Hawaiian guitarist Jimmie Tarlton formed a partnership with guitarist and singer Tom Darby in 1926. Early in 1927, they auditioned for Columbia Records and in November of that year, at their second session, they recorded "Columbus Stockade Blues" and "Birmingham Jail." Between 1927 and 1933, Tarlton recorded about 80 songs for Columbia, Victor, and ARC, some solos, others with Darby. On their duet recordings, Darby mainly sang the lead vocal with Tarlton playing the steel guitar and adding harmony work, which at times included a yodel. Ironically, they were never friends and in 1933, they parted and Darby returned to farming. Tarlton continued to play until the mid-'40s, when he semi-retired. Around 1963, he was persuaded to play at several festivals and even recorded an album.