Pop and country singer Billy Joe Royal reportedly died in his sleep at his home in North Carolina.

Royal is best known for his 1965 hit ”Down in the Boondocks, ” which reached number nine on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1965.

Others hits included ”I Knew You When,” and ”Cherry Hill Park,” which was his last one on the Top-40 charts.

Royal turned to country music in the 80s, releasing a number of successful singles, including the 1985 Top 10 ”Burned Like a Rocket.”

His 1987 album, ”The Royal Treatment,” was certified gold and featured ”I’ll Pin a Note on Your Pillow,” which peaked at number five.

Royal’s 1989 remake of the Aaron Neville hit ”Tell It Like It Is,” landed at number two.

In recent years he toured with longtime friend and fellow crossover artist B.J. Thomas, who shared the news of Royal’s passing on Twitter.

”My best friend Billy Joe Royal died this (Tuesday) morning.  He was a sweet and talented man.  Never a bad word.  One of kind.”