"Tell it like it is" is a song written by George Davis and Lee Diamond. It was first recorded by Aaron Neville, who released the song as a single in 1966.
Billy Joe Royal should have been much more popular than he was. I continue to look for songs I don't have. He has amazing soul for C&W, blues, and soul. What an amazing artist.
I can't get enough of his voice Im only 19 & most will say "how do you of Billy Joe royal?" But It's because I was raised around his music and I love it!!!
U cannot do this Guy's Music...U cannot Replace Him....R.I P..... Billy and Meat....U both will be missed... for years to Come....We are Losing too many!!!
I use to play this every single note to put my grandson Dylan everytime I put him to bed. He was practically my child his 1st year. Long before Dylan was born. His parents had to have one so he'd go to sleep.
This is my favorite song of all time and I just love Aaron Neville's version. Today I discovered Billy Joe Royal and his rendition of this song. Just beautiful. Googled him and sad to learn that he passed in 2015.
This is one of the songs that makes Billy shine like the entertainer he is. I have always been a fan of his ever since Down In the Boondocks, I Knew You When, and I've Got To,Be Somebody. His voice is still strong, Thanks Billy for the memories.
I just saw him in Memphis for Elvis week. He and Ronnie McDowell were doing a show together at The Clarion/Kings Signature Hotel for Mary Beck's Rockin Oldies. I was also performing shows at the hotel and was so kindly asked and was so grateful that Mary ask me to open for their show. That was one I will never forget. God Bless you Billy Joe and your family:
+Doug Dyson Were you able to meet him when you saw him? If you did, was Billy Joe nice? I love getting to know more about him and so far, I've read nothing but good things about him. I just wish that I had discovered him sooner because then I would have had a better shot of getting to meet him myself. Now its too late and I couldn't be anymore ashamed of how late I was. (burying my head) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee
On this day in 1989 {April 16th} "Tell It Like It Is" by Billy Joe Royal peaked at #2 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Hot Country Singles* chart, for the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "The Church On Cumberland Road" by Shenandoah ... "Tell It Like It Is" also reached #2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart... Between 1985 and 1992 the Morehead City, North Carolina native had fifteen records on the Hot Country Singles chart, six made the Top 10 with his two biggest hits both reaching #2, the above "Tell It Like It Is" and "Till I Can't Take It Anymore" for one week in January of 1990... One of his fifteen charted records was a duet with Donna Fargo, "Members Only", it peaked at #23 in 1987... Billy Joe Royal passed away at the age of 73 on October 6th, 2015... May he R.I.P. * And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of Billboard's Hot Country Singles Top 10 on April 16th, 1989: At #3. "Hey Bobby" by K.T. Oslin #4. "Young Love" by The Judds #5. "Fair Shake" by Foster and Lloyd #6. "Don't Toss Us Away" by Patty Loveless #7. "You Got It" by Roy Orbison #8. "Is It Still Over" by Randy Travis #9. "Setting Me Up" by Highway 101 #10. "She Deserves You" by Baillie and The Boys
R.I.P. I hope you are up there singing with the angels, and I hope your voice & music never gets lost here on earth. Your music is smooth & relaxing. I never tire of hearing it. Tell It Like it Is.
I LIVE IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. I MET BILLY JOE ROYAL WHEN I WAS 16. HE SING AT THE BAMBOO RANCH HERE. AT A HUGE CLUB. I HAVE TALK TO HIM AND GOT TO KNOW HIM QUITE WELL. I LOVE THIS MAN AND HIS MUSIC. SURE WISH I COULD SEE HIM AGAIN. VERY NICE MAN.
+Ann Flowers If you don't mind my asking, what can you share with me about him? I love getting to know more about him and so far, I've read nothing but good things about him. I just wish that I had discovered him sooner because then I would have had a better shot of getting to meet him myself. Now its too late and I couldn't be anymore ashamed of how late I was. (burying my head) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee
You are my favorite and regret never seeing you in person, I will never forget my crush on you, and how your video!s kept me from getting anything done ! Rest in peace Billy Joe!
To me he was the greatest singer. love his style of music. could Dance all night to it. he will be greatly missed. great 3 time comeback. Heaven has a great soul and singer.
