Zac, you’re killin’ it with these episodes! Last week with Don Rich and now with Roy Nichols. Two of my biggest influences for country guitar. (I was a rock and blues player before I got into country.) Listening to Roy and Don, as well as James Burton, got me started off right with country. I was always way more into the Bakersfield stuff than the Nashville stuff, even when I lived in Nashville! Interesting fact: in about 1973 I heard an all-women country band called Helen Long and The Long Shots, whose lead guitarist was named Marcia Nichols. So I asked her if she was related to Roy, and it turned out she was his ex-wife! She was a good player too.
Waylon was the reason I discovered the Telecaster, but Roy made me go to the store and buy my first. The swinging scale runs, and pre-bends had me hooked immediately.
Cool video! The studio version of "Mama Tried" actually had THREE of the most influential country guitar pickers on it! James Burton picking the intro, Roy Nichols on lead guitar, and Glen Campbell on rhythm guitar and backing vocals!
I was fortunate enough to get to visit with Mr. Nicholas when Merle passed through our town. What a nice guy. Sorry he left us so soon, but he paid his dues many times over.
Another great video, thanks! Got to see Roy with The Hag back in the 70’s when he was touring with some members of the original Texas Playboys , Eldon Shamblin playing an old gold Strat with some sort of plastic cover on the back, Tiny Moore on an old electric mandolin etc. It was a real eye opener and something I’ll always remember.
another .02...first time I saw Merle was at a State Fair in 1983. Roy played the whole show on a black Les Paul Custom and his playing was off-the-charts great. Every solo was perfect.
I'm 2 years late but I still enjoyed this. Since I was 4-5 years old I dreamed of being Luther Perkins, Don Rich or Roy Nichols so those guys have been on my short list of heroes for 50 years. Thanks for the show.
This is Jack Bond….For Roy B. fans, at Roy’s request, I wrote the title cut on his album THAT’S WHAT I AM HERE FOR… the original 2nd verse, which they altered for some reason, was “I’m tryin’ so hard to tell you, but I just can’t move my lips; the words roll right on past my tongue, on down to my finger tips” Roy bluesed it up, but gave me full credit, which was incredibly generous! He was the best!
Perhaps my all time favorite (out of many favorite) episodes you've done, Zac. Thanks for all the biographical background, the playing tips, and the record recommendations. My education happily continues thanks to you.
Always fantastic content Zac! That opening lick and solo on Mama Tried is what got me into country music. Cool to learn the back story, with both Roy and James.
The way Roy Nichols' flat picking 1/2 step swings is nothing short of amazing. I often wondered where John Jorgenson may have been influenced somewhat....I think I've figured it out. Great show Zak. Keep up the good work!
Those live albums you held up were my first albums I paid for. They are in my blood. Roy was one of a kind, he and Bonnie solidified the sound of Merle Haggard. Between Merles life experiences and his incredible gifts..there will never be another. To me he is the best there ever was or will be. Thanks for recognizing Roy, I much appreciate it.
WoW.... what great picking. Thank you for showing how to play that distinct legendary intro for "Mama Tried". I've been a fan of Merle Haggard since '67. I am so fortunate and lucky to have seen him "Live On Stage" four times. Never got to meet Roy Nichols, but met and talked to Merle and Bonnie. What a sweet and gracious lady Miss Bonnie was. I was, and still am a huge fan of The Hag, Bonnie Owens, and Roy Nichols nearly sixty years after hearing "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive" playing on the radio in '66 & '67. Most certainly enjoyed the video, and am a fan of yours too, Zac! 👋🤠Howdy from Tom in 🇨🇱 Texas 🇨🇱
This has to be my favourite Ask Zac episode to date. I love Roy Nichols. We have all stolen so much from Roy’s technique especially the that 7th note and the half bend which I use a lot of myself. I love your album collection too! I also love that solo on Merle’s recording of Honky Tonk Night Time Man. So much historical facts on this episode. Great job sir!!!
Sorry I messed up there. Hit the go button by accident. I was saying "there side of how they got to their impact of original playing we love." Could you also do one on Jimmy Olander of Dismond Rio. Another great Tele player.
Roy Nichols was the absolute man. Ronnie Van Zant would agree. Merle is like the Ozzy of country music in the sense that he got the absolute pick of the litter with having a GREAT lineage of guitar players. Roy, Redd, Reggie Young, James Burton?! SMOKIN'!
