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  • Oral History

Kyle Bailes

July 19, 1980 OHC202 130 min.
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Biography


Country music performer and promoter. Born May 7, 1915. Died March 3, 1996. Member of the Bailes Brothers, a popular 1940s country act.

Interview Summary

1980 July 19
(2 hours, 10 minutes)
Country performer and promoter Kyle Bailes recalls experiences from his years in the country music industry. Discussion includes memories of early country performers, including Molly O’Day, Cowboy Copas, Natchee the Indian, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Leon Payne; working on the Grand Ole Opry and memories of Judge Hay; memories of the Bailes Brothers; memories of Fred Rose; the move from Nashville to Shreveport and joining the Louisiana Hayride; his work as a promoter; early memories of Hayride performers and personalities, including Dean Upson, Harmie Smith, Henry Clay, Hank Williams, Webb Pierce, and Kitty Wells; and memories from his years in the music business.