Best 13-year old fiddler, Mark O'Connor plays "Tom and Jerry" on the Porter Wagoner Show (1975)

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  • Опубліковано 27 гру 2010
  • A very young Mark O'Connor on The Porter Wagoner Show in 1975 after he won the Grand Masters Fiddler's Championship at age 13. O'Connor'r record as the youngest Grand Master fiddle champion still stands 44 years later.
    For more information on Mark O'Connor, String Camps, The O'Connor Method, ensembles, repertoire, sheet music and more, please visit www.markoconnor.com
    For More UA-cams of Mark O'Connor's music:
    / markoconnor
    #!/markoconnor35
    / markoconnorfanpage

КОМЕНТАРІ • 178

  • @JewandGreek
    @JewandGreek 7 років тому +24

    Thirty years later there were lots of kids (and adults) who could play like that, but not in 1975. Mark inspired a whole generation to take fiddling to new horizons. Quite a feat for a 13 year old.

  • @mimirows
    @mimirows Рік тому +4

    Contest fiddling is a great start for kids. Mark was smart enough to progress. His improvisation is pure genius.

  • @fiddlefolk
    @fiddlefolk 3 роки тому +11

    How can 51 ignorant people dislike a 13 yr old genius who later became a great session player, concert virtuoso and great teacher?

  • @drdabsmore945
    @drdabsmore945 2 роки тому +2

    So, you basically hit the ground fiddling as soon as your hands could grip a fiddle. Love your music, man, ever since I was a kid. Keep rocking!

  • @GlennTolle
    @GlennTolle 11 років тому +16

    Your ability to focus on the tune in spite of the pedal steel player reveals why you became a champion!

  • @greg_gamer
    @greg_gamer 12 років тому +7

    The hosts's hair is freaking awesome.

  • @markoconnor
    @markoconnor  10 років тому +46

    Wow, that was pretty cool. I ended with Mark's Waltz today, the last piece of the 22 for the new recording and book IV. I wrote the waltz when I was 13. It will be interesting I think to author a book series like this and basically having 13 year-olds learn one piece from the author who wrote it at their age. It was very poignant to play it after all of these years indeed. Joe Smart played great on the guitar accompaniment. Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars by the way was a hit with our engineer today, he just loved it. Not the Twinkle that is the Alphabet song, but a very big song from the 1870s that was the theme of a major hit show on Broadway here back then. Fiddlers played it in every genre. It was written as a Schottische vocal song, and quickly became a hit instrumental, in much the same ways that the hit jazz songs later become instrumentals for jazz musicians. And the irony - you just can't make this stuff up can you! ;#}
    Best 13-year old fiddler, Mark O'Connor plays "Tom and Jerry" on the Porter Wagoner Show (1975)

    • @free-energy-systems
      @free-energy-systems 6 років тому +1

      I lived down the street from him on 51st. Ave. W. And in 10th grade English class, the quietest kid in class. Must've really loved studying English as well.

  • @angeliaphillips
    @angeliaphillips 6 років тому +5

    Awesome performance. Brought back some great memories! I love the white finish and all the autographing on your fiddle. I've been playing guitar and piano for about 45 years, but always wanted a fiddle. Finally got my first one for Christmas 2017, and learning to play at 53-years-old. So much fun!

  • @BYRNSEY1able
    @BYRNSEY1able 3 роки тому +3

    He was obviously a Prodigy, a once in a generation player, look at him now he is exceptional

  • @dqwannab
    @dqwannab 11 років тому +3

    The playing is awesome! Also cool is that kids can see that even Marc O'Connor was once shy.

  • @Tsalagi46
    @Tsalagi46 11 років тому +1

    Thumbs up for this young man. He is great. Thanks Mark !!!! Rosa

  • @WiccanRainbowMama
    @WiccanRainbowMama 11 років тому +2

    Loved this man back then, LOVE him now!

