Welcome back to Guitardoor.com, where we celebrate the players whose talent was matched only by the joy they brought to the world. Today, we pay tribute to a true American icon, a Grammy-winning country music superstar, and the beloved, grinning host of the legendary TV show Hee Haw: the one and only Roy Clark. While millions knew him for his infectious laugh and down-home comedy, behind that ever-present smile was a musician of breathtaking skill—a true virtuoso and one of the most versatile and talented “pickers” to ever grace a stage.
The Virtuoso Entertainer
Roy Clark’s public persona was that of a consummate entertainer. He was a master of comedic timing and possessed a warm, approachable charm that made him a beloved household name. Through his long-running tenure on Hee Haw, he became a weekly guest in the living rooms of millions, acting as a hugely popular and important ambassador for country music.
But his true legacy lies in the world-class musicianship that was always at the heart of his act. His style was a seamless and joyful blend of nearly every form of American music. He was a phenomenal guitarist, equally comfortable playing lightning-fast bluegrass flatpicking runs, sophisticated jazz chord-melodies, and fiery, intricate flamenco passages. He wasn’t just a master of one genre; he was a master of them all, and he presented his incredible talent not with a stern, academic air, but with a grin and a wink that made his virtuosity accessible and fun for everyone.
Anatomy of a “Super-Picker”: Technique and Tone
Roy Clark was a complete musician, a true multi-instrumentalist who had mastered a staggering array of stringed instruments, most notably the banjo and fiddle, in addition to the guitar. His guitar technique was a stunning display of both speed and versatility. He could execute blistering runs with flawless precision, often using his speed for incredible comedic effect, but the underlying technique was always deadly serious and world-class.
His versatility was his greatest technical asset. He could switch from the intricate fingerstyle of Chet Atkins to the hot jazz of Django Reinhardt to the classical flair of Andrés Segovia at a moment’s notice, all while making it look effortless.
His choice of gear reflected his need for a versatile and elegant sound. He is strongly associated with beautiful hollow-body and semi-hollow electric guitars. For many years, he favored Gibson models like the high-end Byrdland and the classic ES-335. He also had a long relationship with Gretsch guitars and various signature models with companies like Heritage. For his stunning classical and flamenco pieces, he often played Martin or Ovation acoustic guitars. To amplify this diverse collection, he typically relied on the clean, clear power of Fender amplifiers like the Twin Reverb, which provided the pristine, high-headroom tone necessary to articulate every note of his fast and intricate playing.
Essential Clark: A Masterclass in Versatility
Roy Clark’s career was filled with hit songs and unforgettable television performances that showcased his incredible range. To understand the full scope of his talent, these three performances are essential.
“Yesterday, When I Was Young”
This was Roy’s biggest and most enduring vocal hit, reaching the top of the pop and country charts. The performance is a masterclass in his ability to be a sensitive and heartfelt interpreter of a song. While not a guitar showcase, it demonstrates the incredible depth of his artistry beyond the “picker” persona and features the beautiful, tasteful guitar work of a seasoned musician serving the melody.
“The Twelfth Street Rag”
A signature instrumental and a perfect example of his “virtuoso entertainer” persona. On this classic ragtime tune, Roy would unleash his jaw-dropping speed and precision in a way that was both technically astounding and hilariously entertaining. It was a staple of his live shows and a perfect demonstration of his ability to make even the most difficult passages look like pure fun.
“Malagueña”
This was the performance that left millions of television viewers speechless. Often performed on Hee Haw, Roy’s rendition of this Spanish classical/flamenco standard was a stunning display of his serious classical and flamenco technique. For many in his audience who only knew his country comedy, seeing him flawlessly execute this passionate and intricate piece was a revelation, proving that the grinning host was, without a doubt, one of the most accomplished guitarists in the world.
Roy Clark was a true American treasure. He was a rare talent who could bridge the gap between “high art” musicianship and mainstream family entertainment. His legacy is not just in his hit records, but in the countless people he inspired to pick up a guitar, banjo, or fiddle, not just because of his incredible skill, but because of the undeniable and infectious joy he exuded every single time he played.
