Johnny Burnette was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with his unique blend of rock and roll, country, and rockabilly music. His music was characterized by his dynamic vocals, catchy melodies, and his ability to capture the spirit of youth and romance that defined the era. Burnette’s songs have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated by fans of all ages.
In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best Johnny Burnette songs of all time, showcasing his incredible talent and the lasting impact of his music.
From his early rockabilly hits like “The Train Kept A-Rollin'” and “Tear It Up” to his later ballads like “Kentucky Waltz,” Burnette’s music encompassed a wide range of styles and emotions. Whether he was singing about the joys of young love, the pain of heartbreak, or the simple pleasures of life, Burnette had a knack for capturing the essence of the human experience. His influence on the rock and roll genre cannot be overstated, and his music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
Join us as we take a journey through the 10 best Johnny Burnette songs of all time, and discover the timeless appeal of one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
1. Train Kept A Rollin
“Train Kept A Rollin'” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1956. The song features a driving, up-tempo beat, catchy guitar riffs, and Burnette’s dynamic vocals, which range from smooth crooning to gritty, raw shouting. The lyrics describe a train that keeps rolling through the night, with the singer’s lover on board, and the excitement and anticipation of their eventual reunion.
Over the years, “Train Kept A Rollin'” has become an iconic rock and roll standard, covered by numerous artists and featured in countless films, TV shows, and commercials. Its infectious energy and timeless sound continue to captivate music fans and inspire new generations of rockers. From its origins in the early days of rock and roll to its enduring popularity today, “Train Kept A Rollin'” is a true classic of the genre.
2. God, Country and My Baby
“God, Country and My Baby” is a country-tinged rockabilly song recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1959. The song features Burnette’s smooth vocals and a twangy guitar sound that complements the patriotic lyrics, which speak to the singer’s love for his country and his devotion to his sweetheart. The song’s memorable chorus, “God, country, and my baby, that’s all I’ll ever need,” encapsulates the simple yet powerful message of the song.
With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “God, Country and My Baby” quickly became a hit, and remains a beloved classic of the rockabilly genre. Its themes of love, loyalty, and national pride have resonated with audiences for decades, making it a timeless tribute to the things that matter most in life. For fans of rock and roll and country music alike, “God, Country and My Baby” is a must-listen track that showcases Johnny Burnette’s talents as a songwriter and performer.
3. Little Boy Sad
“Little Boy Sad” is a poignant and emotive ballad recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1960. The song features Burnette’s smooth vocals and a lush orchestral arrangement that complements the bittersweet lyrics, which tell the story of a young man who has lost the love of his life and is left feeling lonely and heartbroken.
With its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Little Boy Sad” stands out as one of Burnette’s most powerful and moving recordings. The song’s themes of lost love and heartache are universal, and have resonated with generations of listeners. Despite its somber subject matter, “Little Boy Sad” is a beautiful and uplifting song that showcases Burnette’s skill as a songwriter and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.
For fans of classic pop and ballads, “Little Boy Sad” is a must-listen track that highlights the enduring appeal of Johnny Burnette’s music. With its timeless sound and universal themes, the song remains a beloved classic of the genre, and a testament to Burnette’s talents as a singer and songwriter.
4. You’re Sixteen
“You’re Sixteen” is a lively and upbeat rock and roll song recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1960. The song features Burnette’s energetic vocals and a catchy melody that perfectly captures the excitement and joy of young love. The lyrics describe the singer’s infatuation with a girl who has just turned sixteen, and his enthusiasm for the many adventures they’ll have together.
With its infectious beat and playful lyrics, “You’re Sixteen” quickly became a hit, and remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre. The song’s upbeat vibe and memorable chorus have made it a popular choice for parties, weddings, and other celebrations, and its universal themes of young love and teenage romance continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
For fans of classic rock and roll, “You’re Sixteen” is a must-listen track that showcases Johnny Burnette’s talents as a singer and songwriter. With its timeless sound and upbeat spirit, the song remains a beloved classic of the genre, and a testament to the enduring appeal of rock and roll music.
5. Dreamin
“Dreamin'” is a classic pop song recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1960. The song features Burnette’s smooth vocals and a catchy, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the carefree spirit of youth. The lyrics describe the singer’s daydreams about a girl he’s fallen in love with, and his hopes and aspirations for their future together.
