob Dylan and John Fogerty. Additionally, he also collaborates regularly with the Mick Fleetwood Band.

Billy continues to write, record and perform today. He lives in Nashville and is still as passionate about making music as he has always been. I hope you enjoy the story of Billy Burnette's musical journey.

If you'd like to learn more about him, check out his website http://billyburnette.net/ and if you'd like to suggest a guest you'd like to hear interviewed on A Breath of Fresh Air, reach out to me through my website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au