Shiflett,Karl

KARL SHIFLETT (AND BIG COUNTRY SHOW)

  • From Longview, Texas.
  • First group: Stringbean and His Mountain Playboys (in high school).
  • Early career: he was a pipeline inspector for a major gas company and an aide for a state hospital.
  • 1980-87, formed a group called Southern Heritage.
  • 1990, joined the Sullivan Family (gospel group).
  • 1993, formed Big Country, which eventually became known as Karl Shiflett and The Big Country Show.
  • Specializes in re-creating classic bluegrass circa 1949, with retro outfits, one mike, even toured in a 1947 Chrysler New Yorker with a string bass tied to the top.
  • 1999, released Karl Shiflett & The Big Country Show album (Rebel).
  • 2001, won IBMA award for Emerging Artist of the Year.
  • 2001, released In Full Color album (Rebel).
  • 2003, released Worries on My Mind album (Rebel).
  • 2012, released Take Me Back album (Pinecastle).