Dorsey Burnette (December 28, 1932 – August 19, 1979) was an American early rockabilly singer. With his younger brother Johnny Burnette and a friend named Paul Burlison, he was a founder member of The Rock and Roll Trio. He is also the father of country musician and Fleetwood Mac member Billy Burnette.

Background and early career

Dorsey William Burnett Jr. was born on December 28, 1932, to Willie Mae and Dorsey William Burnett, Sr. in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. The 'e' at the end of his surname was added later. John Joseph "Johnny" Burnett, his younger brother, was born on March 25, 1934. The family lived in a public housing project in the Lauderdale Courts area of Memphis, Tennessee.

Dorsey was a competent athlete with an interest in boxing. Both of the Burnette brothers turned out to be successful amateur boxers, becoming local Golden Gloves champions. In 1949, Dors…Read more on Wikipedia