Roy Clark Is Gone at Age 85. Thursday, Nov 15 edition.

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LATE ADDITION: MEMORIAL SERVICE TO BE STREAMED LIVE, and the PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND; also HOW TO MAKE GIFTS IN HIS MEMORY...



(This additional report was added Sun, Nov 18, 8:30 pm Pacific time).



"ROY CLARK'S CELEBRATION OF LIFE" Memorial Will Be Held Wednesday Near Tulsa, OK



BROKEN ARROW, Okla. - Plans were announced over the weekend for "Roy Clark's Celebration of Life" memorial which will be open to the public. The service will be held on Wednesday, November 21 at 11 am CT at Rhema Bible Church, 1025 W Kenosha St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 near Tulsa.



The service will be streamed live at:



www.rhema.org



and on Rhema Bible Church's Facebook Page.



A private, invitation-only visitation for family, friends and fellow performers will take place Tuesday evening.



IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family requests that all CONTRIBUTIONS be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. For several years, Clark headlined a golf tournament for St. Jude’s, where a floor was named in his honor.



“I see a lot of celebrities come to St. Jude, and you know what’s in a person’s heart by how they entertain the children,” said hospital CEO David McKee. “He was truly touched by the kids, not the cameras.”



Clark saw his helping hand as a responsibility. “I’ve just been so blessed in my life,” he said. “It would be a sin for me to sit there and not share it, and not do something to help others.”



St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105

(800) 822-6344

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A previous UPDATE was added at 1:25 pm Pacific time last Thursday, with TRIBUTES FROM MUSIC STARS added at the bottom of the edition.

The following is what was already published before the above LATE ADDITION.

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He never bought a joke and he didn't read music, but he was a legendary musical giant, filled with good humor everywhere he went.



In announcing the death this morning of banjo legend, musician, and entertainer extraordinaire ROY CLARK, his friend and publicist, Jeremy Westby, began with a life-defining and inspiring quote from Roy himself:



"Before we go any farther, I want to lay somethin' on you; it's not heavy and it's not to imply that you don't already do it. It's just a reminder... to all of us.

 

"The next chance you get, do somethin' nice for somebody - say 'good day,' hold a door open - and don't wait around for a thank you... you don't need it. And because of you, that person will go out and do something nice for somebody, and then that person will go out and do something nice for someone else, and this whole world can wind up doing nice things for each other and we can be the ones that start it.

 

"It takes all of us working together to get things done - no one does it alone. Only One did and I'm not that strong. Let's start it - here's to love - it's still the best!"



 -- Roy Clark.



ROY CLARK, the legendary "superpicker," whose many honors included music's top awards -- he was a GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM award winner, "Country Music Hall of Fame" and Grand Ole Opry member -- and co-host of the famed "Hee Haw" television series, died today at the age of 85. His death, at home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was due to complications from pneumonia.



Roy Clark gained success in a decade that otherwise defied artists in his genre. While his "Hee Haw" co-host, the late BUCK OWENS, rode the crest of the niche-market "Bakersfield Sound" wave, and a few, including GRAM PARSONS, and THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND owned one end of what was once a diverse rock-and-roll spectrum, it was Roy who attracted and won those audiences while holding the hearts of what we now call the fan bases of "trad country" and Acoustic Americana.



ROY CLARK pioneered the way for artists to find or create their own niches within genres long ago abandoned by the monotonously soundalike commerciality of corporate music. From the signature place claimed by JOHN DENVER to musical landscapes visited by NEIL YOUNG, to a couple dozen other famous artists we could name, fans of today's purveyors of roots-inspired acoustic instrumental brilliance all owe a debt to Roy.



And publicist Westby contends, "it can be summed up in one word — sincerity."



Sure, Roy Clark was one of the world’s finest multi-instrumentalists, and one of the first crossover artists to land singles on both the pop and country charts. And years later, he was the pioneer who turned Branson, Missouri, into what is arguably the live music capitol of the world -- the Ozark town today boasts more seats than Broadway.



And, yes, Roy's talents are largely responsible for making "Hee Haw" the longest-running syndicated show in television history. The reruns currently air multiple times every week on RFD-TV.



But the bottom line in understanding Roy Clark was the honest warmth he gave to his audiences.



BOB HOPE summed it up when he told Roy, “Your face is like a fireplace.”



