From Philadelphia, Mississippi. Lives in Nashville.
Best known for his virtuosity on banjo and guitar, he is also a very successful vocalist, songwriter and record producer.
First band: The Country Partners” with his father Lee Jackson, his Uncle Pete and Uncle Sock.
1967, began his professional musical career at age 14, playing banjo with Jim and Jesse.
1971, joined the Sullivan Family gospel group.
1972, moved to Columbus, Ohio to form The Country Store with Keith Whitley and Jimmy Gaudreau.
1973-1985, worked with Glen Campbell, replacing Larry McNeeley on Campbell’s TV show. He was billed as “The Greatest Banjo Player in the World” in Campbell’s live shows.
1990, won IBMA Award for Song of the Year for his composition, “Little Mountain Church House.
1991, released Spring Training album (Sugar Hill), a collaboration with former Seldom Scene vocalist John Starling and Emmy Lou Harris’ band, The Nash Ramblers.
1992, won the Grammy Award for best bluegrass album (for Spring Training).
2004, won IBMA award for Recorded Event of the Year as producer of “Livin’ Lovin’ Losin: the Songs of the Louvin Brothers.” This album also won Carl a second Grammy Award the same year.
As a songwriter, he has written dozens of hit songs for other artists including “Against the Grain” (Garth Brooks), “Real Ladies Man” (Vince Gill) and “Letter to Home” (Glen Campbell). His songs have sold more than 40 million records.
He is a collector of baseball memorabilia, cars (like his 1957 Ford T-Bird given to him by Glen Campbell) and claims to be the “biggest Ole Miss Rebel fan in the world.”
album (Sugar Hill).
album (Sugar Hill), a collaboration with former Seldom Scene vocalist John Starling and Emmy Lou Harris’ band, The Nash Ramblers.
(Universal), which he produced.
(Voxhall), a guitar instrumental album featuring guitars from his personal collection.
album (Sony Legacy), a tribute to the “Big Bang” of Country Music.
