BILLy YATES

Billy Yates is a Nashville-based, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose songs have been recorded by an impressive list of artists, including George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Chris Young, Sara Evans, Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, John Michael Montgomery, Daryle Singletary, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Chesnutt, Gene Watson, Sammy Kershaw, Doug Stone, Rhonda Vincent, Willie Nelson, Leonard Cohen, and many more.

Yates co-wrote two of George Jones’ most iconic songs: the Grammy Award-winning “Choices” and the fiery anthem “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.” His writing is known for its traditional integrity and emotional depth, earning him both industry recognition and fan admiration.

As a performer, Yates is a seasoned entertainer with 13 number-one singles on the European charts and has been named European CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. He continues to tour internationally and has earned the distinction of being one of the first American artists to perform in Xi’an, China, and the first to sing in traditional Irish Gaelic for the Irish television documentary Opry an Iúir.

Domestically, Yates has become a fixture at the Grand Ole Opry, with 53 appearances to date, and has been featured on hit TV programs such as Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion. In 2025, he returns for his second season performing in Branson, Missouri’s Down Home Country show at Grand Country Music Hall, one of the area's top morning shows.

Yates was recently honored with an Emmy Award for his role in the star-studded tribute special, Still Playin’ Possum: Music and Memories of George Jones, presented during a private ceremony at Nancy Jones’ home.

As a producer, Yates has worked with top European and Australian artists, as well as American country legend Charley Pride, producing what would become Pride’s final album, Music in My Heart.

In a tribute to his roots, the state of Missouri honored Yates by naming a stretch of federal highway through his hometown the “Billy Yates Highway.” In 2025, he will receive a star on the Missouri Walk of Fame during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield.

This summer, fans can catch Billy performing at CMA Fest’s Country For A Cause benefit at 3rd & Lindsley, as well as the renowned Norsk Country Treff festival in Breim, Norway.

"I love Billy Yates' singing... I think he's one of the best country singers out there!" -- Kenny Chesney

"I just can't say enough about Billy Yates. I think he's a fabulous singer and a fabuous songwriter and someone who is going to be the biggest star!" -- Sara Evans

"When I asked the question, 'Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes', it was before I knew about Billy Yates. When it comes to great country singers and great country songwriters, they don't get any better than Billy. I guess you could say the ol' possum is a Billy Yates fan!" -- George Jones

"When it comes to Billy Yates, he's a hell of a songwriter and a hell of a singer. Keep your eye on him... he's gonna be there!" -- Montgomery Gentry

"I've known Billy Yates for a long time and I'm gonna tell you something... The thing I like about him is he's country, he's proud of it, and he's genuine. What you see with Billy Yates is what you get and what I see, I like a lot!" -- Bill Anderson

"Billy Yates is the real thing baby! If he keeps singing the way he is now, he's gonna be the one that fills the shoes of our great traditional country artists when the time comes. I love what he's doing!" -- Loretta Lynn