Carl Volti seems to have been an important figure in the Kerr's publishing business. He contributed more than 35 original tunes to Kerr's Merry Melodies, and published several tutors, albums of popular songs, national overtures, and so on. Carl Volti was born Archibald Milligan in Glasgow on 29th January 1848. His father and several uncles on his mother's side were fiddlers. One uncle, George Hood, was known at one time as one of the best in Scotland, and the young Archibald was greatly influenced by Hood's visits to the house. Volti's first instrument was the tin whistle, and after his friends also obtained whistles, he started a whistle band, teaching the others, taking on the rôle of leader and teacher.