  • @jwylde2
    @jwylde2 8 років тому +2

    I'm an amateur fiddler and have seen Mark at concerts, but to think that he played like this at 13 makes me want to cry. I'll never even get close.

    • @anabelle3179
      @anabelle3179 8 років тому

      Yes! I feel you. I'm 14, and playing tom and Jerry and love it but wish I was this good!

    • @AnonymousNP
      @AnonymousNP 5 років тому

      @@anabelle3179 Tom and Jerry is a great fiddle tunes,have you been to any fiddle contest? You should gives you great experience and life lasting friendships

  • @BartowWing
    @BartowWing 11 років тому +1

    Greatest fiddle player I ever saw. I'm no expert but all his work does is impress me.

  • @olmmbill
    @olmmbill 12 років тому +1

    A great performance, and a sign of greater things to come in a stellar career.

  • @MelBesher
    @MelBesher 12 років тому +1

    Mark if I'm not mistaken, I believe I was there when you gave this fiddle to the Hall of Fame a number of years ago, I recall something like that, memories getting a little foggy. The best to you.

  • @JohnShewbrook
    @JohnShewbrook 9 років тому +4

    electrifying! sent a shiver down my spine - and you know why? watching something majestic that can't be explained :-)

  • @nasty5oh
    @nasty5oh 13 років тому +1

    Thanks for this nice footage Mark.

  • @RobertoAlexFigueroa
    @RobertoAlexFigueroa 8 років тому

    what a child was yesterday , today is a master: A big master. Regards from Santiago of Chile.

  • @nintzelj
    @nintzelj 13 років тому +2

    SUCH A GIFT! I first heard and saw you when you joined The Dregs. I became a big fan then and still regard you as one of my favorite musicians. Thanks for the cool footage!

  • @froggiechar
    @froggiechar 9 років тому +1

    Wow! Talk about a musical genius - at just 13 years of age, too! AMAZING, Mark! Thank you for sharing this! God bless, Charlie (Bro. Charles)

  • @mslindafreeman
    @mslindafreeman 12 років тому

    Mark O'Connor......You are such a talent and I have been a fan for many years. I lost track of you for awhile as I was out of the music business. We never met, but I think I've heard just about everything I can find on utube and THIS has to be such a fond memory for you. Thank you for downloading this for all the World to Hear! Best wishes, Linda Freeman Entertainment Director At Doc Severinsens in the 1980's,

  • @kjfitzgerald593
    @kjfitzgerald593 12 років тому

    Mighty fine quality video from that long ago. What a treasure. And that was some great fiddle playing!

  • @Fiddlinfrenzy
    @Fiddlinfrenzy 12 років тому

    Some very precious moment that not many people didn't find out
    Thanks for posting it Mark

  • @danielueblacker9118
    @danielueblacker9118 6 років тому +1

    Great player and a tall 13 year old back then. A Champion for sure.

  • @warmsteamingpile
    @warmsteamingpile 4 роки тому

    You've had an amazing life blessed with such talent enhanced by much hard work.

  • @ronkean111
    @ronkean111 Рік тому

    Wow! Love this!!
    Not sure where the Porter Wagner show was filmed from but we saw him all dressed in white at the old Opryland Park about that time. Early to mid 1970’s. He entertained us in the cafeteria and will never forget. Now wish would have seen you!!
    Thank you for sharing this n bringing back such pleasant memories.

