BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhuanet) – American singer Billy Joe Royal, who popularized country music hit "Down in the Boondocks" in the 1960s has died. He was 73 years old.

His agent, Brent Taylor, said the singer died at his home Tuesday in Morehead City, North Carolina.

McDowell, a childhood friend, said the two were scheduled to start touring after Thanksgiving.

The Georgia-born singer's early hits bore traces of pop and R&B, including the 1965's "Down in the Boondocks," which launched his career, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Top 100.

Subsequent hits included "I Knew You When" and "Cherry Hill Park," his final top 40 on the pop charts in 1969.