Biography

Country performers. A brother act from West Virginia, they usually worked in combinations of two. Members included Kyle O. Bailes (born May 7, 1915; died March 3, 1996), John Jacob Bailes (born June 24, 1918; died December 21, 1989), Walter Butler Bailes (born January 19, 1920), and Homer Abraham Bailes Jr. (born May 8, 1922). Grand Ole Opry performers during the 1940s. Helped launch the Louisiana Hayride in 1948. Popular recordings include “Dust on the Bible,” and “I Want to Be Loved.” In the early 1950s John and Walter formed a gospel duo and recorded for King Records.

Interview Summary

1983 June 9
(1 hour, 14 minutes)
Country music brother act the Bailes Brothers discuss their career. Discussion includes how Roy Acuff got them on the Grand Ole Opry; publishing songs with Acuff-Rose; starting the Louisiana Hayride; getting Hank Williams on the Hayride and his subsequent career; touring with Kitty Wells and Johnnie Wright; and memories of Webb Pierce and attempts to help his career.