Roy Clark's Humor Often Obscures His Musical Excellence
Roy Clark's sense of humor is a big reason for his impending induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, although it's probably the very reason he's never gotten the credit he deserves as a singer and musician. Looking at his early career, it's almost as though he was experiencing a professional identity crisis. His first album, The Lightning Fingers of Roy Clark, was released in 1962, and the title pretty much sums up Clark's dazzling guitar style. A year later, he scored his first hit in 1963 with his vocal recording of Bill Anderson's "Tips of My Fingers." By 1966, his instrumental skills were showcased on two other albums -- Roy Clark Guitar Spectacular and Stringin' Along With the Blues. Once his 1966 album Live! was released and he was making cameo appearances as a talented bumpkin, Cousin Roy, on The Beverly Hillbillies, his job description was fairly obvious. Above all, Roy Clark was destined to be an all-around entertainer.
As a vocalist, Clark charted quite a few singles, yet only nine titles made it to Billboard's country Top 10. Only one, 1973's "Come Live With Me," reached No. 1. But he was selecting interesting material written by forward-thinking songwriters such as Bobby Bare, John Hartford and Red Lane. Notably, Clark reached the Top 10 in 1969 with "Yesterday, When I Was Young," which I'm pretty certain is the only country hit ever written by French singer, songwriter and actor Charles Aznavour.
Most of us have been exposed to Clark's guitar playing through live performances during his many TV appearances. And with his facial expressions, there's a certain comic element when he's playing those blistering-fast lines on "Alabama Jubilee" or even his showcase instrumental piece, "Malaguena." There's no doubt that he's big on flashy playing and showboating, but he's capable of much, much more than that. You can hear a more subtle side of his playing on his 1979 collaboration with Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Makin' Music, and a 1995 project with a genuine jazz guitar legend, Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams.
Clark parlayed his visibility as co-host of Hee Haw into a career that made him a national celebrity during the ‘70s. While it may be hard to add up all of his individual accomplishments, they certainly equal a well-deserved place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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RedMaZ says:
Thanks for mentioning my two favorite Roy Clark projects. “Makin’ Music” with Gatemouth, a true live recording with some of the on the spot rehearsal segments left on the final album. That was in 1979? Really….? I remember buying that album new and basically wearing it out. Their cover of “Take The A Train” is great. Still have the album (of course) with Gatemouth’s signature on it(never did get Roy’s autograph though).
The project with the late Jazz guitar legend Joe Pass is incredible. Joe brought the best out of Roy in that session playing Hank Williams’ instrumental cover tunes.
solongsowrong says:
Heard Roy recently on the Opry. The voice is starting to go, but man, can he still make those fingers sing!!!!
A true Country great. I’m happy he was selected.
Snyder44 says:
As great as Roy Clark is…I still think Jerry Reed’s not being in the Country Music Hall of Fame is a crime. I’m certain Mr Clark would agree.
CjJ says:
Roy Clark always has had that special something with humor. He so deserves to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Congrats Roy!
RedMaZ says:
My all time favorite Roy Clark comedy skit? Do youself a favor and youtube search “Roy Clark, The Great Pretender” 1966. Hilarious!!!!!
RedMaZ says:
Further investigation reveals that many are calling this performance by Roy a gay bash with racial slur undertones.
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