As I've told you before, word travels slowly from the headwaters all the way down to this corner of the wood. I just learned today of the passing, on November 15th, of Roy Clark, one of the stars of Hee Haw. What? You don't remember Hee Haw? Where were you in the 70s and 80s, on another planet?
OK, well... Hee Haw was an American television variety show (created by a couple of Canucks - Frank Peppiatt and John Aylesworth) featuring country music and humour from "Kornfield Kounty", not far from Walt's hometown. It aired on CBS from 1969 to 1971, in syndication from 1971 to 1993, and on TNN from 1996 to 1997. And it's still available on RFD-TV.
The show, centered on country music and rural culture, was hosted by country music artists Buck Owens and Roy Clark for most of its run. Other big names -- some already famous from the Grand Old Opry and other popular radio and TV shows -- who appeared regularly included Grandpa Jones, String Bean, Archie Campbell, Gordie Tapp, Minnie Pearl and the legendary Roy Acuff.
Like Roy Clark, all of those listed have rung down the final curtain. Passed on. Gone to Hillbilly Heaven. A chap by the name of Robert Marshall has put together a video tribute to them, and others who are no longer with us. Here it is.
Sadly omitted from the video is one of my favourites, Don Harron (aka Charlie Farquharson). He passed away on 17 January 2015. Country music fans who read WWW may use the Comments section to remind us of others. I miss them all.
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