Roy, the man who was a frequent guest-host for JOHNNY CARSON on "The Tonight Show" in addition to starring on "Hee Haw" for 24 years, had a keen sense about sending-out that sincere warmth:



“A TV camera goes right through your soul,” said Roy. He continued, “If you’re a bad person, people pick that up. I’m a firm believer in smiles. I used to believe that everything had to be a belly laugh. But I’ve come to realize that a real sincere smile is mighty powerful.”



Some might observe that family-friendly entertainer Roy Clark can be credited with playing the first recurring gay character on television. That seems worthy of gasps and certain disbelief in the conservative world of country music. But it's a fact. Years before BILLY CRYSTAL's character on "Soap," Roy did almost weekly sketches as the front-desk proprietor of the "Empty Arms Hotel" on "Hew Haw." That flamboyant character was usually the foil for the written-to-be-dumb remarks or attitudes portrayed by the others in scenes that ranged from cornpone to enduringly clever.



For a man who didn’t taste major success until he was 30, the key was not some grand plan, but rather taking everything in its own time.



“Sure,” he said, “I had dreams of being a star when I was 18. I could’ve pushed it too, but it wouldn’t have happened any sooner. I’m lucky. What’s happened has happened in spite of me.”



In fact, that’s what Clark titled his autobiography, "My Life — In Spite of Myself!" written with Marc Elliot (Simon & Shuster, 1994).



He expressed some of the same themes when The Guide interviewed him in the 21st century. (We're looking for the story and notes in the archive.)



Roy's book reminded many that there is much more to Roy Clark than fast fingers and a quick wit.



That he was raised in Washington, D.C., often surprises people. Born Roy Linwood Clark on April 15, 1933 in Meherrin, Virginia, his family moved to D.C. when he was a youngster. His father played in a square dance band.



He also took young Roy to free concerts that are still ubiquitous in the Nation's Capital. For Roy and his musician dad, that included performances presented by the National Symphony and various military bands.



Roy remembered, "I was subjected to different kinds of music before I ever played. Dad said, 'Never turn your ear off to music until your heart hears it -- because then you might hear something you like.'"



Sort of a prototype mantra for what so many Folk-Americana musicians tell big labels and corporate radio syndicates today.



Beginning on banjo and mandolin, Roy was one of those people "born with the music already in them." His first guitar, a Sears Silvertone, came as a Christmas present when he was 14.



That same year, 1947, he made his first TV appearance on a medium that was then brand-new.



He was 15 when he earned $2 for his first paid performance, with his dad's band.



In the fertile, diverse musical soil of cosmopolitan D.C., he began playing bars and dives on Friday and Saturday nights until he was playing every night and skipping school. Eventually he dropped-out at the tender age of 15, something that rarely leads to any kind of success.



"Music was my salvation, the thing I loved most and did best. Whatever was fun, I'd go do that," wrote Roy. The difference was his obvious talent and instrumental prowess, along with that warm charisma.



The guitar wizard soon went on tour with country legends, including HANK WILLIAMS and GRANDPA JONES. After winning a national banjo competition in 1950, he was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, which led to shows with RED FOLEY and ERNEST TUBB.



Yet he'd always return to D.C. to play not only country, but jazz, pop, and early rock 'n' roll. On that last point, he's prominently featured in the recent book, "Capitol Rock." In D.C., he could and did play with black groups and white groups in a time when no one did, and it was considered scandalous.



For Roy, that meant he could play fast, and even play guitar with his feet.



In 1954, he joined JIMMY DEAN & THE TEXAS WILDCATS, appearing in clubs and on radio and TV, and even backing up ELVIS PRESLEY.



But in 1960, he was 27 and still scrambling. An invitation to open for WANDA JACKSON at then internationally renowned Golden Nugget in Las Vegas proved to be his big break.



That led to his own tour. He was on the road for 345 straight nights at one stretch. When he returned to Vegas in 1962, he came back as a headliner and recording star, with his debut album, "The Lightning Fingers Of Roy Clark."



The next year, 1963, he had his first hit, "The Tips of My Fingers," a country song that featured an orchestra and string section.



"We didn't call it crossover then but I guess that's what it was," Roy later observed. He continued, "We didn't aim for that, because if you aim for both sides you miss them both. But we just wanted to be believable."



There's that trademark sincerity and authenticity again.



It was there in the vinyl grooves of that record. And it came through even better on TV.



