Billy Joe Burnette, born Billy Barnette on June 21, 1941, in Richmond, Virginia, was an American singer and songwriter known for his contributions to rockabilly and country music. Raised in challenging circumstances, he was abandoned by his mother at a young age and taken in by a neighboring family in Roanoke, Virginia. His early life was marked by instability, leading to periods of homelessness and time in a juvenile detention center. Despite these hardships, Barnette found solace in music, performing locally and eventually securing a spot on a local television program.

Burnette's musical career began in the early 1960s when he recorded rockabilly music for Parkway Records. His 1961 single "Marlene" was featured on American Bandstand, but as rockabilly's popularity waned, he moved to Hollywood to continue his music career. By 1965, he had changed his last name to Burnette and was performing in California nightclubs, releasing singles such as "Blue Misery" and "Huma La La La" with his band, the Stingers.

In 1966, Burnette transitioned to Gold Standard Records in Nashville, releasing "Lust for Life" and appearing on television shows like The Dating Game and The Joey Bishop Show. His music style evolved from rockabilly to country, with singles like "Born to Lose" gaining airplay on country radio stations.

Burnette founded BJB Records in Hollywood in 1970 and later returned to Roanoke, where he continued to work in a recording studio. He is perhaps best known for co-writing Red Sovine's 1976 hit "Teddy Bear" and for owning the BJB and Teddy Bear record labels. In 1990, he charted the single "Three Flags."

Billy Joe Burnette passed away on December 29, 2016, in Port Orange, Florida, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile artist who navigated the shifting landscapes of rockabilly and country music.