WELL, I had the Honor of being My Hero's personal Roadie in 1974 On Oahu at Pearl Harbor N C O Club , If ya want the whole story ask me , I got to carry Roy's amp and Guitar into the gig and set it on stage and then Tune His lovely Las Paul with a strobe tuner ..He just trusted me . I was 24 yrs old.. As sad as I was that wasn't playing his Tele { That's what I had } he kicked Holy Butt on that Guitar , Norm Hamlet and Tiny Moore were in the Band then and they play the most Hair Raising triple Harmonies I ever heard . Then or Now .. There's more .. John Driver , Austin Tx.
I couldn't agree more. I always look forward to Zac's show. Very informative viewing and Zac's genuine personality and his love for guitarists and guitars/gear really adds up to making these episodes real gems.
This was exactly what I was needing! I’ve been mildly obsessed with Roy ever since I got this little Tele-copy last week and I’m so glad that I got to wake up to this upload!
Great episode. Roy is one of my favorite tele players. I’ve always loved his jazz-influenced lines. One of my favorite ones is on the live from Philadelphia album during the band intro leading into stealin corn. Makes me grin every time I hear it!
Thank you for another great video. These videos show why we love the Telecaster so much. I always appreciate the Spotify playlists that accompany your videos.
Been trying to verify that Roy was the lead solo guitar on "What am I Gonna Do (With the Rest of My Life) on Merle's 1983 album "That's the Way Love Goes". I hear some live versions that are close but that studio recording is one of my favorite guitar solos of any genre! Thanks!
I love all of these videos! The intro is the musical equivalent of swapping out dress shoes for canvas shoes and a suit coat for a cardigan. Zac's demeanor and unparalleled musical knowledge make my treadmill far more tolerable. Thanks, Zac!
Another great and informative show. I was raised on the Merle Haggard/Roy Nichols sound. Definitely influenced my playing over the years. Good stuff Zac!!
Man, your attention to detail and nuance is so great! on that eighth note run it starts on a C# not a C - totally changes the mood of the line! Love your videos
Wish I could give 30 thumbs up! Lol bless you my fellow Texan, again for an insightful, beautiful show. Nichols and Django are my two faves, so thank you so much for this wonderful show. The Live From Muskogee album changed my life!! Bless you, Zac!
Zac I just want to say thank you so much for these history lessons! I moved to Texas from the UK 6 years ago and fell in love with country but because I found it late in my life there are huge gaps in my country history knowledge! You sir are doing a great job of helping fill that knowledge! Super awkward when teaching when someone asks about Merle and I’m like ‘sure, I’ve heard of Merle travis’
I had the honor of seeing Hag nine or ten times. I was more honored to get to talk to Mr Roy Nichols for about an hour in Chicago IL, March 1973. Roy told me the same thing, don't be afraid to roll the tone back for more sustain on the bridge pickup. Good job. Roy and Don Rich both went to Gibson because Fender wanted their guitars back to test the ware every five years and neither wanted to give up the Teles. Per Don Rich. Good job Zac.
That was stellar! I think everybody has a 1 degree of separation from Fresno. There are so many music connections here but it never gets talked about. Thanks
I'm a little behind on catching this video Zac.... but I had to say completely awesome! I think any guy that's ever picked up a Tele and tried to play some serious country has done his best to mimic Roy's signature licks, yours truly included. The body of music that he played on is the soundtrack of my youth, and still my favorite era of country music by far. I also have to say Redd Volkaert is such a great entertainer in his own right, not only one of the best players ever, but I can listen to him tell stories and crack those insider guitar player jokes all night long, my favorite video you've done so far without a doubt!
Zac, you have moved from the category of an amazing guitarist, to that of an. educator. Thank you so much for teaching us old dudes more about the amazing world of guitar and its artists. .....Russell D. (retired music teacher)
More great stuff. Thanks again, Zac. Proud to support the channel even though I'm a rock and blues player. However, I grew up on old school country as well as early outlaw country.
I'm probably not the first person who noticed this but the color scheme of the room is just like a brown tweed case right down to the cream trim. Very nice!
I'm really enjoying your content about these great early country players. Growing up a hard core Beatles and then Rock fan and player, I really didn't listen to or appreciate these fine guitarists growing up. Ironically, it was much later that I figured out that George Harrison was pretty much emulating their styles. So this content is filling some big gaps in my guitar knowledge. Thank you Zac.
