Carl Roberts Butler was born on June 2, 1927, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Influenced by local old-time music, he began singing at age 12 and performed with various bluegrass bands. In 1952, he married Pearl Dee Jones, forming the duo Carl Butler and Pearl. Their breakthrough came in 1962 with "Don't Let Me Cross Over", which reached Number 1 on the U.S. country charts. The duo charted thirteen times between 1962 and 1969, releasing notable songs such as "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could" and "Too Late to Try Again". Carl Butler was also a prolific songwriter. They retired to their ranch in the early 1980s but made occasional guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry until Pearl Dee Jones died in 1988. Carl Robert Butler passed away from a heart attack on September 4, 1992.
