Bill Clifton's 1955 publication, 150 Old Time Folk and Gospel Songs, was the first published songbook for bluegrass enthusiasts and featured an introduction from country icon A.P. Carter, who became a father-like figure to Bill. Mercury-Starday released two singles by Bill in 1957 and Starday Records released 11 more singles, several EPs, and seven full-length albums. In 1961, Bill organized one of the first all-day bluegrass festivals with Bill Monroe and several Starday Records labelmates and a year later he took on a board position with the Newport Folk Festival. In 1963 Bill moved to England and for the next 15 years he traveled and performed bluegrass music throughout the world. He was inducted into both America's Old-Time Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2008. |