The “Hee Haw” host and Country Music Hall of Famer passed away Thursday at age 85.
Through spokespeople and on social media, fellow legends and other country music notables paid their respects Thursday as news spread about the passing of Roy Clark. The celebrated guitar virtuoso, longtime Hee Haw TV host and Country Music Hall of Famer was 85 when he died due to complications from pneumonia at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma
In a series of Tweets, Brad Paisley gratefully acknowledged Clark as a mentor: “My story is not unique. How many guitar players started with a Roy Clark guitar method book? How many guitars were sold to people wanting to play because of him? How many lives were made better because of his wit and joy? I’m one of so many.
“When the Nashville floods wiped out most of my guitars,” Paisley added, “Roy heard about it and showed up at a show and gave me one of his. This is who this man was. Constantly giving. I owe him so much.”
Among the others who sang Clark’s praises:
Ray Stevens
“Country music fans around the world will miss Roy Clark. He not only knew how to play the guitar and make it look easy, but he also knew how to hold his mouth and make it look like fun.”
Dolly Parton
“Roy Clark was one of the greatest ever. His spirit will never die. I loved him dearly and he will be missed.”
Crystal Gayle
“When I came to Nashville, Roy was one of my favorite stars. I loved the way he hosted the CMA's and Hee Haw. It was always an honor to be on the same stage with him. I am already missing Roy's big smile.”
Keith Urban
“My first CMA memory is sitting on my living room floor watching Roy Clark tear it up. Sending my love and respect to him and his family for all he did.”
Charlie Daniels
“Just got word that Roy Clark has passed. I’ve known him for 60 years and he was a fine musician and entertainer. Rest in Peace Buddy, you will be remembered.”
Ricky Skaggs
“Roy Clark was an amazing musician and entertainer. He made pickin’ look fun to all of us young kids. I loved Roy Clark and he loved me. I’ll really miss him but he will not miss me where he’s at. There’s no missing in Heaven.”
John Anderson
“Roy’s pickin’ and grinnin’ forever changed the landscape of musicianship in country music and beyond. His playing made us practice our guitars more, all while realizing we were just trying to keep up.”
Bobby Bare
“I lost a dear friend today and my heart hurts. Rest in peace, Roy.”
Jerry Lee Lewis
“I have fond memories of my friend Roy. We shared laughter when I did guest spots on Hee Haw. I will miss him. God bless his family and may he rest in peace.”
Mickey Gilley
“Roy Clark was one of the greats in the music industry, was also a great friend and we had a lot in common. We both love music and both loved aviation. I will miss my friend!”
Randy Travis
“When I think back on my career and the ones that helped shape me, Roy was there. As a young boy, I idolized him... as a fellow artist, I adored him. God bless you and keep you by His side, Roy, til we meet again. I love you, Forever and Ever, Amen.”
Collin Raye
“Woke today to the sad news of Roy Clark's passing. Yet another country music legend, from that great generation, is gone. Roy was a phenomenal musician, brilliant entertainer, and more importantly, a sweet, kind, world-class gentleman. I always enjoyed the time I had the honor of spending with him. We will miss you, Roy.”
Darryl Worley
“My daddy always said that Roy was the best guitar picker of them all. I think he might’ve been right and we are sure going to miss him. Thanks for the music, my friend.”
Sammy Kershaw
“The boys and I were just talking about Roy on the bus Saturday night when Hee Haw came on. We are going to miss a hell of an entertainer. Great musician and a really funny guy. God bless him.”
Pam Tillis
“Roy Clark... great entertainer, great friend of my father. That's the kind of country awesomeness I grew up with. Rest in Peace.”
Aaron Tippin
“I had the pleasure of meeting Roy several times. We always ended up talking about airplanes. He was an aviator also, and loved it like I do. What a great talent and special man he was. He’ll be missed.”
Marty Rayborn of Shenandoah
“Today, many of us have heard about the passing of Roy Clark, realizing another of the patriarchs of country music has gone on. Roy Clark brought laughter as well as his music to the true sense of entertainment. He will truly be missed.”
Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band
“With the passing of Roy Clark, we have lost another legend who isn’t replaceable. Roy’s trademark guitar pickin’ and distinct voice will never be forgotten. Ride in peace.”
TG Sheppard
“Roy Clark helped bring country music to a whole new level with his concerts, Hee Haw, and his guest appearances on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. He was one of the kindest and most talented people in our business. I have lost a friend, but the music world has lost a great treasure.”
Moe Bandy
“He was one of my best friends. One of the most talented people I have ever met. He was a true gentleman who was nice to his fans and friends. One-of-a-kind. We’ll truly miss him.”
Misty Rowe
“My friend of 46 years is gone and I am heartbroken. He could make me laugh like no other and now he makes me cry. His music will live forever and now the angels in heaven are picking and grinning. I love you always dear friend.”
Larry Stewart of Restless Heart
“Roy Clark's musicianship was second to none, period. One of the most gifted guitar players and entertainers in country music history... the smile, the sleight of hand, a magician with six strings. RIP.”
Danny Innis of Restless Heart
“The country music community has lost one of its greatest emissaries with the passing of Roy Clark. How many of us grew up listening to Roy on the radio and watching Roy on TV? I know I did. Hee Haw was a show I never missed. Roy did it all… he was a genuinely funny comedian and his extraordinary musicianship was inspiring to an entire generation of players. His instantly recognizable voice will never be forgotten. Let's all pray for peace, love and comfort for Roy's family.”
Here is a clip of Roy Clark, master showman and guitar wizard, during a 1990s performance in Branson, Missouri.
