Bill Clifton
Bill Clifton (born April 5, 1931 as William August Marburg in Riverwood, Maryland ) is an American country and bluegrass musician who was particularly popular in Europe in the 1960s.
Life
William August Marburg comes from a wealthy family who lived in the state of Maryland in the northeastern United States . Early on he was enthusiastic about country life and above all about authentic country music. His idols were the Carter Family , who felt particularly committed to traditional rural music. In 1952 he founded the bluegrass group Dixie Mountain Boys with Johnny Clark, Paul Clayton and Dave Sadler while studying at university . They played a few singles with a small label and appeared on the radio, including the famous Wheeling Jamboree of the WWVA broadcaster. Since his parents rejected his musical activities, he performed under the name "Bill Clifton".
After completing his studies, he enlisted in the US Navy for two years. Then he was signed by the Starday label. A total of five albums were released between 1959 and 1964, some with the participation of the Dixie Mountain Boys or Johnny Clarks. His most famous song, Give Me Some Water And I'll Sing You A Song , was recorded in late 1958 and is based on an actual incident, the Springhill, Nova Scotia mine disaster. Several times he recorded songs by the Carter Family. He had a deep friendship with AP Carter , who, like himself, was passionate about the preservation of old songs. After AP's death in 1961, he released the Carter Family Memorial Album tribute album .
In 1961 he organized the "Bluegrass Day of Luray", the first ever bluegrass festival. Many big names in the scene, such as the Country Gentlemen or the Stanley Brothers , took part. In 1963 he and his family moved to England. From here he went on numerous tours to mainland Europe. He did not shy away from performing in small clubs and inns. Thanks to his friendly nature and his passionate advocacy for authentic country music, he became one of the most successful ambassadors of the genre. He later worked as a development worker in the Philippines for several years . He also appeared here. He also toured Australia and New Zealand. In 1981 he recorded an instrumental album with autoharp music.
Discography
Albums
- 1959 Mountain Folk Songs (Starday)
- 1961 - Carter Family Memorial Album (Starday)
- 1961 - The Bluegrass Sound Of Bill Clifton (Starday)
- 1963 Soldier, Sing Me A Song (Starday)
- 1964 - Code Of The Mountains (Starday)
- 1964 - Bluegrass In The American Tradition (Nashville)
- 1964 - Wanderin ' (Hillbilly Records)
- 1970 - Two Shades Of Bluegrass (Kiwi Records) with The Hamilton County Bluegrass Band
- 1971 - Happy Days (Golden Guinea)
- 1972 Getting Folk Out Of The Country (Folk Variety Records) with Hedy West
- 1973 - Blue Ridge Mountain Blues (County)
- 1975 Come By The Hills (County)
- 1976 - Another Happy Day (County)
- 1981 - Autoharp Centennial Celebration (Elf)
- 1984 - Beatle Crazy (Bear Family Records)
Web links
- Discography u. Kurzbiographie (English)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Clifton, Bill |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Marburg, William August (maiden name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American country musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | April 5, 1931 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Riverwood, Maryland |