Born near Arthur, Kentucky, Joseph "Cotton" Carrier proved himself proficient on the mandolin, guitar, and fiddle at an early age. As a member of such early country music groups as Goober and His Kentuckians and later, The Plantation Gang, Carrier presented himself as a talented musician. It was reportedly his personality, however, that landed him the position of emcee on WSB Radio's popular "Barn Dance" program in 1941. After a hiatus between 1942 and 1946, when Carrier served in the army, he returned to Atlanta and WSB to become a well-known broadcaster. During his time with WSB, Carrier maintained a high profile, appearing on "Barn Dance," "The Dixie Farm And Home Hour," "Cracker Barrel," and "Georgia Jubilee." In the 1950s, Carrier continued performing as a vocalist and guitarist for Boots Woodall and the TV Cowboys on Atlanta's WAGA-TV. Later in his career, Cotton Carrier worked alternately as a songwriter and promoter. In 1953, The Smith Brothers, an Atlanta gospel quartet, scored a hit with Carrier's song "I Have But One Goal." As a promoter, Carrier was equally successful, booking Elvis Presley's first Atlanta appearance in 1955. In 1957, he joined the Lowery Music Group as a record promoter and in 1980 he was named General Professional Manager for Lowery Music Group. He died in 1994 at the age of 75.
From the description of Cotton Carrier papers, circa 1940-1984 (Georgia State University). WorldCat record id: 263178348
