Billy Don Burns – country music‘s secret outlaw at Ground Zero

By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography

Spartanburg, SC (May 7th, 2019) – Wearing well worn leather chaps and jacket, handlebar mustache, hair that has aged a fine color of grey and brandishing a Cody Jinks shirt walks up the secret country outlaw Billy Don Burns. After spending some time with fans sitting outside tonight’s venue, Ground Zero, in Spartanburg, SC just chatting and taking some pictures it was time for the show to start for what would be an intimate, up close and personal night of acoustic performances.

Local country artist Justin Clyde Williams took to the stage first. With a voice of truth singing songs of real life experiences Williams entertained those in attendance. Singing songs about suicide, addiction, heartache and more his lyrics connect easily with others who have experienced similar situations. As he stated, “you can’t write a real country song unless you’ve been through some stuff” you could feel the emotion in his performance. A set filled with song from his 2018 “Hear! Hear! Balldeer!” Album and the recent May 3rd release of his “Preamble” EP Justin left stage primed for tonight’s headliner.

With his rough and rugged look Billy Don Burns wasted no time jumping right into the music. Now you may think you don’t have any idea who this guy is but if you like outlaw country I’m sure you’ve heard his work. Burns has teamed with artists such as Johnny Paycheck and Merle Haggard whom he produced albums for. He’s had songs recorded by artist like Connie Smith (Marty Stuart‘s wife), Mel Tillis, Sammy Kershaw and more. After being put in jail for some drug issues his friend Willie Nelson personally wrote a letter to the judge on Billy’s behalf. Willie also recorded one of Billy’s songs “I Don’t Have A Reason To Go To California Anymore.”

With nothing but a guitar and some raspy vocals Burns stood on stage with a commanding presence. He may not be the best guitar player or vocalist but Billy knows how to captivate the audience with decades of well composed songs filled with realness backed by stories from his time with notable country icons.

Burns spoke of his time performing with Shooter Jennings on the Grand Ole Opry and of his song “Graham Parsons, Hank Williams and Me” he wrote about the one of the titles namesake. He told how the song was actually recorded in room Number 8 at the Joshua Tree Inn where Parson’s passed away in 1973.

Burns’ impact on country music can still be seen and heard with today’s new age of country outlaws like Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan and Colter Wall, all who have recorded some of Billy’s tracks. Billy spoke of how Jinks wrote to him 4 times while in prison requesting permission to record his song “Church At Gaylor Creek” as he played through the song with fans singing along. Jinks also recorded the Billy Don Burns pinned time “Stranger” as well.

Billy closed out the show with a new song titled “I Like Trains” that is supposed to be on his upcoming new album.

His name may not be one mainstream picks up and he may not have a chart topping hit but Billy Don Burns is the secret country outlaw music won’t forget. From the legends every one knows to the new crusaders of country music his influence remains strong and preserved by those who still value what Nashville has pushed aside.

Billy Don Burns

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