Johnny Burnette was a pivotal figure in the transition from rockabilly to the pop-oriented rock and roll of the early 1960s. Born on March 25, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee, he played alongside his brother Dorsey in The Rock and Roll Trio, which cultivated a reputation for their energetic performances and pioneering rockabilly sound. The Burnette brothers were among the innovators of the style, infusing country music with rhythm and blues to create something truly dynamic. The trio's raw edge and fervent delivery were encapsulated in tracks like "Train Kept A-Rollin'" which has gone on to be covered by numerous artists and cements their influence in the rockabilly scene.

After The Rock and Roll Trio disbanded, Johnny Burnette found success as a solo artist, particularly with his 1960 smash hit "You're Sixteen," which showcased his smoother vocal style and was a forerunner to the softer rock sounds of the 1960s. His album "Dreamin'" further solidified his place in rock and roll history with the title track becoming a defining song of the era. Although his life was tragically cut short in a boating accident in 1964 at the age of 30, Johnny Burnette's music legacy continues to endure. His posthumous releases, compilations, and tributes, like "Johnny Burnette's Hits And Other Favorites" and the collection "Johnny & Dorsey - The Burnette Brothers," keep his spirit alive, celebrating the indelible mark he left on American music.

Genres

Doo-wop

Rock-and-roll

Rockabilly

Related Artists

Elvis Presley

Buddy Holly

Jerry Lee Lewis

Eddie Cochran

Chuck Berry

Gene Vincent

Ritchie Valens

Carl Perkins

Ricky Nelson

Roy Orbison

Paul Anka

Little Richard

Latest Release

That's the Way I Feel

Johnny Burnette

Album - 32 Tracks - Released June 1, 2019