RIP Billy Lee Riley

Mitch Drumm · Post by **Mitch Drumm** » 2 Aug 2009 1:26 pm

Just heard that Billy Lee Riley passed away earlier today after a protracted illness, at age 76.

He was one of the best rockabilly performers of all time and was in on the ground floor with Sam Phillips in 1956 in Memphis. Heckuva country and blues singer as well.

He was a great guy who didn't suffer fools gladly and was always willing to take time to speak with fans.

Here are some pix. The first one was taken at the Starlite Club in Fraser, TN, in the 50s. The second picture is probably from the 1980s. The last one probably post-2000.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 2 Aug 2009 6:14 pm

Another of the greats gone. To my mind he was one of the most overlooked of performers.

John Subik · Post by **John Subik** » 2 Aug 2009 7:42 pm

Jeez I almost hate looking in here, wondering whose name I will see next. This one hit hard.

Huge Sun records fan here, rockabilly was the music of my youth and Sun Records in Memphis was its spiritual Mecca. Billy Lee Riley was definitely one of the greats, even though he didn't quite enjoy the phenomenal success of some of his label mates.

Another piece of history passes into the sunset, RIP Billy Lee.

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 2 Aug 2009 9:45 pm

I actually do hate looking in here - Billy Lee Riley was definitely one of the greats of rockabilly, household name or not. Very sad to see this. RIP.

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 3 Aug 2009 6:00 am

I grew up playing rockabilly sax in North Mississippi in the late '50s-early '60s, starting in Jr. high school. Billy Lee Riley was one of our stars, even though he never took off nationally like some of the others.

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 3 Aug 2009 6:21 am

"My Gal is Red Hot" (yo' gal ain't doodly squat)
RIP, BLR.

Tay Joslin · Post by **Tay Joslin** » 3 Aug 2009 12:26 pm

Memphis has lost another "Son of Sun"!
I have never met Mr. Riley, but I know
plenty of folks who cherish him as a
friend. What a performer! He had a
sterling reputation among his fans as
a genuine, down-to-earth country boy
who would talk to and sign autographs
for his fans - regardless of how much
time it took!

May God comfort the Riley family.

Frederic Mabrut · Post by **Frederic Mabrut** » 4 Aug 2009 11:06 pm

Our band plays Red Hot and Flying Saucers Rock N Roll for more than 20 years now.
He was one of the very great of the Rockabilly scene.

Rich Peterson · Post by **Rich Peterson** » 22 Oct 2009 9:07 pm

I started out as a rockabilly guitarist, hybrid picking and a delay. Billy Lee Riley embodied the energy of that musical style. Heaven is rockin' hard.