We use cookies in the following ways: (1) for system administration, (2) to assess the performance of the website, (3) to personalize your experience, content and ads, (4) to provide social media features, and (5) to analyze our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Please consult instructions for your web browser to disable or block cookies, or to receive a warning before a cookie is stored on your computer or mobile device. Read our Privacy Policy.

Country Music Hall of Fame logo.
Museum View Cart
Country Music Hall of Fame logo.
Back to Oral History
  • Oral History

Carlisle Brothers

September 18, 1968 OH294 43 min.
Share

Biography


Country music duo. Members, Bill Carlisle (born December 19, 1908; died March 17, 2003) and Cliff Carlisle (born March 6, 1904; died April 2, 1983). Career active 1930s-1940s. Popular radio performers, appeared for over ten years on the WNOX-Knoxville radio shows Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round and Tennessee Barn Dance. Recorded for the Decca and King record labels, their hit recordings include “Rainbow at Midnight,” 1946.

Interview Summary

1968 September 18
(43 minutes)
Country performers Bill and Cliff Carlisle recall highlights from their career as the popular country music duo, the Carlisle Brothers. Discussion includes their childhood and early musical interests; formation of the Carlisle Brothers; their first recordings; early recording sessions; early experiences as stage performers; comments on changes in country entertainment; Bill’s famous onstage jumping; and their last professional performance as the Carlisle Brothers.