Copper Creek continues its on-going series of reissues by the Blue Sky Boys with two new issues in the popular On Radio collection; these new discs constitute volumes three and four. Earlier radio issues of the Blue Sky Boys on Copper Creek have met with critical acclaim, including “critic’s choice” reviews in Billboard and highlight reviews in Bluegrass Unlimited. Victory Review hailed previous releases as a “great depiction of country radio from the late ‘40s and a fine tribute to the Blue Sky Boys.”

In 1946, both Bill and Earl were recently out of the service and were anxious to resume their musical career that was interrupted by World War II. Among their first ventures was a stint on WGST radio in Atlanta, Georgia where they soon were under the sponsorship of distributors for Willy’s Jeeps. Their daily 15-minute program was syndicated (via 16” transcription discs) to three radio stations in Georgia. Through the foresight of Bill Bolick, a number of these programs were saved over the years and now appear as On Radio – Volumes Three and Four.

The Blue Sky Boys (Bill and Earl Bolick) are fondly recalled today as one of the finest of the mandolin/guitar styled brother duets of the 1930s and ‘40s. Over a 15-year period, they recorded a string of well-received 78s for the Bluebird label, a subsidiary of RCA Victor. Although the band dissolved in the early 1950s, they continued to make occasional reunion appearances – both in person and on record.

Many historians have tended to concentrate on the rich collection of balladry that made up part of the Blue Sky Boys recorded repertoire. Until the issuance of earlier titles in this series, it was unknown to today’s fans of old-time music what a diverse and entertaining program the Blue Sky Boys offered. Through these radio offerings, we are treated to a fine assortment of sentimental heart songs, ballads, sacred songs, fiddle breakdowns, and comic interludes with Uncle Josh (played by Earl Bolick). As with earlier releases, Bill Bolick offers insightful commentary on their circumstances at the time and the histories of the songs. Each of these two new volumes is approximately fifty minutes in length.