Dorsey and Johnny Burnette were members of the legendary "Rock and Roll Trio" with Paul Burlison. Dorsey hit the top twenty with "Tall Oak Tree" in 1960 and is the father of Fleetwood Mac member Billy Burnette . Dorsey's younger brother Johnny had success with the top twenty hits "Dreamin'", "You're Sixteen" and "Little Boy Sad" in the early sixties and he is the father of Rocky Burnette of "Tired of Towing the Line" fame. Composer Dorsey Burnette's original was issued in 1958.

Teen idol Ricky Nelson and guitarist James Burton hit the top ten in 1959 with his cover version of "It's Late".