Thumbs Carllile (ne Kenneth Carllile, 1931-1987) was a hotshot guitar player best known for his tenure with country star Roger Miller, as well as for his unique picking style. Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, Carllile first learned how to play dobro, but when he switched to guitar he found it easier to play in the same fashion -- as a lap-held instrument, which gave him the ability to use his thumbs as well as his fingers to fret and to pick. He started out playing with as a teenager with high-profile country starts such as Ferlin Husky and Little Jimmy Dickens, and later worked in regional variety shows such as The Ozark Jubilee, and on radio and TV. While Roger Miller was at the height of his fame, he recruited Carllile to anchor his band, a gig that lasted from 1964-72, later moving through smaller projects and recording several private albums. Here's a quick look at his work...
Thumbs Carllile "All Thumbs" (Smash Records, 1965) (LP)
Thumbs Carllile "Roger Miller Presents Thumbs Carllile" (Smash Records, 1966) (LP)
(Produced by Jerry Kennedy)
Thumbs Carllile "On His Own" (Gemini Records, 1973) (LP)
Thumbs Carllile "Life And Times" (Frontline Records, 1978) (LP)
Thumbs Carllile "Jazz Carllile Style" (Direct-Disk Labs, 1979) (LP)
Thumbs Carllile & Herby Wallace "...And Company: Take One" (Herby Wallace Productions, 1985) (LP)
Thumbs Carllile & Herby Wallace "Christmas Our Way" (Herby Wallace Productions, 19--?) (LP)
