The Life and Music of Roy Clark

Roy Clark was more than just a country music star—he was a multi-instrumentalist, television personality, comedian, and pioneer of crossover appeal in country-pop music. Known for his warm personality and extraordinary musicianship, Clark rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s through chart-topping singles, popular TV appearances, and a long-running role as co-host of Hee Haw, one of country music’s most beloved variety shows.

Though Clark was best known for his banjo and guitar skills, he also left a mark as a songwriter, entertainer, and mentor. His influence helped shape modern country music, and his humor and charisma brought the genre to a broader audience.

Full Name	Roy Linwood Clark
Birthdate	April 15, 1933
Birthplace	Meherrin, Virginia, USA
Died	November 15, 2018 (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Main Genres	Country, Country-Pop, Bluegrass
Instruments	Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Vocals
Years Active	1950s–2010s
Best-Known Hits	“Yesterday When I Was Young,” “Tips of My Fingers,” “Come Live with Me”
Major TV Appearances	*Hee Haw*, *The Tonight Show*, *The Beverly Hillbillies*
Hall of Fame Inductions	Country Music Hall of Fame (2009), Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame (2007)
Grand Ole Opry Member	Since 1987

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Roy Clark was born on April 15, 1933, in Meherrin, Virginia. He grew up in Staten Island, New York, before his family relocated to Washington, D.C. His father, who was a semi-professional musician, introduced him to music at a young age. Roy began playing guitar and banjo in his teens and showed an extraordinary aptitude for both.

By age 17, Clark had already performed on the Grand Ole Opry, and by his early twenties, he had won two National Banjo Championships along with top honors in flatpick guitar competitions. Aside from music, he dabbled in boxing and baseball and even became a licensed pilot at the age of 23.

Early Career and Breakthrough

In the 1950s, Clark found steady work as a session musician and performer. He joined the Jimmy Dean Show in Washington, D.C., in 1955, but was famously let go for persistent tardiness—an event Dean later called his “biggest regret” because of Clark’s immense talent.

After marrying Barbara Joyce Rupard in 1957, Clark began touring and found work in Las Vegas as part of Hank Penny’s band. He also backed Wanda Jackson as a member of her group, The Party Timers. These roles helped him develop both his stage presence and musical versatility.

Rise to Fame Through Television

 

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Clark’s national profile rose when Jimmy Dean introduced him on The Tonight Show. This led to a recurring role on The Beverly Hillbillies, where he played Cousin Roy and other musical characters. His blend of humor and musical precision made him a natural for television.

His big break came in 1969 when he was tapped to co-host Hee Haw with Buck Owens. The weekly country variety show combined music, comedy sketches, and rural humor. Though canceled by CBS in 1971, the show continued in syndication until 1992 and reached millions of homes across America.

Clark became a household name thanks to the show. His wit, showmanship, and warm personality turned him into an ambassador for country music.

Recording Success and Charting Singles

Clark signed with Capitol Records in 1963, scoring a modest crossover hit with “Tips of My Fingers”, which reached #45 on the pop chart and #10 on the country chart.

He later moved to Dot Records, where he released some of his biggest hits:

• “Thank God and Greyhound” (1969) – #90 Pop, #6 Country

• “Yesterday When I Was Young” (1969) – #19 Pop, #9 Country

• “Come Live with Me” (1973) – #1 Country, his highest-charting country hit

• “Somewhere Between Love and Tomorrow” – Top 20 Country

• “Honeymoon Feelin’” – Top 10 Country

“Yesterday When I Was Young,” originally a French song by Charles Aznavour, became Clark’s signature tune. The song, filled with nostalgia and sorrow, resonated with audiences across genres.

Later Television Appearances and Legacy

Clark’s success extended into the 1970s and 1980s. He often served as a guest host on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and appeared on programs such as:

• The Odd Couple (playing “Malagueña”)

• The Jackie Gleason Show

• The Mike Douglas Show

From 1980 to 1988, Clark performed with The Million Dollar Band, a supergroup of session musicians featured regularly on Hee Haw.

In 1983, Clark opened the Roy Clark Celebrity Theater in Branson, Missouri, helping to establish the city as a hub for live country music. The venue showcased major country acts and helped build Branson’s reputation as a musical destination.

Honors and Contributions

Clark’s legacy goes far beyond hit songs and TV appearances. Over the years, he earned numerous honors for his contributions to music and entertainment:

• Country Music Hall of Fame – Inducted in 2009

• Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame – Inducted in 2007

• Grand Ole Opry – Inducted in 1987

• Oklahoma’s Music Ambassador for Children – Awarded in 2011

• Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

He also earned multiple Academy of Country Music Awards, including:

• Entertainer of the Year (1973)

• Instrumentalist of the Year – multiple times throughout the 1970s

Final Years and Death

Clark spent his later years in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he continued to perform on occasion and make public appearances. In 2011, he was honored by the Oklahoma House of Representatives for his lifelong contributions to music and the state’s cultural heritage.

On November 15, 2018, Roy Clark passed away at the age of 85 due to complications from pneumonia. He was surrounded by family at his home.

He was survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, along with their children and grandchildren.

Legacy and Impact

Roy Clark’s influence on country music cannot be overstated. His role on Hee Haw brought country into living rooms across America. His musicianship—on guitar, banjo, and mandolin—earned him respect from fans and fellow artists alike. His stage charisma and humor helped bridge generations and genres.

Clark helped make country music more accessible and visible. Today, artists like Brad Paisley and Keith Urban cite him as an inspiration, especially for his instrumental versatility and his willingness to blend genres.

Summary of Career Highlights