Roy had great tone. He knew how to roll of the tone knob to get to the sweet spot. I learned that from Vince. Vince said he learned it from Roy. It really cool how things get passed down from our predecessors.
Merle also used to play the rainbow ballroom on the old 99 highway in Fresno. There he met and played with my uncle Art Craig one of the best guitar players to come out of the central valley . I was privileged to meet quite a few artists of the likes of Dottie West , Charley Pride along with the Hag and many others. We used to have a yearly dance at my uncles where a lot of the best of the best played. At a benefit we had for my uncle before he past we all got our chance to play for him, the best of the country world was there including Red Volkaert . I enjoyed your history lesson but I actually lived it
Back in 70’ my last year in the Air Force I was stationed at Takhli Thailand. They had a music hobby shop where you could listen to records and record to cassettes that were fairly new then. My dad liked country western music and had several Jimmy Rogers records on the Blue bird label ( 78’s). Any way I saw Merle Haggard Live in Philadelphia album and recorded that and sent home to dad. I really liked that record and after I discharged in Jan 71’ I bought that record and later on when the tribute to Bob Wills came out I bought that too. Both great albums. I’m going to try and find the Okie from Muskogee album on vinyl. I’ve been a Merle fan since 70’. About 25-30 years ago Merle came to our little county fair in Susanville. Unfortunately he was drunk or on drugs and while the band was great Merle not so much although he did give a great effort. He was upset the audience in the stands didn’t give a big applause and said basically no encore for you and hoped the second show was a better audience. He has a song where he says he kicks out the stage foot lights… Thanks for the video.
Roy first played a stratocaster when the first came out..especially on the tv cousin herb trading post. To this day...still the best sounding strat I've ever heard. Roy was all over the neck and had that 'woody' sound as i recall...He never played a 'klunker'..which is amazing considering that he played 5 nights a week...for several years...
You are exactly right that Roy used different strings. Had the chance to pick up Roy's guitar at Beckly WV back in 1976 (with His permission of course) and the strings felt like a heavy gauge, either a medium or heavy because I asked him how he bent strings that heavy of course his reply was "hey if you had hands as big as mine you could bend a bass string" unquote, By the way you have got the mama tried lick down better than anyone Ive heard. The break does involve a little open skipping which most guitarist do not do ...Stay pickin!!!!!
There's no doubt that Merle's ' Recorded Live ' is a gem. I bought that sealed about 40 yrs ago and had forgotten about it until I got a HiFi tube amp a few years ago and it just kinda fell out of a stack of records. It's one of those ' open the windows and make the neighbors hear it ' albums. Truly an intricate audio experience in country and live... if you've got a good ear 😄
Always loved his solo on: “Every Fool Has a Rainbow” check out the live versions too! And I’m surprised Honky Tonk Nightime Man wasn’t mentioned. Probably on Spotify list.
I've been a big fan of the Maddox Brothers & Rose for a long time, and of course The Strangers. I listened to a couple of the Wynn Stewart tracks from about 1962 and he's already playing in his recognizable Tele style, I need to track down some recordings from the 50s to see how his style evolved from the playful jazzy boogie style of 1949 and '50 into the 60s style. Both are great but so different.
I got to meet Redd through Don Crum in Murfreesboro back in 2000 at a Catfish King.He let Don and I sit in with his band for a couple. Met he and his wife there-Super Nice people. He had the coolest sticker on his old pickup."Guitarded" w/the Handicap logo.
Nice work Zac ! I have a habit of hopping in with a comment to something before the vid is over. Not now. I recall a GP magazine that featured Roy in the early '70s. Was he holding a Tele ? Nope. It was Merle's acoustic, i believe a Martin with a pickup and Merle's name inlaid into the fingerboard. I haven't thought of this in years. Always like Merle's work but don't have anything. I need to fix that. Thanx for the trip down memory lane :)
Very interesting and informative, Always good to have some musical history to see how some of the great players evolve.love the channel and really enjoy what your doing.lm amazed Roy used a wound third string but growing up in England watching Eric Clapton and Peter Green l shouldn't be surprised .Peter Green used a wound third string and used Clifford Essex strings in the Blues Breakers.