His first appearances on the small screen were in 1963, on "The Tonight Show" and "American Bandstand." Both showcased his easygoing attitude and rural sense of humor.



That remained a key to his showmanship. "Humor is a blessing to me. My earliest recollections are of looking at something and seeing the lighter side. But it's always spontaneous. I couldn't write a comedy skit for someone else," Roy said.



Throughout the '60s, Roy Clark recorded several albums, toured constantly, and appeared on all the TV variety shows of the time, from Carson to Mike Douglas to Flip Wilson.



"I was the token bumpkin," he joked, continuing, "It became, 'Let's get that Clark guy. He's easy to get along with.'"



Then came "Hee Haw." Conceived as a countrified "Laugh-In" with music, and shot in Nashville, "Hee Haw" premiered in 1969. Co-starring Clark and Buck Owens, it was an immediate hit.



Though CBS canceled the show after two-and-a-half years -- despite its ranking in the Top 20 -- the series immediately found a home in syndication, still producing new episodes. It remained there until 1992.



"I long ago realized it was not a figure of speech when people come up to me and say they grew up watching me since they were 'that big'," indicating some period of early childhood, noted Roy.



A generation or two also grew-up listening to him. In 1969, "Yesterday, When I Was Young" charted in the Top-20 Pop chart, and hit #9 on the Country Billboard chart.



Including that first hit, Roy Clark went on to have 23 Top-40 country hits. Among them were eight Top 10s:



• "The Tips Of My Fingers" (#10, 1963)

• "I Never Picked Cotton" (#5)

• "Thank God And Greyhound You're Gone" (#6, 1970)

• "The Lawrence Welk-Hee Haw Counter Revolution Polka" (#9, 1972)

• "Come Live With Me" (#1)

• "Somewhere Between Love And Tomorrow" (#2, 1973)

• "If I Had It To Do All Over Again" (#2, 1976)



In addition, his 12-string guitar rendition of "Malaguena" is considered a classic and, in 1982, he won a GRAMMY for "Best Country Instrumental Performance" for "Alabama Jubilee."



A consummate musician, no matter the genre, he co-starred with PETULA CLARK at Caesar's Palace, became the first country artist to headline at the "Montreux International Jazz Festival," and appeared in London on "The Tom Jones Show."



Clark was amazed when guitarists from England credited his BBC specials and performances on variety TV shows with the likes of the JACKSON 5 for inspiring them to play.



But Roy always said the highlight of his career was a pioneering, sold-out 1976 tour of the then-Soviet Union: "Even though they didn't know the words, there were tears in their eyes when I played 'Yesterday.' ['Yesterday, When I Was Young'.] Folks there said we wouldn't realize in our lifetime the good we'd accomplished, just because of our pickin' around."



When he returned in 1988 to now-Russia, Clark was hailed as a hero.



Though he always said he "never bought a joke and doesn't read music," as key self-descriptions, he was proud of both.



The "hillbilly singer" was that rare entertainer with deserved acclaim and popularity that proved worthy of respect from his fellow professionals and many intersecting "publics," that combined to bring him:


• a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."

• eight GRAMMY nominations and one win

• the Academy of Country Music's "Pioneer Award"

• membership in the "Gibson (Guitar) Hall of Fame"

• the first country artist inducted into the Las Vegas

 "Entertainers Hall of Fame"

•  induction as the 63rd member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1987 in Nashville

• induction in 1987 in Carnegie Hall

• induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009

• and more



Roy’s many good deeds on behalf of his fellow man led to him receiving the 1999 "Minnie Pearl Humanitarian of the Year Award" from TNN’s "Music City News Awards."



In October, 2000, he was inducted into the "Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame," and until his death, he was actively involved with school children who attend the Roy Clark Elementary School in Tulsa, Okla.



When we saw him perform at a "Huck Finn Jubilee" bluegrass festival when it was still on the narrows of the Mojave River in the California Desert, his joy of making music with young people took sudden center stage.



Roy's headlining set was preceded by elementary school musicians from a program sponsored by a Southern California bluegrass program in cooperation with a local school district. The kids segment included both a group performance and an exhibition by the fifth and sixth grade top students.



Roy was spotted backstage chatting with the top 6th grade fiddlers.



Then, in the midst of his own set, he brought the kid onstage, to perform a duet. Then, he gave the kid a solo.



