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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZWILBURN BROTHERSOne of the most popular vocal duos in country music. Doyle (b 7 July '30, Hardy MO; d 16 Oct. '82) and Teddy Wilburn (b 30 Nov. '31, Hardy; d 24 Nov. 2003) They began as part of the Wilburn Family act, touring the South and joining Grand Ole Opry '41. The family act split late '40s, Teddy and two older brothers Leslie and Lester joining Webb Pierce's Southern Valley Boys '51; when the brothers were drafted into US Army Lester joined the Johnnie and Jack band '52, Doyle and Teddy joined Faron Young '53-5, also began working as a duo, recording for Decca from '54 and making their country chart debut with 'Which One Is To Blame' '59. They joined the Opry and had a first-class touring show; in early '60s they had a syndicated TV show, helped up-and-comers like Loretta Lynn, formed Surefire Music, one of Nashville's leading independents. They recorded for Decca/MCA until the mid-'70s, continued on the Opry and recorded for First Generation Records '80s. After Doyle's death Teddy continued for a time solo, then retired to his music publishing companies. There were CD compilations on King and MCA. |