They Sang What They Lived: The Story of Carl and Pearl Butler is the first retrospective exhibition of Carl and Pearl Butler, the iconic country music duo whose timeless lyrics and harmonious melodies left an indelible mark on country music. The exhibition is currently on display at the Museum of East Tennessee History.
With a career spanning over four decades, Carl and Pearl Butler became celebrated figures in the world of country music. “Carl made scores of major-label records during the 1950s,” says Bradley E. Reeves, the exhibition’s guest curator and author of the new book Honky Tonkitis: On the Road with Carl Butler and Pearl. “These are some of the best bluegrass, gospel, and hard country records ever made, although none could be called a massive hit.” That honor would come in 1962, when Carl and Pearl recorded “Don’t Let Me Cross Over.” The song remains among the fastest ever to ascend to No. 1 on Billboard Hot Country Singles.
Archivist Bradley Reeves has prepared a presentation for the Thursday Rotary meeting at Crowne Plaza, 5:30 PM. The first edition of his book has almost sold out, but he will have a limited supply for sale at the meeting.
Archivist Bradley Reeves – Satellite Club – 26 Oct 2023
