Blue Sky Boys

In the field of old-time music, one of the most respected duos was that of Bill and Earl Bolick, better known as the Blue Sky Boys. Though their career was rather brief, spanning the years 1936 through 1951, they left an incredible body of material that continues to be a source of inspiration to fans and entertainers today. They didn’t invent the popular brothers duet style that was the rage of the 1930’s, but they perfected their own unique version that offered precise vocal harmonies highlighted by sparse, but effective, mandolin and guitar work. Equally effective was their choice of material that ranged from centuries old ballads to hymns and popular heart songs of the day. Their songs and style can be heard today in many bluegrass bands such as Jim and Jesse and the Osborne Brothers, and country entertainers from the Louvin Brothers to Emmylou Harris can lay claim to their influence.

In the summer of 1949, the Blue Sky Boys were working out of Bristol, Virginia, making daily radio broadcasts over powerhouse station WCYB’s “Farm And Fun Time” show. While working at the station, Bill and Earl made a series of transcription discs that were used to play over the radio when the duo was not available to perform in person. Through the foresight of Bill Bolick, the recordings were saved through the years and now appear on Copper Creek as “Farm And Fun Time Favorites – Volumes One and Two.”

The programs, complete with the genial MC work of Bill Bolick, offer an exciting look at the band as it existed in 1949. In addition to highlighting their current hits (“Kentucky,” “Alabama,” etc.) which were being released on RCA Victor, the group presented a well rounded and entertaining show which included sentimental heart songs, stirring gospel songs and hot fiddle breakdowns – many of which were not previously recorded by the duo. A special treat for old-time fans is the appearance of veteran fiddler Leslie Keith on six tracks.

Each volume of Farm And Time Favorites features a generous twenty-two songs. Bill Bolick annotates the projects with notes. He offers interesting background information on the group’s stay at WCYB and also gives the histories to each of the songs. Considering how influential and popular this group was (and still is), coupled with the fact that very few of their recordings are currently available, Farm And Fun Time Favorites is sure to be a monumental release in 1994 for old-time music.