Billy Burnette Undergoes Quintuple Bypass Surgery

Country-rockabilly singer-songwriter and guitarist Billy Burnette underwent quintuple-bypass surgery last week (Dec. 16). The musician checked into a Nashville hospital after experiencing shortness of breath and was admitted and operated on immediately.

The 56-year-old musician, born in Memphis to rockabilly pioneer Dorsey Burnette, is a former member of Fleetwood Mac. He had just returned from the road where he was playing guitar in John Fogerty's Blue Ridge Rangers band.

In addition to his stage and studio work, Billy has written songs for Faith Hill, Josh Turner, Tammy Wynette, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Everly Brothers, Cher, Bette Midler and Rod Stewart, among many others. His most recent country hit was George Strait's No. 1, 'River of Love.'