Classic Track: Troubles Back In Town (Wilburn Brothers)

Brothers Virgil Doyle Wilburn: Born 7 July 1930, Hardy, Arkansas, USA, d. 16 October 1982); Thurman Theodore "Teddy" Wilburn: Born 30 November 1931, Hardy, Arkansas, USA, d. 24 November 2003, Nashville, Tennessee, USA).

One of country music's great sibling duos, brothers Doyle and Teddy Wilburn were as formidable in the spotlight as they were behind the scenes, lending their superb close harmonies to 30 chart hits including the classic "Hurt Her Once for Me."

Their father, Benjamin Wilburn, a disabled World War I veteran, whose ill health prevented him doing normal work, thought that a career for his children in entertainment might help the family budget. He bought a mandolin, guitar and fiddle from the Sears, Roebuck catalogue and in 1937, after his tuition, the Family were singing on the streets of Thayer, 18 miles over the state line in Missouri.

They went on to play local radio stations and in 1940, after a reference from Roy Acuff, who saw them singing at Birmingham, Alabama, they were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. They immediately became very popular and attracted a respectable fan following. Beset with problems concerning child labor laws, the Opry management asked them to leave. They returned home and continued to entertain, although the onset of World War II affected their careers.

Between 1948 and 1951, the Wilburn Family worked on KWKH Shreveport, where they regularly appeared on the Louisiana Hayride. In 1951, because of the Korean War, both Teddy and Doyle were drafted for US Army service. In 1953, after discharge, they began to work as a duo, touring and working with several major acts, including Webb Pierce, Faron Young and Ernest Tubb. They also played on the Opry, becoming full cast members in 1956.

The Wilburn Brothers scored their first major hit with "Sparkling Brown Eyes," in collaboration with Webb Pierce. The song spent 18 weeks on the charts, peaking at No. 4 in 1954. They also provided backing vocalists on Pierce's biggest hit, "In the Jailhouse Now." Teddy and Doyle appeared on The Arthur Godfrey Talent Show and American Bandstand. Between 1955 and 1972 the Wilburn Brothers scored 30 chart hits, including "I Wanna Wanna Wanna," "I'm So in Love With You," "Go Away With Me," "Which One Is to Blame," "Trouble's Back in Town," "Roll Muddy River," and their biggest single, "Hurt Her Once for Me" (1966). They also notched two Top Ten duets with Ernest Tubb, "Hey, Mr. Bluebird" and "Mister Love."

During the late 1950s, the Wilburn Brothers teamed with steel guitarist Don Helms to establish the Wil-Helm Talent Agency. The business helped launch the professional careers of Sonny James, Jean Shepherd, the Osborne Brothers, and in particular Loretta Lynn, who toured with the Wilburns' road show and later landed a recording contract with Decca Records. In 1963 the Wilburn Brothers were awarded their own weekly syndicated TV variety series. The Wilburn Brothers Show ran through 1974, providing early exposure to acts including the Oak Ridge Boys, Tammy Wynette, and Barbara Mandrell.

In 1967 the Teddy and Doyle were named Duet of the Year in the Music City News Awards, and were nominated for Vocal Group of the Year honors by the Country Music Association (1972). In 1978 they recorded their final Decca LP, Sing Hinson and Gaither.

Although they had no chart successes after "Arkansas" in 1972, they maintained their popularity and still appeared on the Opry throughout the 70s. Doyle Wilburn died in Nashville in 1982 as the result of cancer. Teddy maintained the family tradition and continued to appear on the Opry.

On October 16, 1982, Doyle's life was claimed by cancer. Teddy then mounted a solo career, and remained a member of the Grand Ole Opry until his death from congestive heart failure on November 24, 2003. ~ RJB, Country Music Historian: Nashville, Tennessee USA.

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[twinPaula12]

Years ago I listened to Doyle's wife, Margie Bowes, when she was on The Ernest Tubb Record Shop broadcast. She had two guest stars and she managed to insult them in her own way when it came to their choice of songs and even their looks (they were both men). I never liked her after that. To me, she was a mediocre singer to start with, so I never heard much about her career throughout the past years. - Paula

[flashbell]

@twinPaula12 , I think your opinion of her music is accurate.

[hankedful]

Don Helms on steel, great song.

[Heavydagger]

That is an outstanding example of harmony. A really first class duet.

[twinPaula12]

A few months ago I watched The Wilburn Brothers on their old shows and it was so heart warming to see and hear these terrific artists again. They always looked so classy and, as has been said many times, their harmony is outstanding. I still wonder if there will ever be any truly talented duos again - male especially. Thanks again for posting this. - Paula

[HillbillyBoogie1]

I had no idea that the Wilburn Brothers played pop-country. I always thought they were the real deal.

[skynyrdfan56]

Awesome song, really great.

[WendyKS93]

I really miss seeing The Wilburn Brothers on television each week. Always great music and really good vocal harmonizing and Teddy was always so handsome to look at.

[LUVGWTW2]

Great song! This song was written by Okefenokee Joe (Richard Flood) and recorded by the Wilburn Brothers. Okefenokee Joe has written a beautiful new Christmas song, "This Night of Peace." It's destined to be a timeless holiday classic.

[speedycreekdave]

smooth vocals

[Denniscecelia]

Beautiful....I love it!!