He formed his own rock and roll band, and became a local star at the Bamboo Ranch in Savannah in the late 1950s and early 1960s, where his singing style was influenced by African-American performers, including Sam Cooke.

Another South composition, "Yo-Yo", just missed the top 40 in Canada and charted poorly in the U.S. when Royal released it in 1967, but a later remake by The Osmonds was a much greater success.

[2] Royal experienced a second comeback during the 2000s due to regular airplay on Country and Classic radio stations.

Royal continued to tour regularly, performing concerts at casinos, music festivals, and clubs in North America, Japan, and throughout Europe.

He also played Robert Ally in the indie Western film, Billy the Kid (2013), co-starring country singer Cody McCarver.