“Billy who?” went 9 out of 10 people who’ve read the title.

Ever heard of Shooter Jennings? What if I told you that Shooter and his wife, Misty, both have “BDB” tattooed on their arms? That Shooter has produced two of this man’s albums, bailed him out of jail, and has been a close friend for years?

Have you heard of Cody Jinks? What if I told you that the songs “Church at Gaylor Creek” and “Stranger” Cody sings were actually written by this guy?

Billy Don Burns | All Photos By Sofia Chesney

You know Johnny Cash? What if I told you that Johnny sent this man a letter with congratulations when Desperate Men, which this man recorded with Hank Cochran, overtook Johnny’s and became #1 Americana album?

Ever heard of Willie Nelson? Johnny Paycheck? Mel Tillis? Merle Haggard? Sammy Kershaw? Colter Wall? Whitey Morgan? What if I told you that they have all recorded this man’s songs?

“Wait,” you will say, “how come I’ve never heard of this guy if he has done so much for country music?” I know. I was asking myself the same question when I set off to meet with and photograph Billy Don Burns playing at The Talk Shop Lounge in St. Charles, Iowa.

“Memories cost a lot when you don’t make them,” goes one of Billy’s songs. These people were definitely aware of that, and were determined to make memories. The Talk Shop Lounge was a perfect place for that show, too: the owners, Jason and Renatta Bolen, work hard to bring good music to their cozy venue and create wonderful, warm atmosphere.

He has been stabbed 17 times; he has had six wives; he has done drugs; he has been to prison. Whatever picture those facts paint, the amount of kindness in this guy’s soul is unbelievable. It is palpable. It spreads around the room like an invisible blanket; it makes you want to do good, to step softly, to speak gently, to be kind to others. People in the audience felt it; many came up to say hello and shake hands; some shared how Billy’s songs changed their lives and got them through rough times, their eyes glistening with emotion.

During the show, the room was quiet, not even a whisper. Some had driven for hours to be there that night. They were there for a purpose, and the purpose was to listen to him. Yet, when people are quiet, loud things are going through their minds. When Billy Don Burns performs, he is not simply singing songs. He talks with his audience, turning a show into an intimate conversation, a series of confessions and jokes interspersed with music. He tells all kinds of stories; some stories make you laugh, some stories draw a tear even from big silent men in the audience, some stories are so straightforward you don’t know how to feel about them. It’s life. It gets messy. You don’t always know what to do with it, and it’s okay. If a legend who has been on the “dark side of the spoon” could make it through, you can, too.