I know I'm a year late to the party but this is a great video Zac. It reminded me of a couple of Hag things.....I saw him a long time ago at The Swap Meet in Ft. Lauderdale and he had Joe Manuel on lead guitar that day. I was very impressed not with the concert overall but with Joe's playing. I'm also reminded of a story in his autobiography (I think that's where I read it) about the time another very well known Tele player, who shall remain nameless here, attempted to get Roy Nichols too drunk to play so he would be asked to fill in that night.
Thanks for the video. Very informative! I am going to offer a very unpopular opinion: I prefer Roy on the Les Paul and the Peavy T60 over the Tele. (Don't throw stones). I own and enjoy several Telecasters myself. I just enjoy hearing guitars other than Tele's in Country!
Super informative, entertaining, and inspirational. Can you please do a video about the telecaster custom deluxe ( HH , with 70s headstock)? And who used them etc.? Thanks Zac , more power to you
Nice one Zac. The first time I heard “Mama Tried” was on a live album back in 1971. But it was a Grateful Dead live album! Now I’m looking for a Merle Haggard live album to hear the original. Ain’t life strange?
Thanks for that one, Zac. I wonder if the Edge from U2 was listening to this music. I can definitely hear him in that music and think that he might have appropriated some things there.
Really enjoyed this, I’m a big fan of Roy Nichols and his playing style. I would love to know why he ditched the 65 maple cap tele as I have one myself with the spaghetti logo. Thank you
It was my understanding that James Burton played the "Mama Tried" parts originally. My friend Jody Payne was in LA playing rhythm guitar on some of those sessions, and that was his take. (He also played in Merles band for about six months until he was fired for smoking weed)
I found a series of interviews on UA-cam that Johnny Paycheck did with Eddie Stubbs at WSM. Wynn had the Nashville Nevada club in Las Vegas. He hired paycheck to come in and play steel with the house band. He co-wrote Apartment number nine with the bass player Bobby Austin. Bobby left when Ken Nelson recruited him to Capitol. Haggard took over the bass spot, then eventually took over the band, with Roy, when he got his Capitol deal. Not long after that paycheck ended up back in Ohio and convinced George Jones to hire him, but that’s another story.
I have an album from 1963 called Country Music Hootenanny, featuring Buck Owens, Cousin Herb Henson, Merle Travis, Glen Campbell, Joe and Rose Maphis, Maddox Brothers and Roy Clark. The guitar player in Henson's house band is Roy Nichols. Besides backing up some of the singers, Roy does an instrumental called "Silver Bells." He plays as hot as any of the other name players at the event. He takes one chorus sounding like Chet and the next chorus he does a great Jimmy Bryant. And his amp has a bit of breakup for a little extra attitude. Great stuff!
My father did sound for Merle on his ‘68 Okie tour in Syracuse NY. at a packed 6,000 seat auditorium. Roy had his silver face twin with silver cap JBL’s. For some reason, Dad couldn’t mic Roy up correctly and Roy just shrugged and dimes his twin. Roy looked and played like he was having a great time during the show! He really wailed! Consequently in ‘72 from high school
I would go with my dad to Ray Hennig's HOT music in Waco,& all I rmbr was Black Diamond strings being offered.I think they sold them at Montgomery Wards as well.This would've been in the late 60's,early 70's.
Great show!! The guitar sound greater!
A compliment from Redd, you made my month.
Nothing gets past you, Redd.
Hi Redd, are you the same picker from the band Prairie Fire up here in Alberta, Canada?
Zac, you’re killin’ it with these episodes! Last week with Don Rich and now with Roy Nichols. Two of my biggest influences for country guitar. (I was a rock and blues player before I got into country.) Listening to Roy and Don, as well as James Burton, got me started off right with country. I was always way more into the Bakersfield stuff than the Nashville stuff, even when I lived in Nashville! Interesting fact: in about 1973 I heard an all-women country band called Helen Long and The Long Shots, whose lead guitarist was named Marcia Nichols. So I asked her if she was related to Roy, and it turned out she was his ex-wife! She was a good player too.
Waylon was the reason I discovered the Telecaster, but Roy made me go to the store and buy my first. The swinging scale runs, and pre-bends had me hooked immediately.
Cool video! The studio version of "Mama Tried" actually had THREE of the most influential country guitar pickers on it! James Burton picking the intro, Roy Nichols on lead guitar, and Glen Campbell on rhythm guitar and backing vocals!