  • @markoconnor
    @markoconnor  11 років тому +8

    The Huffington Post created a large feature on Mark O'Connor's 40 years as a recording artist. They wrote:
    "A 13 year-old Mark O'Connor wins the biggest fiddle contest in the world -- The Grand Master Fiddler's Contest, Nashville 1975. Also pictured is Mark's most significant teacher and the legendary Texas fiddler Benny Thomasson who created most of the Texas and Contest fiddling repertoire heard today. Mark won an unprecedented 1st place prize as the youngest open champion ever. He competed against all ages, both amateur and professional, and in one of the strongest fields ever seen in a fiddle contest before or since. Fiddling greats who lost to Mark that day included James "Texas Shorty" Chancellor, Terry Morris, Dale Morris, Sam Bush, Lewis Franklin, Larry Franklin, Vernon Solomon, Norman Solomon, J.T. Perkins and even his own his teacher Benny Thomasson. To prove to the fiddling world that it wasn't a fluke, Mark came back to the Grand Master's to win 1st place two more times and 2nd place another two times, all while still in his teens. Mark's record still stands as the most dominant fiddle contest record arguably in history, many of his contest records still stand 30 - 40 years later." -Huffington Post 6/9/13
    www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/09/mark-oconnor-violinist-and-former-child-prodigy-celebrate-40-years-of-music_n_2697256.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003#slide=2544284
    Buy Mark's new DVD+CD at midnight tonight at Amazon, B&N or iTunes. The release date is 6/11/13.
    Best 13-year old fiddler, Mark O'Connor plays "Tom and Jerry" on the Porter Wagoner Show (1975)

    • @sebastiansadan5582
      @sebastiansadan5582 3 роки тому

      It's cool that you and Sam Bush ended up playing together all those years later with Tony Rice and Bela Fleck. My favorite bluegrass concert of all time, even though I wasn't born yet.

  • @MrGraham001
    @MrGraham001 11 років тому +1

    Wow!That's just great,focused or what at such a young age!

  • @marivis70
    @marivis70 Рік тому

    Ohhhhh so young!!!!

  • @aquilesagonzalez7804
    @aquilesagonzalez7804 4 роки тому

    Thanks Mark great performance. And thanks for "Poema para Carlita" Best regards from Mexico.

  • @user-er2qx3jl4w
    @user-er2qx3jl4w 7 років тому +1

    FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!

  • @ronbo11
    @ronbo11 11 років тому

    Seeing Mark and Porter (before the perm) is excellent. It's also cool to see the old Opryland USA outdoor stage where I saw many a show growing up.

  • @nxnwboy
    @nxnwboy 12 років тому

    Dear Mark,
    I'm originally from Edmonds and rode with the BIKEFACTORY crew...
    Just wanted to say how proud I am of your path, and hope you're still skateboarding!

  • @9lontoonieful1
    @9lontoonieful1 9 років тому

    Excellent!

  • @HikeColorado
    @HikeColorado Рік тому

    Outstanding 👏 They should do a documentary on Mark’s career ❤

  • @mandoist
    @mandoist 12 років тому +1

    This was Mark's first 'Grand Masters' win...he won several more. Eventually they enacted a new rule stating the winner could not compete the following year.

  • @MsJforgy
    @MsJforgy 12 років тому

    That's simply amazing.

  • @colintracechandler
    @colintracechandler 11 років тому

    I wished I could have seen that! I am from Commerce, GA. He's my hero!!!!

  • @TheEzzieboy
    @TheEzzieboy 4 роки тому +5

    Pull the frickin' plug on that steel player.

    • @KashiwaDaisuke
      @KashiwaDaisuke 3 роки тому

      Didn't notice how bad it was until you pointed it out, lmao

  • @patriciajrs46
    @patriciajrs46 2 роки тому

    March 2022- listening today. I love it. Way to go Mark.
    Is that what they call a Virginia reel?

  • @guitarkenny
    @guitarkenny 11 років тому

    No one better in this world!

  • @jeremyxx11
    @jeremyxx11 11 місяців тому

    I was watching an old Beavis and Butthead episode and they played a Mark O’Conner video w/Johnny Cash and Travis Tritt, “Devil came back to Georgia.” The video was terrible but the fiddle playing was awesome. What a flashback though, good memories.🎶

  • @bevhinz462
    @bevhinz462 7 років тому

    one of the worlds best and still is,

  • @patriciajrs46
    @patriciajrs46 2 роки тому

    Mark is very good.

