
Born in Knoxville, TN, on June 2, 1924 Died on 9.4/1992 Carl Butler blended the popular honky tonk style prevalent in the '50s with the mountain harmony of his Tennessee upbringing. Though his early recordings were as a solo act, most of his popular material was performed with his songwriting wife, Pearl. Carl grew up influenced by the Opry's Roy Acuff as well as the old-timey music and bluegrass prevalent around his home. He began singing at amateur dances at the age of 12, and after service in World War II, he sang with bluegrass bands such as the Bailey Brothers and the Sauceman Brothers. In 1961, Carl Butler recorded "Honky Tonkitis" which made it to number 25 on the country charts. following year, the Butlers were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, and the exposure provided by the show helped them push "Don't Let Me Cross Over" to number one. Carl Butler was also a gifted songwriter, penning classics including "If Teardrops Were Pennies", a #8 hit for Carl Smith in 1951 and a top 10 single for Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton in 1973, and "Crying My Heart Out Over You" which became Ricky Skaggs' first number one hit in 1981.Somewhere between the greed for money and sound judgment, the legends of country music were tossed aside for the outlandish sound they call country music today. RJB Nashville, Tennessee ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Honky Tonkitis Recorded 1/16/1961 Written by: Tex Atchison
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