Obvious lifetime memory for one 6th grader, and everyone there must wonder where that kid is now.



It was rather risky for a star like Roy. He didn't really know what the kid could do, beyond one well-practiced exhibition piece. Not that it could have damaged Roy's reputation had it not gone well. But it was going to be remembered, no matter what.



Still, by all accounts, that was Roy.



From his home in Tulsa, where he moved in 1974 with Barbara, his wife of 61 years, Clark continued to tour extensively. For him — and for his legion of loyal fans — live performance was what it was all about.



“Soon as you hit the edge of the stage and see people smiling and know they’re there to hear you, it’s time to have fun. I keep a band of great young people around me, and we’re not musically restrained. It’s not about ‘let’s do it correct’ but ‘let’s do it right,’” he said of his lifelong approach to taking the stage.



At the end of each of Roy’s concerts, he would tell the audience, “We had to come, but you had a choice. Thanks for being here.”



With responding smiles, audiences continued to thank Roy for being there, too.



Roy was preceded in death by his beloved grandson Elijah Clark who passed at the age of fourteen on September 24, 2018. Roy is survived by Barbara, his wife of sixty-one years, his sons Roy Clark II and wife Karen, Dr. Michael Meyer and wife Robin, Terry Lee Meyer, Susan Mosier and Diane Stewart, and his grandchildren: Brittany Meyer, Michael Meyer, Caleb Clark, Josiah Clark, and his sister, Susan Coryell.



The Guide offers our condolences and sympathy to all his loved ones.

A memorial celebration will be held in the coming days in Tulsa, Okla., details are being arranged.

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The Guide expresses our thanks to Jeremy Westby, Sandy Brokaw, and 2911 Media for information and quotes used in this story.

We will add video links of Roy's performances later today in this space, and insert a note at the top of this edition when they are added.

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Meanwhile, the TRIBUTES are pouring in...

"Roy Clark was one of the greatest ever. His spirit will never die. I loved him dearly and he will be missed." – Dolly Parton

"When I came to Nashville, Roy was one of my favorite stars. I loved the way he hosted the CMA's and Hee Haw. It was always an honor to be on the same stage with him. I am already missing Roy's big smile." – Crystal Gayle

"The Halsey family’s hearts are filled with gratitude for the many years (59) of friendship and business association. He was a rare combination of talent and generosity. Roy Clark brought a special kind of healing to the world. He will be missed by the multitudes. – Jim Halsey, friend and manager

"My story is not unique. How many guitar players started with a Roy Clark guitar method book? How many guitars were sold to people wanting to play because of him? How many lives were made better because of his wit and joy? I’m one of so many." – @BradPaisley

"When the Nashville floods wiped out most of my guitars, Roy heard about it & showed up at a show and gave me one of his. This is who this man was. Constantly giving. I owe him so much. Go say hi to my Papaw for me Roy. You left the world a much better place. #royclark" – @BradPaisley

"Roy Clark shaped my path. My Papaw introduced me to his music as a toddler. Every Saturday we’d watch Hee Haw. My first guitar book was a Roy Clark guitar method. I practiced his style, then practiced making his facial expressions. He was a hero. And so many have the same story." – @BradPaisley

"I remember Roy as a great musician and singer. But more than that, he was a great human being. Always laughing, always uplifting to those around him. Doing shows with Roy on Hee Haw was such a wonderful experience. There is a vacant spot in Nashville now that he is gone. RIP Roy Clark" – Lee Greenwood

"Getting to REALLY know Roy Clark is one of highlights of my country career. I first met him on HEE HAW and the went on to do dozens of shows with him over the years. He was a good friend, we laughed a lot together and he loved Duke's mayonnaise on his tomato sandwiches." – T. Graham Brown

"My first CMA memory is sitting on my living room floor watching Roy Clark tear it up. Sending my love and respect to him and his family for all he did. - KU" - @KeithUrban

"Just got word that Roy Clark has passed. I’ve known him for 60 years and he was a fine musician and entertainer Rest In Peace Buddy, you will be remembered" – @CharlieDaniels

"Roy, thank you for always spreading laughter, kindness, and positivity. We'll keep it goin' for ya!" – @Opry

"Just heard Hee Haw Star / Super Picker #RoyClark just passed away. Saw him last when we filmed #CountrysFamilyReunion He was always so kind. Heaven gained another amazing addition to the Angel Band. Rest In Peace Roy" – @RhondaVincent13

