Time spent

with Billy Don Burns

By James Scogin | Saturday, January 18, 2020

My night started out like most do when planning to cover a show; arrive early, meet all involved in production and make sure they know my face. Tonight was no different. I was going to stay to myself and get out of everyone's way early. Well, that changed when I met Billy Don Burns. 

Burns is what those in country music call a 'living legend.' 

While waiting for the show to start, Burns walks right over to me and starts up conversation like we had been buddies for years. He noticed my camera and asked a few questions about me, then jumped right in to stories about his time spent behind bars of both kinds and getting letters from Willie Nelson while behind said bars.

Burns has written songs for Nelson, as well as other artists.

I am just blown away by how honest and true this man is. In our conversation he is as open as can be, and to think, we just met. 

Throughout the night, we talk several times during breaks between sets of Tony Logue and Texarkana. He shares stories of Shooter Jennings, Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan, Johnny Paycheck and Merle Haggard. 

This man has seen it all. But, what meant most to me is we had an honest connection. 

He shared his struggles, his joys and stories of his home in Arkansas. 

After the show we ventured over to a 24-hour food joint with Jeff Williams, who has known and played alongside Burns for some time. There, more stories were exchanged along with your everyday banter. 

One thing I did notice with Burns both at the local bar we had just left and this diner, he loves Jukeboxes. 

Burns loves to comb through the music selections of just about every jukebox he finds. That, to me, shows a love and dedication to his music. 

My time spent with Billy Don Burns and others that night is something special and I will never forget it. 

If you haven't heard of Billy Don Burns, right after you leave here, go listen to songs like 'Wild Dogs,' 'Outlaws at the Cross,' 'It Would Kill Mama,' 'Graveyard in Montgomery' and 'Gaylor Creek Church.' 

Burns is set to release his latest album, "The Country Blues" through Country Rewind Records.

Tonight, Burns and Williams play Tootles in Circleville, Ohio.

Contact Jeb Brown at ejcbrown1@yahoo.com for booking and billydonburns.net for more on Billy Don Burns.