I Remember being a teenager and going to the Heart of Texas Fair grounds.just about all the rides had a B.J.Royal song being played, along with others.Gene Pitney, Beautiful memeries. The early 60's music
seen Billy about 15 times he use to play down here in Myrtle Beach all the time loved every show actually got to meet him a few times since i was the head bouncer
If there is anything else that you can share about your getting to meet him, I would so very much appreciate you telling me about him. Sadly I didn't know who I was missing out on until after his going forward last fall and so I am asking his other fans to tell me all that they can share with me about him. I love him so much that I have gathered just about every song of his that was put out there for us to listen to and I can't thank y'all enough for keeping him going to where I could eventually discover him too. To me, we couldn't have picked a more beautiful precious to get behind...no matter how late at least one of us was. (burying my head in shame) God bless you and his family always!!! Holly in East Tennessee (born in 1982)
I met BJ are in San Antonio Texas with JS when I interviewed them in 1970. We spent at least donate a whole day together and had the best time I did a fabulous interview on them and I won’t ever ever forget them both men totally unforgettable although for different reasons they were so much fun. I have such warm memories of them and how much they meant to me chill with Siri sweet playful kind very intellectual. BJ are playful kind funny it was a good combination the three of us actually that was for my mom wanted to meet him too LOL I was 16 at the time and I wrote a fabulous article which was published in the local newspaper under the entertainment section and then published in my high school newspaper because I was the editor and I won second place in state competition for that. It was UIL competition. I was also inducted into the international on a society for journalist The youngest person ever in ducted, eventually it all culminated in me being nominated and excepting Who’s Who of American women in 1988. This interview though launched me into a television career and more and I made two lifelong friends from it with two very special man that I miss tremendously every single day. I just wanted to share that we just had so much fun they were so awesome there was one thing I have yet to which I’m working on right now which will be an honor to both of these men and one more. These three people off best friends grew up together. I had a note of interest PJR and my dad are both from Valdosta Georgia. Wish me luck with the honors I’m trying to never mind I will always love you JS and BJare and remember you thank you Love to both of you forever Cherylyn
He was very underrated. Love his voice.
Underrated by who? You? I didn't underrate him.
Billy Joe Royal should have been much more popular than he was. I continue to look for songs I don't have. He has amazing soul for C&W, blues, and soul. What an amazing artist.
Released in Jan 1989, singing this at 47 years old.
A legend with such a god given talent no one can sing like this superstar
Who's listening too
the best music 🎶
from the good old
days? BJR takes me back too some good times.
12/2020 rip💞💞💞
I can't get enough of his voice Im only 19 & most will say "how do you of Billy Joe royal?" But It's because I was raised around his music and I love it!!!
Ya good music
U cannot do this Guy's Music...U cannot Replace Him....R.I P..... Billy and Meat....U both will be missed... for years to Come....We are Losing too many!!!
I use to play this every single note to put my grandson Dylan everytime I put him to bed. He was practically my child his 1st year. Long before Dylan was born. His parents had to have one so he'd go to sleep.
I know what you mean
Stick with our music today's music will get you in trouble, I'm sixty speaking from experience, enjoy the music such great memories I have
Such an unlikely setting for a sexy soulful love song but he pulls it off flawlessly. His voice is impeccible.
BILLY VOICE TELL A STORY OF A BROKEN HEART RIP
This is my favorite song of all time and I just love Aaron Neville's version. Today I discovered Billy Joe Royal and his rendition of this song. Just beautiful. Googled him and sad to learn that he passed in 2015.
Very Cool.... Beautifully Done!!!!
I love Billy j. Royal. 😍 singer. Miss hi..
This is great. Putting the whole community singing back up. Love this!! Louisiana!!!
Billy Joe would hit #2 with this on 4-22-89.
One of my all time favorites. His music will live forever.
This is one of the songs that makes Billy shine like the entertainer he is. I have always been a fan of his ever since Down In the Boondocks, I Knew You When, and I've Got To,Be Somebody. His voice is still strong, Thanks Billy for the memories.
I just saw him in Memphis for Elvis week. He and Ronnie McDowell were doing a show together at The Clarion/Kings Signature Hotel for Mary Beck's Rockin Oldies. I was also performing shows at the hotel and was so kindly asked and was so grateful that Mary ask me to open for their show. That was one I will never forget. God Bless you Billy Joe and your family:
+Doug Dyson Were you able to meet him when you saw him? If you did, was Billy Joe nice? I love getting to know more about him and so far, I've read nothing but good things about him. I just wish that I had discovered him sooner because then I would have had a better shot of getting to meet him myself. Now its too late and I couldn't be anymore ashamed of how late I was. (burying my head)
God bless you and his family always!!!
Holly in East Tennessee
I remember Billy workin on this in the studio. Just as it did then it still brings me to tears to hear him cover it.
Excellent version of this Aaron Neville smash hit.
My favorite song by him I knew you when but he sings this will good.
