Whitstein Brothers, The

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THE WHITSTEIN BROTHERS

  • From Colfax, Louisiana.
  • A brothers duet featuring Robert (guitar) and Charles (mandolin) Whitstein.
  • Their style is reminiscent of the Louvin Brothers, the Delmore Brothers, and the Blue Sky Boys.
  • 1964-65, worked off and on with Faron Young and Porter Wagoner.
  • 1969, recorded their first album Sing Gospel Songs of the Louvin Brothers (later reissued by Rounder). They spelled their name “Whitstine” at the time.
  • Were absent from the music scene until the mid-1980’s when they began performing and recording again.
  • Called “the second-coming of the Louvin Brothers” by Charlie Louvin.
  • 1985, released Rose of My Heart (Rounder).
  • 1987, released Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues (Rounder)
  • 1989, released Old Time Duets (Rounder).
  • Recorded three albums before breaking up in 1991. Reunited briefly in 1993.
  • 1996, released Sweet Harmony (Rounder).
  • Charles performed occasionally with Charlie Louvin, recreating the Louvin Brothers sound.
  • Robert Whitstein died in 2001.
  • 2003, Charles joined Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys.