American rockabilly singer and pioneer of the genre
Dorsey Burnette, co-founder of
Johnny Burnette and the Rock and Roll Trio, died at his home in Canoga Park, California, at the age of 46 from a massive heart attack. In
1960, he reached number 23 on the
Billboard Hot 100 with “There Was a Tall Oak Tree”. He also wrote “It’s Late”, which became a hit for
Ricky Nelson and Shakin’ Stevens. When his pop hits dried up in
1969, he subsequently placed 15 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He was the father of musician Billy Burnette. After his death, his friend and singer Delaney Bramlett organized a benefit concert for his widow at the Forum in Inglewood, California, featuring Kris Kristofferson, Hoyt Axton, Tanya Tucker,
Glen Campbell, Duane Eddy, Delaney and Bonnie, Gary Busey and Roger Miller. His pioneering contribution to rockabilly was later recognized with his induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
