Roy Clark, the legendary country music virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist, and long-running co-host of the television variety show Hee Haw, passed away at the age of 85. Roy Clark cause of death was complications from pneumonia. He died peacefully at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family.
His passing on November 15, 2018, marked the end of an era for traditional country music and televised variety entertainment. While millions knew him for his broad smile, quick comedic timing, and down-home charm on Hee Haw, musicians worldwide remembered him as an absolute titanium-fingered picker who could seamlessly bridge bluegrass, jazz, pop, and classical styles.
Early Life and Musical Awakening
Born on April 15, 1933, in Meherrin, Virginia, Roy Linwood Clark grew up in a household steeped in working-class roots. His father played the fiddle and banjo in a local square dance band, exposing young Roy to traditional Appalachian sounds early on. When his family relocated to the Washington, D.C. area during his childhood, his musical education expanded rapidly. His father introduced him to live performances by military bands and the National Symphony Orchestra, instilling an open-eared philosophy that lasted a lifetime.
Clark received his first proper instrument—a Sears Silvertone guitar—as a Christmas gift when he was fourteen years old. Before that, he had already mastered the banjo and mandolin. His dedication paid off remarkably fast. By age fifteen, he won the National Banjo Championship, an achievement he repeated the following year, earning him an invitation to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage at just seventeen.
Despite his mounting musical skills, adolescence wasn't entirely smooth. Traditional country music wasn't considered fashionable by his school peers, so Clark leaned into humor and clowning around to fit in. This self-effacing humor later became a hallmark of his stage persona, allowing him to disarm audiences before astonishing them with his blistering speed and precision on the fretboard.
Rise to Prominence and the Hee Haw Years
Clark's big break in television came through his association with country artist and bandleader Jimmy Dean. In 1954, Clark joined Dean's band, playing lead guitar on local radio and television broadcasts in Washington, D.C. Though he was briefly dismissed due to habitual lateness, the exposure proved invaluable.
Moving out west to Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the 1960s, Clark caught the attention of television executives. He became a frequent guest and substitute host for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, showcasing both his astonishing guitar solos and his easygoing conversational wit. He also made notable acting appearances on popular television sitcoms like The Beverly Hillbillies.
The defining chapter of his professional life began in 1969. Alongside fellow country star Buck Owens, Clark signed on to co-host Hee Haw, a fast-paced, corn-pone comedy and music show patterned after Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. Although CBS dropped the weekly series in 1971, the show found massive success in national syndication, running for more than two decades. For 24 years, Clark welcomed viewers into their living rooms with banjo in hand, corny jokes, and deeply sincere vocal performances.
A Virtuoso Guitarist Beyond the Television Screen
While Hee Haw made him a household face, musicians respected him most for his peerless instrumental versatility. Clark didn't just play country music; he handled Spanish classical pieces, swing jazz, and blues with equal authority. His right-hand picking technique was studied by aspiring guitarists worldwide.
He was a prominent endorsements partner for major guitar manufacturers, including Gretsch, Mosrite, and Heritage Guitars, which built custom signature instruments in his honor. He earned numerous accolades throughout his lifetime, including entertainer of the year awards from the Country Music Association (CMA), Grammy awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Beyond music and television, Clark was an avid licensed pilot, often flying his own aircraft to concert dates across the country. He also helped pioneer Branson, Missouri, as a premier live-entertainment destination, building a dedicated theater where he performed for thousands of loyal fans well into his later years.
Remembering a Gentle Icon
When Roy Clark passed away from pneumonia complications in late 2018, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Artists praised his humility, generosity toward younger pickers, and unwavering work ethic. He is interred in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the city that served as his long-term home and where a local elementary school was proudly named after him decades prior.
For further reading on his life and contributions to American roots music, you can explore resources provided by the Country Music Hall of Fame and historical retrospectives via the GRAMMY Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments did Roy Clark play?
While he was best known for the acoustic and electric guitar, Clark was a master multi-instrumentalist who excelled on the five-string banjo, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, and bass.
How long did Roy Clark host Hee Haw?
Clark hosted Hee Haw alongside Buck Owens for 24 years, spanning its initial network run on CBS and its exceptionally popular decades-long syndicated run.
Did Roy Clark win any major music awards?
Yes. During his decades-long career, he won Grammy awards, Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards, and Country Music Association (CMA) awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Where was Roy Clark living at the time of his death?
At the time of his passing in November 2018, Clark resided in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he had lived for many years with his wife, Barbara.
