‘Hee Haw’ Country King Roy Clark Dies @ 85

According to his publicist Jeremy Westby, country legend Roy Clark — considered a guitar virtuoso and perhaps best known as a fixture on TV's Hee Haw — died Thursday  from pneumonia at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Clark was a gifted vaudevile-style comic as wel as a music great. (GIF via GIPHY)

He was 85.

Born April 15, 1933, Clark became one of the most respected guitarists and banjo players in the music industry, one closely associated with the bluegrass and country genres. He also enjoyed pop success, including with the #19 hit "Yesterday, When I Was Young" (1969), written by the late Charles Aznavour (1924-2018).

Among his biggest country singles, the #1 smash "Come Live with Me" (1973), "Honeymoon Feelin'" (1974) and "If I Had It to Do All Over Again" (1976).

His first album was released in 1962, and he racked up over 50 releases, including compilations, live albums and his tremendously popular instrumental albums.

Clark, who first performed at the Grand Ole Opry at age 17, became a member in 1987, and is also a Country Music Hall of Famer.

His biggest impression came as the host of 24 seasons of the corn-pone classic TV series Hee Haw (1969-1997). The show's phenomenal success led him to host The Tonight Show multiple times in the '70s, and to make appearances on TV shows as himself.

He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Barbara, and their four children.

No Comments Yet.

Leave a comment