| Rockey Burnette | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Jonathan Burnette |
| Born | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Genres | Rock and roll, rockabilly |
| Occupations | Singer, Guitarist |
| Instruments | Singing, Guitar |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Labels | EMI America |
Rocky Burnette (born Jonathan Burnette, 12 June 1953)[1] is an American rock and roll singer/musician and the son of rock and roll pioneer, Johnny Burnette. He is best known for his 1980 hit single "Tired of Toein' the Line."
Rocky Burnette was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and became part of the early 1980s revival of the rockabilly style. He released his first album, Son of Rock 'n' Roll, on EMI America in 1979. In the summer of 1980, his single "Tired of Toein' the Line" became a Top Ten hit in the United States. The song was also popular internationally, becoming a #1 hit in Australia and peaking at #3 in South Africa. It reached #58 in the UK Singles Chart.[2]EMI America's financial problems interfered with promotion efforts for the follow-up singles (several of which became hits in other countries), and Burnette's second album, Heart Stopper, was not successful.
In 1981, Burnette toured Europe with the final version of his late father's The Rock and Roll Trio. He also used the band on his next album, Get Hot or Go Home! on Enigma Records. It also sold poorly, and Enigma dropped Burnette and the Trio rather than release a follow-up.
Burnette worked with Rosie Flores and Dwight Twilley in the mid-1990s, and also contributed vocals and the original "Trouble Is I'm in Love With You" to Paul Burlison's 1997 Train Kept A-Rollin'. In 1996, Burnette released Tear It Up on Core Records.
Burnette wrote the European hit "You Got Away With Love" for Percy Sledge in 1997. He continues to tour internationally and maintains a devoted fan base in the US.