  • @BobMarshall1952
    @BobMarshall1952 12 років тому +1

    It's funny, if I had not known in advance that this was Mark O'Connor I would have guessed it anyway. His mannerisms and his style are the same today as when he was 13. He also plays a pretty mean mandolin. He is head and shoulders above the rest.

  • @eugenemalush9284
    @eugenemalush9284 4 роки тому

    Awesome!

  • @Hoosierfiddler
    @Hoosierfiddler 13 років тому

    Born to do what he is DOING...from then until now...

  • @rogervazz
    @rogervazz 13 років тому

    great Mark!

  • @aswilliams40
    @aswilliams40 8 років тому

    Porter Wagnoer Show what?!! Man all the things you have got to do just playing that Awesome Violin/Fidlle! 13 that's awesome!

  • @safeandsound100
    @safeandsound100 12 років тому +1

    Saw Mark in (1978 or 79?) in Calgary when he showed up at a local fiddle contest and took home most of that Canadian cash prize. I got some decent photos too. I think he was on some kind of contest circuit chasing prize money and probably making a good dollar. Anyway, it was not too many years after this video was made. Porter's band did a decent back-up job although Mark might have preferred that steel player to back off a little. Ha!
    G.P.

  • @merlynschutterle7242
    @merlynschutterle7242 5 років тому +1

    I wonder how much time it took him to get to this level. There is something special about this person that few have. Practice will not get anyone to this level. It has to be in the genes somewhere.

  • @donnlarossa9173
    @donnlarossa9173 5 років тому +1

    Talent from God, we all must embrace his blessings such as this.

  • @TheDrummer51
    @TheDrummer51 11 років тому

    This had to have been about 1970. I first saw Mark O'Connor on "To Tell the Truth" with my great aunt the same year and he was the same age.

  • @larryasbury6218
    @larryasbury6218 11 років тому

    hero,,,i remember seeing this,,,way back in the day,,,labette county kansas had electricity

  • @justmodnow
    @justmodnow 11 років тому

    how is it that a 1975 public television show look so modern and HD and professional?

  • @Kabeezees
    @Kabeezees 3 роки тому

    Just as ridiculous now as then. Great stuff!

  • @tomlehr861
    @tomlehr861 3 роки тому +1

    He plays guitar just as good

  • @davec7759
    @davec7759 9 років тому +30

    He'll be pretty good when he grows up, wont he?

    • @fiddlemusik
      @fiddlemusik 9 років тому +2

      Dave C Now that's funny!!

    • @AnonymousNP
      @AnonymousNP 6 років тому

      Ridge roberts is the next and best !

    • @patriciajrs46
      @patriciajrs46 4 роки тому

      He's grown amd married with kids and many awards.

  • @susanbrown6624
    @susanbrown6624 11 років тому

    MARK O'CONNER IS AN EXCELLENT FIDDLE PLAYER AND ALSO VIOLIN. HE AND MY COUSIN HAVE PLAYED, WHAT THEY CALLED "JAM SESSIONS" A LONG, LONG TIME AGO WHEN I WAS LIKE 7! LOL MARK O'CONNER AND RANDY HOWARD, JAMMIN' TOGETHER IN MILLEDGEVILLE, GA! 1983-85 LOL I AM 37, BUT SO DO REMEMBER THOSE EVENINGS!

  • @user-tb2jy9lu3d
    @user-tb2jy9lu3d 9 років тому +5

    1:44 That guitar player sure has some impressively fast chord changes...

