Kenneth Carllile
Thumbs Carllile | |
|---|---|
Carllile in 1950 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Thumbs Carllile, Thumbs Carlisle |
| Born | Kenneth Ray Carllile April 2, 1931 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | July 31, 1987 (aged 56) Decatur, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | country music |
| Occupations | guitarist, session musician |
| Instrument | guitar |
| Years active | 1941–1987 |
| Labels | Epic Smash Gemini (1974) |
Kenneth Ray Carllile (April 2, 1931 – July 31, 1987), better known as Thumbs Carllile (Carlisle in some collections), was an American country music guitarist and songwriter known for his innovative zither-like fingerstyle playing, sitting with his guitar in his lap while fretting, picking, and strumming with his fingers and thumbs. He performed with Little Jimmy Dickens on the Grand Ole Opry in the early 1950s, and was a member of Roger Miller's band from 1964 to 1972.