Beautiful vídeo like you don't see many.... Ever RIP
RIP BJR - you were as good as it gets - thanks
+Steven Whitley OMG
October 6, 2015 - age 73 - loved his music - another great part of Americana is now part of the ages!
This IS Grandma!,I Dont Know How To Change Things Hunny.... Just Love Me Some B.J. R.!!!
Love Ya! Karen Jo!
Amen to that!
Steven Whitley ldl
What a Great Singer so sorry for his Passing will be sadly missed
ACC's #59 song of the '89 survey year. Billy Joe hit #2 in Billboard, 4-22-89. God bless you, friend, for postin' it. Thanx! Have a blessed Christmas!
A Legend Billy Joe Royal"" will always be "" his Song's will live on"""💗
I think the 50's and 60's music was the best era of music I really love the golden oldies those songs really take me down memory lane..
On this day in 1989 {April 16th} "Tell It Like It Is" by Billy Joe Royal peaked at #2 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Hot Country Singles* chart, for the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "The Church On Cumberland Road" by Shenandoah ...
"Tell It Like It Is" also reached #2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart...
Between 1985 and 1992 the Morehead City, North Carolina native had fifteen records on the Hot Country Singles chart, six made the Top 10 with his two biggest hits both reaching #2, the above "Tell It Like It Is" and "Till I Can't Take It Anymore" for one week in January of 1990...
One of his fifteen charted records was a duet with Donna Fargo, "Members Only", it peaked at #23 in 1987...
Billy Joe Royal passed away at the age of 73 on October 6th, 2015...
May he R.I.P.
* And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of Billboard's Hot Country Singles Top 10 on April 16th, 1989:
At #3. "Hey Bobby" by K.T. Oslin
#4. "Young Love" by The Judds
#5. "Fair Shake" by Foster and Lloyd
#6. "Don't Toss Us Away" by Patty Loveless
#7. "You Got It" by Roy Orbison
#8. "Is It Still Over" by Randy Travis
#9. "Setting Me Up" by Highway 101
#10. "She Deserves You" by Baillie and The Boys
R.I.P. I hope you are up there singing with the angels, and I hope your voice & music never gets lost here on earth. Your music is smooth & relaxing. I never tire of hearing it. Tell It Like it Is.
He really was very good. I miss this kind of talent.
This is the video i remember the best of the all his videos. I wonder how many of his Atlantic albums were on c.d.
Miss this wonderful talent. He was my favorite singer
HE WAS A GREAT SINGER AND HIS VOICE STAYED WITH HIM TIL THEN!
Got to see him still love his music and listen to it brings back memories
Golden era.
What a first rate soulful singer Billy Joe was. I love the bass guitar on this song as well. A wonderful recording of the old Aron Neville 60's hit.
What A Talent Billy Joe Was Never for get This Talent RIP
I was young then . much older now but songs and the words and meaning never change.
I loved his music and he was very popular in my younger days.
best voice ever........
I LIVE IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. I MET BILLY JOE ROYAL WHEN I WAS 16. HE SING AT THE BAMBOO RANCH HERE. AT A HUGE CLUB. I HAVE TALK TO HIM AND GOT TO KNOW HIM QUITE WELL. I LOVE THIS MAN AND HIS MUSIC. SURE WISH I COULD SEE HIM AGAIN. VERY NICE MAN.
+Ann Flowers If you don't mind my asking, what can you share with me about him? I love getting to know more about him and so far, I've read nothing but good things about him. I just wish that I had discovered him sooner because then I would have had a better shot of getting to meet him myself. Now its too late and I couldn't be anymore ashamed of how late I was. (burying my head)
God bless you and his family always!!!
Holly in East Tennessee
You are my favorite and regret never seeing you in person, I will never forget my crush on you, and how your video!s kept me from getting anything done ! Rest in peace Billy Joe!
RIP loved billy's version of this song
Still listening in 2019... love his music❤️
Really cool song 👍👍 👍 I'm not a play toy either way
Make that 2023.
RIP... I loved his music :(
Beautiful song by a very talented performer. Thank you for the pleasure of listening.
RIP Billy Joe Royal
Great Classic Gem
Great video excellent
Thank you much
The stroll ...you go guys stroll
Just another great memory from Billy Joe Royal
always loved me some billy joe royal his songs have always touched my heart in some way of another an his music is like no other
Beautiful Angelic smooth voice Billy had all his song's are amazing 💕💕💕💕💕🎶🎶
Donna Marie Pszoniak yep
Grew up in Atlanta and he made us proud - God Bless RIP - Barbara
To me he was the greatest singer. love his style of music. could Dance all night to it. he will be greatly missed. great 3 time comeback. Heaven has a great soul and singer.
