Born on This Day in 1908, the Highly Influential Country Star Who Found Success With Novelty Songs and Gave Chet Atkins His First Job

On this day (December 19) in 1908, Bill Carlisle was born in Wakefield, Kentucky. His career as a performer started when he was still a teenager. He continued working in country music, where he eventually found success with a string of novelty songs. He was the first musician to hire the legendary producer and guitarist Chet Atkins. Additionally, his guitar style has been cited as an early influence on rockabilly.

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In his late teens, Carlisle and his brother, Cliff, were playing in their family’s band on radio stations in Lexington, Kentucky, and Knoxville, Tennessee. It was in Knoxville that he created Hot Shot Elmer, the comedic alter ego that helped put him on the map. The character’s costumes and antics made him a favorite of fans of the Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round and the Tennessee Barn Dance. It was an early example of Carlisle’s sense of humor being a large part of his success

While Carlisle is remembered for being hilarious, his guitar skills were no laughing matter. The Carlisle Brothers’ early recordings showcased his lightning fast and incredibly precise picking. The brothers also recorded solo. For instance, Carlisle found an early hit with “Rattlesnake Daddy” in 1933. He had another solo hit in 1948 with “Tramp on the Street.”

According to Variety, Bill Carlisle’s impact didn’t stop with his guitar playing. He was also one of the first to give Chet Atkins work. He hired the future legend as a fiddle player in the early 1940s. Years later, Atkins would become one of the most powerful producers in Nashville. He would also be hailed as one of the best guitarists in country music history.

Bill Carlisle and His “Crazy Songs”

When Cliff Carlisle retired in the early 1950s, Bill went solo and formed a backing band called The Carlisles. This marked the beginning of what he called his “Crazy Songs” era. His first hit from this period was “Too Old to Cut the Mustard” in 1951. It peaked at No. 6.

After his first solo hit didn’t lead to a regular spot on the Grand Ole Opry, he wrote and released “No Help Wanted” later in the year. It topped the country chart and, more importantly, became his gateway to the Opry. He had several more hits throughout the early 1950s. His final hit came in 1965, when “What Kinda Deal Is This” hit No. 4 on the chart.

While all of his hits were novelty songs, Carlisle also had a serious side. For instance, he wrote the gospel song “Gone Home” after his grandfather died. It became the signature song of the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet. Additionally, it was recorded by Flatt & Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, and Jerry Garcia, among others.

According to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bill Carlisle continued to perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the rest of his life. He died in March 2003, just months after being inducted into the CMHoF.

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