  • @markoconnor
    @markoconnor  11 років тому +4

    Join me and my guests Dale Morris Jr. Patrice Jackson, Alex DePue and David Wallace as we talk about music competition and contests. Is it healthy for kids, does it make a difference?
    In this video clip, there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. Right before I stepped on stage to perform on this national television show, (one of the awards for winning the Grand Master Fiddle Championships in 1975), my mother told me that if things go well, and I get a lot of attention that the family could move to Nashville without our dad and live on the money that comes in from music. When i realized that Porter Wagoner's house band was not only missing chord changes, bass lines, but they decided that loud steel guitar chimes played through my entire tune and in my range was a good idea, somehow I saw my young life in music crumble as I played. The fact that I was able to play this well under that kind of pressure obviously made for one of the top high-pressure contest players of my era. It somehow worked for me, but are competitions for everyone. Let's discuss at 4:15 to 5:15 today at the Berklee Performance Center!
    Best 13-year old fiddler, Mark O'Connor plays "Tom and Jerry" on the Porter Wagoner Show (1975)

  • @user-tr3kf9hs6g
    @user-tr3kf9hs6g 8 років тому +1

    All those Signatures!!! Wonder who's names on that Fiddle? I bet some goodens! :) this is amazing!

  • @deankoch7305
    @deankoch7305 2 роки тому

    Very clean fingers.

  • @WeAreNotAmused
    @WeAreNotAmused Рік тому

    This is 2 years B4 Mark O'Connor won the telluride flat picker championship. And if I'm not mistaken he took champion two years consecutively
    He only 13 here but his hands were a bit. Bigger when he was 15
    Those are the best. Innovation years 4 practicing while the hands are still in formation that. Arc of fluxuation going on. Simultaneously in the background but mZ

  • @rabokarabekian409
    @rabokarabekian409 Рік тому

    "Cowboy" leisure suits - ah, the memories of when country was "authentic".
    On another note, look up Mark O'Connor playing mandocello.

  • @stevenacord7642
    @stevenacord7642 6 років тому +1

    That is the best fiddling that you will ever hear any we're but that damn Steel backing you sucks for air omg.....

    • @budg.6094
      @budg.6094 2 роки тому

      Maybe I am sick, but I was so mesmerized by the fiddle playing a bomb could have gone off and I might not have noticed it.

  • @patriciajrs46
    @patriciajrs46 4 роки тому

    Love your fiddle. I am sure you still have it. You really are very good.

  • @esmeraldahirsch904
    @esmeraldahirsch904 9 років тому

    I am speechless

  • @justin10054
    @justin10054 11 років тому

    The guy in the blue suit is amazing. That hair...

  • @maverickdallas100
    @maverickdallas100 11 років тому

    Mark is the STAR being featured. The steel player is simply laying back and not getting in Mark's way, just throwing in a few accents (chimes) here and there, well in the background. If I were in Mark's place, I certainly would not appreciate the steel player, or any other band member for that matter, drowning me out.

  • @Celloman4044
    @Celloman4044 12 років тому

    Haha awesome!

  • @nellieou
    @nellieou 3 роки тому

    That’s one tall 13 year old!

  • @virgilschmoe9435
    @virgilschmoe9435 8 років тому +7

    Do you still have that fiddle?

  • @LukeLittle-rt6sn
    @LukeLittle-rt6sn 8 років тому

    Love the hat😂

  • @melodyl52
    @melodyl52 12 років тому

    How awesome! I can't believe you were only 13...

  • @99sco
    @99sco 6 років тому

    Your one of my favorite fiddlers. Did you ever get a chance to meet the a fiddle hero of mine named graham Townsend?

  • @rickycox8899
    @rickycox8899 4 роки тому

    I has grown up and is still the best

  • @robertmontgomery10
    @robertmontgomery10 10 років тому

    That's Hairl Hensley, the announcer, asking the crowd for applause.

  • @davesiler4064
    @davesiler4064 6 років тому

    Mark, I think I recognize the setting. Isn't that stage part of what used to be Opryland before it closed?

  • @patriciajrs46
    @patriciajrs46 2 роки тому

    Listening again, Jan 2022. Your violin looks thicker than regular ones. Is it? It may only be my eyes, but it also looks wider. Could you please let me know? Thanks.