YES
I was fortunate enough to get to visit with Mr. Nicholas when Merle passed through our town. What a nice guy. Sorry he left us so soon, but he paid his dues many times over.
I love these deep dive history videos....big surprise huh? :)
Thanks, Keith. And I love every episode you release!
Another great video, thanks! Got to see Roy with The Hag back in the 70’s when he was touring with some members of the original Texas Playboys , Eldon Shamblin playing an old gold Strat with some sort of plastic cover on the back, Tiny Moore on an old electric mandolin etc. It was a real eye opener and something I’ll always remember.
Roy is the reason I started playing guitar - definitely my number one tele hero!
another .02...first time I saw Merle was at a State Fair in 1983. Roy played the whole show on a black Les Paul Custom and his playing was off-the-charts great. Every solo was perfect.
I'm 2 years late but I still enjoyed this. Since I was 4-5 years old I dreamed of being Luther Perkins, Don Rich or Roy Nichols so those guys have been on my short list of heroes for 50 years. Thanks for the show.
This was awesome. Neat hearing all the info on how the men made the music. Love every minute of it. Thanks for posting.
Love that live Silver Wings version. Hear the crowd roar when he starts his solo!
Thanks for putting these Spotify playlist together Zac! They are awesome!
Glad you like them!
Roy Buchanan always cited Roy Nichols as a big influence on his playing 👍👍
Next episode.......
@@AskZac Should be a good one! Roy B. was always an ol' country boy at heart, I think. Crank the Vibrolux, lol !
Blues for Roy was, I believe written by Roy B as a tribute to Roy Nicole's
This is Jack Bond….For Roy B. fans, at Roy’s request, I wrote the title cut on his album THAT’S WHAT I AM HERE FOR… the original 2nd verse, which they altered for some reason, was “I’m tryin’ so hard to tell you, but I just can’t move my lips; the words roll right on past my tongue, on down to my finger tips” Roy bluesed it up, but gave me full credit, which was incredibly generous! He was the best!
Perhaps my all time favorite (out of many favorite) episodes you've done, Zac. Thanks for all the biographical background, the playing tips, and the record recommendations. My education happily continues thanks to you.
My pleasure!
Always fantastic content Zac! That opening lick and solo on Mama Tried is what got me into country music. Cool to learn the back story, with both Roy and James.
I like that you show us some of the vinyl records in your collection.
The way Roy Nichols' flat picking 1/2 step swings is nothing short of amazing. I often wondered where John Jorgenson may have been influenced somewhat....I think I've figured it out. Great show Zak. Keep up the good work!
Those live albums you held up were my first albums I paid for. They are in my blood. Roy was one of a kind, he and Bonnie solidified the sound of Merle Haggard. Between Merles life experiences and his incredible gifts..there will never be another. To me he is the best there ever was or will be.
Thanks for recognizing Roy, I much appreciate it.
You are so welcome!!!
Learned about Roy Nichols from your interview with Redd. You're doing an awesome job keeping these names and players alive. Thank you!
Don't forget Reggie Young's playing on I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink and That's The Way Love Goes.
Some of his best!
WoW.... what great picking.
Thank you for showing how to play that distinct legendary intro for
"Mama Tried". I've been a fan of Merle Haggard since '67.
I am so fortunate and lucky to have seen him "Live On Stage" four times.
Never got to meet Roy Nichols, but met and talked to Merle and Bonnie. What a sweet and gracious lady Miss Bonnie was. I was, and still am a huge fan of The Hag, Bonnie Owens, and Roy Nichols nearly sixty years after hearing
"I'm A Lonesome Fugitive" playing on the radio in '66 & '67.
Most certainly enjoyed the video, and am a fan of yours too, Zac!
👋🤠Howdy from Tom in
🇨🇱 Texas 🇨🇱
My favorite county players of all time. Thanks Zac
This has to be my favourite Ask Zac episode to date. I love Roy Nichols. We have all stolen so much from Roy’s technique especially the that 7th note and the half bend which I use a lot of myself. I love your album collection too!
I also love that solo on Merle’s recording of Honky Tonk Night Time Man. So much historical facts on this episode. Great job sir!!!
Thank you!!
Love these history videos Zack!! Very good!! Roy was the man!! My mom had all the Merle Albums and now I have them. Listen to them constantly.
Thank you so much Zac. Your knowledge on these great Tele players let's us see their style and side of how
Sorry I messed up there. Hit the go button by accident. I was saying "there side of how they got to their impact of original playing we love." Could you also do one on Jimmy Olander of Dismond Rio. Another great Tele player.
