In Concert, 1964

It took a bit of coaxing by folklorist Archie Green, but the Bolick brothers agreed, however reluctantly, to perform this reunion concert at the University of Illinois's Lincoln Hall on October 17, 1964. Although the pair had recently resumed recording after a 13-year layoff, this live appearance--their first public performance since 1951--was a historic moment for both the Blue Sky Boys and the folk revival, and this collection remains the only concert recording of the legendary duo. Bill and Earl run through 22 wonderful and varied highlights of their 15-year RCA association (most songs are unavailable), ranging from their 1936 recording debut "I'm Just Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail" to the fan favorite "The Sweetest Gift," which they waxed in 1949. Clearly, the boys shake off any reservations they might have had, offering grim ballads and "peppy" numbers, both sacred and secular, to a rapt college audience. --Marc Greilsamer