Karl Shiflett

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). (www.bluegrassbios.com)