I will
Great music history lesson Zac . Roy truly had an iconic country guitar tone . Very enjoyable !
I just got into Roy Nichols and his style of playing. This is a great intro!
Roy Nichols was the absolute man. Ronnie Van Zant would agree. Merle is like the Ozzy of country music in the sense that he got the absolute pick of the litter with having a GREAT lineage of guitar players. Roy, Redd, Reggie Young, James Burton?! SMOKIN'!
"Sounds like Roy" was Ronnie's homage to Roy Nichols on Skynyrds version of honky tonk night time man. Steve Gaines is another fantastic guitar player
I was gonna suggest a Roy Nichols episode a while back. I'm very happy right now
WELL, I had the Honor of being My Hero's personal Roadie in 1974 On Oahu at Pearl Harbor N C O Club , If ya want the whole story ask me , I got to carry Roy's amp and Guitar into the gig and set it on stage and then Tune His lovely Las Paul with a strobe tuner ..He just trusted me . I was 24 yrs old.. As sad as I was that wasn't playing his Tele { That's what I had } he kicked Holy Butt on that Guitar , Norm Hamlet and Tiny Moore were in the Band then and they play the most Hair Raising triple Harmonies I ever heard . Then or Now .. There's more .. John Driver , Austin Tx.
I want to hear the rest. zac (at) askzac.com
Another home run episode! Thanks Zac
My pleasure!
Zac, you always make Tuesday morning worth waking up early for, Thanks!
I couldn't agree more. I always look forward to Zac's show. Very informative viewing and Zac's genuine personality and his love for guitarists and guitars/gear really adds up to making these episodes real gems.
My pleasure!
How about 2 hours with GE Smith in his home basement, have him show off his collection of amps and guitars
I’ll second that.
Oooooh....
I vote for G E Smith also.
I
Yep, I’d watch that. Really dig G.E.
This was exactly what I was needing! I’ve been mildly obsessed with Roy ever since I got this little Tele-copy last week and I’m so glad that I got to wake up to this upload!
Great episode. Roy is one of my favorite tele players. I’ve always loved his jazz-influenced lines. One of my favorite ones is on the live from Philadelphia album during the band intro leading into stealin corn. Makes me grin every time I hear it!
Thank you for another great video. These videos show why we love the Telecaster so much. I always appreciate the Spotify playlists that accompany your videos.
Glad you enjoy it!
Thanks. I also checked the original version which is always good for the feel. Great true music and guitar playing.
Thanks a lot!
Been trying to verify that Roy was the lead solo guitar on "What am I Gonna Do (With the Rest of My Life) on Merle's 1983 album "That's the Way Love Goes". I hear some live versions that are close but that studio recording is one of my favorite guitar solos of any genre! Thanks!
Grady Martin also played on that track with Roy. I think the solo is Grady and Roy. The tone seems to change.
If it wasn't for the live albums as a little kid, l wouldn't have heard of Roy or Don and many others! Blue Rock!!
Roy and Merle go together like Waylon and Mooney and Buck and Don. Meant to be.
I love all of these videos! The intro is the musical equivalent of swapping out dress shoes for canvas shoes and a suit coat for a cardigan. Zac's demeanor and unparalleled musical knowledge make my treadmill far more tolerable. Thanks, Zac!
Wow, thank you!
Another great and informative show. I was raised on the Merle Haggard/Roy Nichols sound. Definitely influenced my playing over the years. Good stuff Zac!!
Thanks!
Man, your attention to detail and nuance is so great! on that eighth note run it starts on a C# not a C - totally changes the mood of the line! Love your videos
Love these videos.
I’m a new country fan so these are a wealth of knowledge.
Thank you Zac!
Welcome!
Wish I could give 30 thumbs up! Lol bless you my fellow Texan, again for an insightful, beautiful show. Nichols and Django are my two faves, so thank you so much for this wonderful show. The Live From Muskogee album changed my life!! Bless you, Zac!
Thanks for that!
Zac I just want to say thank you so much for these history lessons! I moved to Texas from the UK 6 years ago and fell in love with country but because I found it late in my life there are huge gaps in my country history knowledge! You sir are doing a great job of helping fill that knowledge!
