Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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BUTLER, Carl

(b 2 June '27, Knoxville TN; d 4 Sep. '92, Nashville) Honky-tonk country singer, songwriter; also duets with wife Pearl (b Pearl Dee Jones, 20 Sep. '30, Nashville; d 3 March '88). Began singing in teens, joined Grand Ole Opry '48, Capitol Records '51. His intense, emotional style was not very successful on record; to Columbia '53; first success 'Honky Tonkitis' '61. Wrote hits ('If Teardrops Were Pennies' for Carl Smith '51, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton '73). Pearl's harmonizing vocal on 'Don't Let Me Cross Over' '62 started a new career as duet partnership and revitalized the honky-tonk style. They remained a popular stage act until early '80s. Obvious debt to country gospel styles and assistance to Salvation Army Rehabilitation Program led to Meritorious Service Award '70.