"I had the honor of playing with Roy Clark on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and many times and on the television series Hee Haw. I looked up to Roy; he was the consummate entertainer. But the things I will remember most about Roy are his big, over-the-top, cheesy grin, and how, from the moment I met him, he made me feel like I had known him forever. Roy Clark was a good man... the real deal." – Tim Atwood

"Rest In Peace friend, brother, mentor .... Roy Clark ..." – @OakRidgeBoys

"Growing up watching #HeeHaw, I knew nobody could pick-&-grin like the great #RoyClark. And his #YesterdayWhenIWasYoung is one of the great songs of Country or any kind of music. A true legend. We will miss him. #RIP" - Terry Fator

"Wonderful Roy Clark was a great talent & a kind & gentle man. We had so much fun singing & dancing together. My love goes out to his family & friends. #royclark #rip" – @TheMitziGaynor

"We're sorry to hear about the passing of Roy Clark. Roy Clark made best use of his incredible talent. He was both a showman and a virtuoso, with a love of music that beamed across air waves and into millions of living rooms, where families gathered to watch and listen." – @countrymusichof

"R.I.P. Roy Clark. Oh man so many memories growing up with him on hee haw. Another part of my childhood that made growing up the way I did awesome. Hee Haw, Johnny Carson, Paul Harvey among others are everywhere in my memory bank. He lived a long great life and I thank him. SALUTE" – @GitRDoneLarry

"Roy Clark was a very sweet Man that loved Jesus and country music. Heaven just got a great picker! Can’t wait to see him do some pickin’ and grinnin’ on them heavenly hay bales." – @GitRDoneLarry

"Roy's passing is overwhelming. It is truly the end of an era. Roy was Big Daddy for all of us. And for those of us who were blessed to know him as a friend and work with him, it hurts so deeply. He made so many of our careers possible. It offsets the deep anguish of his passing to know he is free from any suffering now and that his great talents are with us forever on the thousands of TV episodes, recordings and in our memories. His huge contribution to the music business and to so many of us personally is etched in our hearts forever. America loves Roy and we will all bless his memory, honor him and thank him forever. He was truly one of God’s good ones." - Jana Jae

"23 years ago, Roy Clark changed my life in an instant. It is hard to put it into words, but from the moment we first encountered each other, he knew me, believed in me and took it upon himself to give me great opportunities that otherwise would never have been possible. I can only be so grateful that I had a chance in my life to reconnect with him and tell him personally exactly what he had done for me all those years ago. The other great blessing is that I was given an opportunity to develop a meaningful friendship with this man over the last few years. It brings me great peace. I would play for him, and he would just smile and become so genuinely excited. Again, at just the right moment in my life, he became a great encourager. Roy has left a lasting impact on my life. For over 20 years I’ve been telling people the stories of how he changed my life...and I will never forget." – Kyle Dillingham

"Our deepest condolences to the family of Roy Clark. Country music has lost another giant – well-loved both for his unique talents and his generous, kind-hearted spirit." – @OfficialRFDTV

"My friend of 46 years is gone and I am heartbroken. He could make me laugh like no other and now he makes me cry. His music will live forever and now the angels in heaven are picking and grinning. I love you always dear friend." - Misty Rowe

"RIP Roy Clark, was an honor to pick and sing with you" – @raybensonaatw


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That's all for this edition. Stay tuneful!





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♪ The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE endeavors to bring you NEWS – and views of interest to artists everywhere – more specifically to musicians and the creative community and music makers and fans of acoustic and Folk-Americana music. That includes both traditional and innovative forms. From the deepest roots to today’s acoustic renaissance, that’s our beat. We provide a wealth of resources, including a HUGE catalog of acoustic-friendly venues (now undergoing a major update), and inside info on FESTIVALS and select performances in Southern California in venues from the monumentally large to the intimately small and cozy. We cover workshops, conferences, and other events for artists and folks in the music industry, and all kinds o’ things in the world of acoustic and Americana and accessible classical music. From washtub bass to musical spoons to oboe to viola to banjo to squeezebox, from Djangostyle to new-fangled-old-time string band music, from sweet Cajun fiddle to bluegrass and pre-bluegrass Appalachian mountain music to all the swamp water roots of the blues and the bright lights of where the music is headed now.



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