Super awkward when teaching when someone asks about Merle and I’m like ‘sure, I’ve heard of Merle travis’
Merle Travis is equally important
@@AskZac sure is! It it’s nice to be able to understand there’s more than one haha
I had the honor of seeing Hag nine or ten times. I was more honored to get to talk to Mr Roy Nichols for about an hour in Chicago IL, March 1973. Roy told me the same thing, don't be afraid to roll the tone back for more sustain on the bridge pickup. Good job. Roy and Don Rich both went to Gibson because Fender wanted their guitars back to test the ware every five years and neither wanted to give up the Teles. Per Don Rich. Good job Zac.
Really enjoy hearing these stories !!
Great job Zac!!
Glad you enjoyed!
That was stellar! I think everybody has a 1 degree of separation from Fresno. There are so many music connections here but it never gets talked about. Thanks
I'm a little behind on catching this video Zac.... but I had to say completely awesome! I think any guy that's ever picked up a Tele and tried to play some serious country has done his best to mimic Roy's signature licks, yours truly included. The body of music that he played on is the soundtrack of my youth, and still my favorite era of country music by far. I also have to say Redd Volkaert is such a great entertainer in his own right, not only one of the best players ever, but I can listen to him tell stories and crack those insider guitar player jokes all night long, my favorite video you've done so far without a doubt!
Hi zac , you’ve done it again mate , absolutely killer loved it , thanks for the lesson on Roy’s intro bends on mama tried 👍
Zac, another great history lesson! I love this stuff, thanks.............
My pleasure!
Learned a lot Zac!
Thank you too for the shout out!
You bet!
Great episode! Love hearing about these folks that have contributed so much, and who I don’t know about yet. Awesome!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Zac, you have moved from the category of an amazing guitarist, to that of an. educator. Thank you so much for teaching us old dudes more about the amazing world of guitar and its artists. .....Russell D. (retired music teacher)
Wow, thanks!
@@AskZac You're most welcome Zac. It is well earned.
More great stuff. Thanks again, Zac. Proud to support the channel even though I'm a rock and blues player. However, I grew up on old school country as well as early outlaw country.
Thank you, Dennis!
Zac just checked out a video with the two Roy's and Merle Fantastic thank's.
Pure gold right here Y’all! Thank You!
You bet!
I'm probably not the first person who noticed this but the color scheme of the room is just like a brown tweed case right down to the cream trim. Very nice!
I'm really enjoying your content about these great early country players. Growing up a hard core Beatles and then Rock fan and player, I really didn't listen to or appreciate these fine guitarists growing up. Ironically, it was much later that I figured out that George Harrison was pretty much emulating their styles. So this content is filling some big gaps in my guitar knowledge. Thank you Zac.
Thank you!
Roy had great tone. He knew how to roll of the tone knob to get to the sweet spot. I learned that from Vince. Vince said he learned it from Roy. It really cool how things get passed down from our predecessors.
Hi, I knew Roy when he was with Wynn Stewart in Vegas in the early 60's, loved him, Jerry
Excellent!
Merle also used to play the rainbow ballroom on the old 99 highway in Fresno. There he met and played with my uncle Art Craig one of the best guitar players to come out of the central valley . I was privileged to meet quite a few artists of the likes of Dottie West , Charley Pride along with the Hag and many others. We used to have a yearly dance at my uncles where a lot of the best of the best played. At a benefit we had for my uncle before he past we all got our chance to play for him, the best of the country world was there including Red Volkaert . I enjoyed your history lesson but I actually lived it
Thanks again Zac, spot on!!
My pleasure!
That Muskogee album is killer! And the next one was great!
Back in 70’ my last year in the Air Force I was stationed at Takhli Thailand. They had a music hobby shop where you could listen to records and record to cassettes that were fairly new then. My dad liked country western music and had several Jimmy Rogers records on the Blue bird label ( 78’s). Any way I saw Merle Haggard Live in Philadelphia album and recorded that and sent home to dad. I really liked that record and after I discharged in Jan 71’ I bought that record and later on when the tribute to Bob Wills came out I bought that too. Both great albums. I’m going to try and find the Okie from Muskogee album on vinyl. I’ve been a Merle fan since 70’. About 25-30 years ago Merle came to our little county fair in Susanville. Unfortunately he was drunk or on drugs and while the band was great Merle not so much although he did give a great effort. He was upset the audience in the stands didn’t give a big applause and said basically no encore for you and hoped the second show was a better audience. He has a song where he says he kicks out the stage foot lights… Thanks for the video.
