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Billy Joe Royal R.I.P.

Billy Joe Royal, the original performer of Deep Purple’s first hit single — Hush — has passed away. He unexpectedly died in his sleep yesterday, October 6, at his home in North Carolina. He was 73 years old.

Thanks to Gary Poronovich for the info.



16 Comments to “Billy Joe Royal R.I.P.”:

  1. 1
    Michalis B. Chrysogelos says:

    RIP………… sad news……….

  2. 2
    Joe Crowley says:

    RIP

  3. 3
    Margaréta Szalay says:

    So sad…RIP in Heaven ….

  4. 4
    George Martin says:

    Just think about this for a second. The greatness that is Deep Purple started with this song. I wonder if Purple had never covered it what there future would have been. RIP Billy and thanks for getting it all started!

  5. 5
    nupsi59 says:

    Sad news, Rest in Peace…

  6. 6
    Cor Schat says:

    R.I.P.

  7. 7
    Blackwood Richmore says:

    Vale old friend.

  8. 8
    MacGregor says:

    Vale Billy Joe. This version takes me way back to my childhood, possibly before ever hearing Purple.
    It as been many a decade since I have heard this version! Cheers.

  9. 9
    Anna Giardino says:

    r.i.p.<3

  10. 10
    LRT says:

    Rest in piece BJR, but that is not the “original.” This is; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MglA54xvoGg

  11. 11
    Brendett Phillips Miles says:

    RIP Billy Joe Royal you will be missed

  12. 12
    Allan Quinn says:

    RIP…

  13. 13
    Ernest Geering says:

    R.I.P., Billy.

  14. 14
    byron says:

    I started listening to “pop” music with this song.It was an huge hit single in France.Later,I was very surprised to hear it on Purple “s first LP.

  15. 15
    MrPthe DPfan says:

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard this .I knew Joe South wrote it but knew nothing more about it .

  16. 16
    Tracy(Zero the Hero)Heyder says:

    Well I think we can see here where the stage presence Rod Evans exuded came from……

    HUSH (the Purple version). The song that changed my life forever at the young age of 12 by opening my ears and eyes to this band and also an obsession for more.

    RIP BJR.

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