Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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CARLISLES, The

Brothers Cliff (b 6 May '04, Taylorsville KY) and Bill (b 19 Dec. '08, Wakefield KY) Popular hillbilly group '30s--40s, noted for novelty, blues, risqu‚ numbers; both also had solo careers. Cliff began in vaudeville, recording '30 with Wilbur Ball in a yodelling duet; he pioneered use of dobro, accompanying Jimmie Rodgers on records '31. Solo on Gennett, Conqueror etc in Rodgers's style with 'The Girl In The Blue Velvet Band', 'Tom Cat Blues', 'Lonely Blue Dreams' etc. Teamed with Bill as the Carlisle Brothers, retired '47. Bill formed the Carlisles, signed with Mercury, joined Louisiana Hayride, Grand Ole Opry; hits incl. 'No Help Wanted', 'Is Zat You Myrtle?' '53. Reunited '59 for LP Fresh From The Country on King; Bill carried on solo, had hit on Hickory 'What Kinda Deal Is This' '65. Compilations incl. Maple On The Hill '64 on RCA; Best Of Bill Carlisle '66 on Starday, Cliff Carlisle Vols 1 And 2 on Old Timey, Busy Body Boogie '85 on Bear Family.