  • @JamesRambur134
    @JamesRambur134 9 років тому +1

    At fiddle camp 2 years ago I got instruction from Barbara Lamb. She was a great teacher. She said her claim to fame was that she started to teach fiddle at the age of eleven and that Mark was her first student at age 7. Is this true? and did she build a fire under him. Fiddling is where it's at Check out Carson Peters 9-year-old fiddler hopes to go pro
    Jim

  • @pickinvidders
    @pickinvidders 11 років тому +3

    Amazing for a 13-yo! Looks like there is such a thing as talent. The fly in the ointment here is the steel player who trampled Mark's playing with his distracting and interfering backup. You'd think a pro would know better.

    • @kenhforrest
      @kenhforrest 2 роки тому

      I agree with you completely.

  • @mosesclough5248
    @mosesclough5248 2 роки тому

    Does this log cabin still exist? Where is/was it located?

  • @NE2511S
    @NE2511S 11 років тому

    Looks like the AD or somebody on the TV crew signaling that the number is about to end.

  • @marivis70
    @marivis70 Рік тому

    Hi Mark, I'm Mariví Yubero from Spain, from La Aventura americana RADIO. Who had signed the fiddle for you?

  • @user-tr3kf9hs6g
    @user-tr3kf9hs6g 7 років тому

    Porter Wagner?! that's Awesome!

  • @kilpel2
    @kilpel2 3 роки тому

    The man with the big hair is Porter wagoner

  • @michabiaowas-fiddlerskrzyp5240
    @michabiaowas-fiddlerskrzyp5240 2 роки тому

    I'm your fun. Great!

  • @scootermom1791
    @scootermom1791 3 роки тому

    I'm jealous of your instrument in this video. Do you still have it? I have loved white violins since the Barbara Mandrill show (remember that?). I play violin, btw. I've tried fiddling, too, but that's definitely harder than playing symphony pieces. 🙂

  • @alainacward
    @alainacward 11 років тому

    so glad i'm related

  • @paolocavalaglio3332
    @paolocavalaglio3332 12 років тому

    GREAT GREAT!
    wow! i don't know if i have to stop to play violin or...maybe ask for the partiture! :-)
    may somebody give me the partiture he played!?
    thanks!

  • @endoalley680
    @endoalley680 8 років тому

    Is that a mute behind the bridge? The amplified fiddle tone is real good. If that is a mute, is that helpful in recording over a microphone?

    • @Devineagan91
      @Devineagan91 7 років тому

      That is a mute but it doesn't effect the sound of the instrument until it is placed on the bridge, so although the mute is on the instrument the instrument is not muted during the performance.

  • @cowboy229
    @cowboy229 13 років тому

    The only other fiddler I have seen move their fingers that fast is Ruby Jane, a protege of Mark's. Mark was certainly a big boy.

  • @raherql
    @raherql 12 років тому

    That's it! I'm taking up the flute!

  • @colindominy
    @colindominy 12 років тому

    Mark .. in this awesome clip .. is that fiddle the one which Benny Thomasson gave you ..

    • @budg.6094
      @budg.6094 2 роки тому

      He has talked about this. Yes, that is the one

  • @CDave44
    @CDave44 11 років тому

    you are mistaken. Mark O'Connor was born Aug. 5 1961. The date posted with this video is correct. I had a good friend who was teaching Mark guitar lessons in '73 when Mark was 11. No way he was on To Tell The Truth in 1970

  • @NE2511S
    @NE2511S 11 років тому

    Like, because they're about to cut to another camera angle, or to cue the sound man that they're changing angles or going to another shot or another scene altogether, something like that. Just a guess. Looks like that.

  • @MaksimLevinskyMusic
    @MaksimLevinskyMusic 9 років тому +6

    Isn't that "Carl" from "The Waling Dead"?

    • @anabelle3179
      @anabelle3179 8 років тому +1

      Hahaha thats what I was thinking

  • @kaluku23
    @kaluku23 11 років тому

    yipiiii...