Bill Clifton

Bill Clifton ( born April 5, 1931 as William August Marburg in Riverwood, Maryland ) is an American country and bluegrass musician who was popular in the 1960s, especially in Europe.

Life

William August Marburg comes from a wealthy family that was located in the located in the northeastern U.S. state of Maryland. He was enthusiastic about early for the country life and especially for authentic country music. His idols were the Carter Family, who felt particularly the traditional rural music obliged. In 1952 he founded during his university studies, along with Johnny Clark, Paul Clayton and Dave Sadler bluegrass group Dixie Mountain Boys. They played on a small label a couple of singles and appeared on the radio, among others, the famous Wheeling Jamboree of the WWVA transmitter. Since his parents rejected his musical activities, he performed under the name " Bill Clifton " on.

After completing his studies he undertook for two years in the U.S. Navy. After that he was taken from the Starday label under contract. A total of five albums were released between 1959 and 1964, partly in cooperation with the Dixie Mountain Boys or Johnny Clark. His most famous song, Give Me Some Water And I'll Sing You A Song, was recorded late 1958 and is based on an actual incident, the mine disaster in Springhill, Nova Scotia. Several times he took on songs by the Carter Family. With AP Carter, who like himself campaigned passionately for the preservation of ancient treasure of songs, he formed a deep friendship. According to AP's death in 1961, he released the tribute album The Carter Family Memorial Album.

In 1961 he organized the "Bluegrass Day of Luray ," the first bluegrass festival at all. Many big names in the scene, such as the Country Gentlemen or the Stanley Brothers, participated. In 1963 he moved to England with his family. From here, he made numerous tours to the Continent. He did not hesitate to act in small clubs and pubs. Thanks to his friendly nature and his passionate commitment to an authentic country music, he became one of the most successful ambassadors of the genre. Later he worked for several years as a development worker in the Philippines. Again, he made ​​appearances. He also went on tour to Australia and New Zealand. In 1981, he took on an instrumental album with autoharp music.

Discography

Albums