Love This Song Billy Joe Can Sing
i loved it his voice is beautiful we will miss him
RIP loved his music
My favorite Song Tell it lke it is """I'm not a little girl"""" don't play with my Heart "" makes me furious """"" ❤️😊
ACC's #59 song of '89. God bless ya, my friend, for postin' it. Thanx!
beautiful singing ... excellent video
Still listening in 2023 Happy Valentines Day ! Miss you Billy Joe !!
One of his best!,
reminds me of my dayz in west texas and listening to the power house coming out of oklahoma KOMA ...
Love his voice,
Sad,,he just died..RIP 🌹 😔
I Remember being a teenager and going to the Heart of Texas Fair grounds.just about all the rides had a B.J.Royal song being played, along with others.Gene Pitney, Beautiful memeries. The early 60's music
love his songs,,,
I love and miss you❤️Thank you for your lovely music. You are truly missed darling❤️💕
Great video and vocal range.
Definitely
R.I.P. BJR I'll always love your music !
LOVE LOVING SONG🌹❤️
OH OH THIS GIRL LOVE LOVES BILLY YES YES❤️
My favorite. RIP Billy.
Beautiful song. Love this.
How could you not love Billy Joe awesome
seen Billy about 15 times he use to play down here in Myrtle Beach all the time loved every show actually got to meet him a few times since i was the head bouncer
If there is anything else that you can share about your getting to meet him, I would so very much appreciate you telling me about him. Sadly I didn't know who I was missing out on until after his going forward last fall and so I am asking his other fans to tell me all that they can share with me about him. I love him so much that I have gathered just about every song of his that was put out there for us to listen to and I can't thank y'all enough for keeping him going to where I could eventually discover him too. To me, we couldn't have picked a more beautiful precious to get behind...no matter how late at least one of us was. (burying my head in shame)
God bless you and his family always!!!
Holly in East Tennessee (born in 1982)
R.I.P . Billy Joe Royal
What can I say but WOW.
Whoa ❤ Awesome ❤
Tell it like it is!
My mantra in life ❤❤❤❤
R.I.P
The best song I have four years it's been my favorite years and years send this song to Vince Gill
LOVE THIS MAN. GONE TOO SOON.
RIP BILLY
Real nice song
Happy Birthday Billy. RIP
Love him. R. I. P.
One great song in fact all the sons he does is really great
Just Love Me Some B.J. R.!!! MISS YOU MY AWESOME FRIEND!!
Great song 👍🥰🙏💓😍❤️💖👌👏
Tell it like it is RIP Billy JOEL
Very sad he passed away 😔 he's in heaven now singing and everything is good and 😇 and God
Love it
The sexiest song ever!
Remek zene, és klipp!
Köszönet érte, szép vasárnapot Gyöngyvirág!
Played with Billy Joe and Freddie Freddy Weller years ago, a nice person and a wonderful singer
Nagyon szepen koszonom es viszont kivanom!
Always 🔥
He's my grandpas causin!!!!!!!
Seriously?
Do you mean your grandpa's cousin?
Getrealpeeps yea
I do love you!!!
rip I miss u bjr. I saw him so many times it was so good sainger.
I met BJ are in San Antonio Texas with JS when I interviewed them in 1970. We spent at least donate a whole day together and had the best time I did a fabulous interview on them and I won’t ever ever forget them both men totally unforgettable although for different reasons they were so much fun. I have such warm memories of them and how much they meant to me chill with Siri sweet playful kind very intellectual. BJ are playful kind funny it was a good combination the three of us actually that was for my mom wanted to meet him too LOL I was 16 at the time and I wrote a fabulous article which was published in the local newspaper under the entertainment section and then published in my high school newspaper because I was the editor and I won second place in state competition for that. It was UIL competition. I was also inducted into the international on a society for journalist The youngest person ever in ducted, eventually it all culminated in me being nominated and excepting Who’s Who of American women in 1988. This interview though launched me into a television career and more and I made two lifelong friends from it with two very special man that I miss tremendously every single day. I just wanted to share that we just had so much fun they were so awesome there was one thing I have yet to which I’m working on right now which will be an honor to both of these men and one more. These three people off best friends grew up together. I had a note of interest PJR and my dad are both from Valdosta Georgia. Wish me luck with the honors I’m trying to never mind I will always love you JS and BJare and remember you thank you Love to both of you forever Cherylyn
Oh, I love this!
Love this
2020 and still rockin some BJR
I like this WAAAAAY better than Aaron Neville's!! RIP, Billy Joe Royal!!!