With its optimistic lyrics and upbeat tempo, “Dreamin'” became an instant hit, and remains a beloved classic of the pop genre. The song’s universal themes of young love and the power of dreams continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless tribute to the power of love and imagination.
For fans of classic pop and rock and roll, “Dreamin'” is a must-listen track that showcases Johnny Burnette’s talents as a singer and songwriter. With its upbeat spirit and catchy melody, the song remains a beloved classic of the genre, and a testament to the enduring appeal of pop music.
6. Settin’ The Woods on Fire
“Settin’ The Woods on Fire” is a rollicking rockabilly song recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1957. The song features Burnette’s dynamic vocals and a driving, up-tempo beat that perfectly captures the raw energy and excitement of rock and roll music. The lyrics describe a wild and reckless night of partying and dancing, with the singer and his friends setting the woods on fire with their exuberant energy.
With its infectious rhythm and rebellious lyrics, “Settin’ The Woods on Fire” quickly became a hit, and remains a beloved classic of the rockabilly genre. The song’s carefree spirit and devil-may-care attitude have made it a favorite among fans of rock and roll and country music alike, and its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal.
For fans of classic rockabilly and early rock and roll, “Settin’ The Woods on Fire” is a must-listen track that showcases Johnny Burnette’s talents as a singer and songwriter. With its high-energy sound and irreverent lyrics, the song remains a timeless tribute to the wild and untamed spirit of rock and roll music.
7. Kentucky Waltz
“Kentucky Waltz” is a slow, soulful ballad recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1961. The song features Burnette’s smooth, emotional vocals and a simple, haunting melody that perfectly captures the melancholy mood of the lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who has left his home in Kentucky and is longing to return to the place where he grew up.
With its plaintive lyrics and mournful melody, “Kentucky Waltz” is a powerful and evocative song that touches on themes of homesickness, nostalgia, and the yearning for a simpler time. The song’s understated arrangement and Burnette’s heartfelt performance give it a timeless quality that has made it a favorite among fans of classic country and folk music.
For fans of traditional country and folk music, “Kentucky Waltz” is a must-listen track that showcases Johnny Burnette’s talents as a singer and songwriter. With its timeless sound and universal themes, the song remains a beloved classic of the genre, and a testament to Burnette’s ability to capture complex emotions with his music.
8. Ricky Nelson- Just A Little Too Much
“Just a Little Too Much” is a classic rock and roll song recorded by Johnny Burnette and later made famous by Ricky Nelson in 1959. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and Burnette’s smooth vocals, with lyrics that describe the exhilarating feeling of falling in love with someone who is just a little too much to handle.
When Ricky Nelson recorded the song a year later, his smooth, confident vocals and polished production helped turn “Just a Little Too Much” into a major hit. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus have made it a favorite among fans of early rock and roll, and its message of embracing life’s little moments continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
For fans of classic rock and roll, “Just a Little Too Much” is a must-listen track that showcases the talents of both Johnny Burnette and Ricky Nelson. With its timeless sound and upbeat spirit, the song remains a beloved classic of the genre, and a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll music.
9. Ricky Nelson- Waitin’ In School
“Waitin’ in School” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1958, and later covered by Ricky Nelson. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and Burnette’s dynamic vocals, with lyrics that describe the excitement and anticipation of waiting for a lover to arrive.
When Ricky Nelson recorded the song a year later, his polished production and smooth vocals helped turn “Waitin’ in School” into a major hit. The song’s playful lyrics and driving beat have made it a favorite among fans of early rock and roll, and its message of youthful exuberance and romantic longing continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
For fans of classic rock and roll, “Waitin’ in School” is a must-listen track that showcases the talents of both Johnny Burnette and Ricky Nelson. With its timeless sound and irresistible energy, the song remains a beloved classic of the genre, and a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll music.
10. Believe What You Say
“Believe What You Say” is a classic rock and roll song recorded by Johnny Burnette in 1960. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and Burnette’s dynamic vocals, with lyrics that describe the singer’s determination to win back the heart of his lost love.
With its driving beat and infectious chorus, “Believe What You Say” became a major hit, and remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre. The song’s optimistic lyrics and upbeat spirit have made it a favorite among fans of early rock and roll, and its timeless sound continues to inspire new generations of listeners.
For fans of classic rock and roll, “Believe What You Say” is a must-listen track that showcases Johnny Burnette’s talents as a singer and songwriter. With its irresistible energy and message of hope and determination, the song remains a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll music.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
