Songwriter, Musician. A member of the famous country music group "The Bailes Brothers", he was a writer of religious and secular songs and wrote most of his group's music. His best known works included "Dust on the Bible," and "Give Mother My Crown." The former was often sung by Kitty Wells, and the later popularized by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Walter and his brothers Homer, John, and Kyle seldom appeared together and usually paired off in various combinations. Walter and his brother John were stars of "The Grand Ole Opry" on Nashville's WSM radio station during the middle 1940s. In 1946, he started working for KWKH radio station in Shreveport, Louisiana. During that period of his career he helped form the "Louisiana Hayride." He played a significant role in starting the career of the legendary Hank Williams, Sr. In 1947, he began serving as a minister within the evangelical churches and therefore was replaced by his brother Homer in the duo. He preached numerous revivals both in the United States and overseas in addition to attending to the needs of his congregations. Under the King label, Walter and his brother John again joined forces as a gospel duo in the year 1953. Walter later formed the White Dove label and recorded numerous solo albums. During the final phase of his career he continued to cut records and attend public appearances in various combinations with his brothers. His song "Dust on the Bible" was included within the Smithsonian Institution's Songwriters Museum.
Songwriter, Musician. A member of the famous country music group "The Bailes Brothers", he was a writer of religious and secular songs and wrote most of his group's music. His best known works included "Dust on the Bible," and "Give Mother My Crown." The former was often sung by Kitty Wells, and the later popularized by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Walter and his brothers Homer, John, and Kyle seldom appeared together and usually paired off in various combinations. Walter and his brother John were stars of "The Grand Ole Opry" on Nashville's WSM radio station during the middle 1940s. In 1946, he started working for KWKH radio station in Shreveport, Louisiana. During that period of his career he helped form the "Louisiana Hayride." He played a significant role in starting the career of the legendary Hank Williams, Sr. In 1947, he began serving as a minister within the evangelical churches and therefore was replaced by his brother Homer in the duo. He preached numerous revivals both in the United States and overseas in addition to attending to the needs of his congregations. Under the King label, Walter and his brother John again joined forces as a gospel duo in the year 1953. Walter later formed the White Dove label and recorded numerous solo albums. During the final phase of his career he continued to cut records and attend public appearances in various combinations with his brothers. His song "Dust on the Bible" was included within the Smithsonian Institution's Songwriters Museum.
Bio by: Steve Corley
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