Hailing from Georgia, Billy Joe Royal mixed country, soul, and pop in the 1960s and scored some major hits, like the Joe South-written/produced "Down in the Boondocks" and "Hush." Royal's star faded in the '70s, but he made a stunning comeback in the '80s, signing to Atlantic Records and scoring a string of hit singles and albums. Royal continued performing and recording into the 21st century, his unique blend of country and R&B still as strong as ever.