In the early 1980s, Carol and George Kline
began singing with a gospel/prison ministry group from Harrisburg, PA. When the group disbanded, they formed a small gospel
string group featuring George's talent on the five-string banjo. Because of increased interest in hearing "the soft sounds"
and low register of Carol's voice, she continued to enlarge her repertoire, singing on her own using professionally recorded
accompaniment music.
Again, because of increased interest, Carol continued to add old-time country
favorites to honor requests for popular music programs. She included the songs of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves,
and many others. Carol's popularity continued to grow and, in April 1999, she performed her first full tribute to Patsy Cline,
receiving a standing ovation. Eventually, she added a mixed music program (she calls it her Cabaret-style show) to include
Big Band and other old-time popular favorites.
Originally from Delaware, Carol moved to Pennsylvania
in 1970. She married George Kline, a Lebanon, Pennsylvania native, in 1981, and believes their relationship is "a precious
gift from God!" George is an accomplished musician, but fully enjoys his role as sound technician and musical advisor
for his wife, especially since his retirement in March 2001 from First Energy Electric Company. The Klines moved to Sebring,
Florida in 2002, but returned to Pennsylvania 17 years later (in 2018).
Through the years, Carol Kline
has worked in promotional design, public relations, holds a certificate in non-fiction writing, had her own column in their
hometown newspaper, The Lebanon Daily News in Lebanon, PA She also worked as a radio personality with her
own country music show at WWSM 1510, Annville, PA, until their move to Florida. She served as public relations director
in health care settings for almost 20 years, and is a certified activities director.
As
of February, 2013, Carol Kline became a correspondent and feature writer for The News-Sun ( www.newssun.com ), a local newspaper in Sebring, FL. In addition to numerous feature stories, she wrote a four-part series
about their daughter (Major Kristine Ratliff, RN, USAF, Retired) concerning the need for more specialized care of
our men and women veterans today. "Nursing homes are not the answer," she declared. A book entitled
"Home Of the Brave" is based on these articles. It was published in December 2013. In addition,
she has written and illustrated three children's books: "An Unlikely Pair," "Miss Maggie Down
On Main Street," and "Ananais and the Sawgrass Mysteries." All are available on Amazon.com as well
as on Kindle.com. Look for all of her books by name and author on Amazon.com, or you may order signed copies from Carol
Kline directly by emailing her at cakl45@comcast.net.
As an entertainer, she has six recordings
to her credit. The first, "Blue Moon Of Kentucky," is a compilation of Patsy Cline favorites, and the second, "Touch
Through Me," offers some of the best loved old-time gospel favorites. Both include numerous duets with hubby, George
"Love Bucket" Kline! A Christmas recording ("Christmas With Carol") was followed by "A Sweet
Mix," which features some of your favorite pop songs and includes two duets with George. "Love Songs &
Praise," produced in 2003, is a collection of beautiful love songs and gospel favorites featuring four duets in
addition to two original gospel songs written by Carol Kline herself. Their newest release -- "I'll Need Time"
-- was released in May, 2010, and features the songs of some of the greatest in country music: Jim Reeves, Tammy
Wynette, George Jones, Dottie West, Kenny Rogers, and many others. Numerous duets and even a solo by "Love
Bucket" highlights this latest release.
In 2001,
after working 34 years as a lineman, George retired from the electric company in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and the couple took
their part-time singing career to full time status. His interest and talent in music and sound technology has proven invaluable
to their on-stage performances, and his deep bass voice lends itself to what some consider to be a real Jim Reeves style and
sound!
The Klines have performed extensively in Pennsylvania and Florida, in addition
to gospel concerts and/or shows in Texas, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, and
Michigan, as well as several appearances at resorts in Branson, MO. In addition, they have performed three show cruises with
Carnival: Inspiration (January 2003), Glory, (January 2004), Liberty
(February, 2009).
The Klines traveled in their RV, performing wherever bookings or invitations take
them. With their passion for singing still rooted in gospel music, they have touched congregations and many audiences everywhere.
Whether they perform old-time gospel, or their newest country show, whether they sing patriotic or popular favorites, they
wrap their hearts around every song. You are sure to enjoy their marvelous harmony and, most of all, you will long feel the
warmth of their love for God, Country, and each other!
Personal note: For most of
2010 to the present, the Klines were not able to travel and perform during the summer months due to the tragic accident
their daughter, Maj. Kristine Ratliff, RN, USAF, experienced in April 2010. They did travel briefly and perform
in 2012 and 2013, but on a very limited basis. Kristine continues to recuperate now in her own home on a high
hill near Richland, Pennsylvania with 24/7 care. Kris is very happy that Mon and Dad (Carol and George) live
just three doors down the street. While there were many legal setbacks to keep her parents from moving their
daughter from Texas to be with them, Kris has taken her maiden name back. She is now Kristine Kline again!
"We trusted in God's timing and prayed fervently that she could move East to be with us, and our prayers
were finally answered. It's where she desperately wanted to be. Your continued prayers for her improvement
are greatly appreciated! She is improving every day in her new surroundings. She is very happy, loves it
here, and is improving every day! Kris is a member along with us of Zion Methodist Church in Myerstown, and she has
become a great inspiration to everyone she knows. She is learning to say words, with Amen and Mom being the first two
she learned to pronounce!" explained Carol Kline. "God is so very good!"