Roy first played a stratocaster when the first came out..especially on the tv cousin herb trading post.
To this day...still the best sounding strat I've ever heard. Roy was all over the neck and had that 'woody' sound as i recall...He never played a 'klunker'..which is amazing considering that he played 5 nights a week...for several years...
You are exactly right that Roy used different strings. Had the chance to pick up Roy's guitar at Beckly WV back in 1976 (with His permission of course) and the strings felt like a heavy gauge, either a medium or heavy because I asked him how he bent strings that heavy of course his reply was "hey if you had hands as big as mine you could bend a bass string" unquote, By the way you have got the mama tried lick down better than anyone Ive heard. The break does involve a little open skipping which most guitarist do not do ...Stay pickin!!!!!
There's no doubt that Merle's ' Recorded Live ' is a gem. I bought that sealed about 40 yrs ago and had forgotten about it until I got a HiFi tube amp a few years ago and it just kinda fell out of a stack of records.
It's one of those ' open the windows and make the neighbors hear it ' albums. Truly an intricate audio experience in country and live... if you've got a good ear 😄
Always loved his solo on: “Every Fool Has a Rainbow” check out the live versions too! And I’m surprised Honky Tonk Nightime Man wasn’t mentioned. Probably on Spotify list.
On the list!
Zac...so cool to hear Terry Downs mentioned....He Loves Roy's Style and a good Friend of Redd.
I've been a big fan of the Maddox Brothers & Rose for a long time, and of course The Strangers. I listened to a couple of the Wynn Stewart tracks from about 1962 and he's already playing in his recognizable Tele style, I need to track down some recordings from the 50s to see how his style evolved from the playful jazzy boogie style of 1949 and '50 into the 60s style. Both are great but so different.
I got to meet Redd through Don Crum in Murfreesboro back in 2000 at a Catfish King.He let Don and I sit in with his band for a couple.
Met he and his wife there-Super Nice people.
He had the coolest sticker on his old pickup."Guitarded" w/the Handicap logo.
Never heard the live album Mama tried solo. Gonna play it instead of the studio version at the next jam. Thanks for the awesome video!
Nice work Zac !
I have a habit of hopping in with a comment to something before the vid is over.
Not now.
I recall a GP magazine that featured Roy in the early '70s.
Was he holding a Tele ? Nope. It was Merle's acoustic, i believe a Martin with a pickup and Merle's name inlaid into the fingerboard. I haven't thought of this in years.
Always like Merle's work but don't have anything. I need to fix that.
Thanx for the trip down memory lane :)
Very interesting and informative, Always good to have some musical history to see how some of the great players evolve.love the channel and really enjoy what your doing.lm amazed Roy used a wound third string but growing up in England watching Eric Clapton and Peter Green l shouldn't be surprised .Peter Green used a wound third string and used Clifford Essex strings in the Blues Breakers.
I know I'm a year late to the party but this is a great video Zac. It reminded me of a couple of Hag things.....I saw him a long time ago at The Swap Meet in Ft. Lauderdale and he had Joe Manuel on lead guitar that day. I was very impressed not with the concert overall but with Joe's playing.
I'm also reminded of a story in his autobiography (I think that's where I read it) about the time another very well known Tele player, who shall remain nameless here, attempted to get Roy Nichols too drunk to play so he would be asked to fill in that night.
Correction..."not ONLY with the concert overall". I thoroughly enjoyed the show because it wasn't in some dark, smokey nightclub.
Awesome! Thanks again Zac.
You bet!
Thanks for the video. Very informative! I am going to offer a very unpopular opinion: I prefer Roy on the Les Paul and the Peavy T60 over the Tele. (Don't throw stones). I own and enjoy several Telecasters myself. I just enjoy hearing guitars other than Tele's in Country!
Thanks for the sources!
Super informative, entertaining, and inspirational.
Can you please do a video about the telecaster custom deluxe ( HH , with 70s headstock)? And who used them etc.?
Thanks Zac , more power to you
Nice one Zac. The first time I heard “Mama Tried” was on a live album back in 1971. But it was a Grateful Dead live album! Now I’m looking for a Merle Haggard live album to hear the original. Ain’t life strange?
Good and strange
Wow! That was like a UA-cam version of a Vintage Guitar essay! I’m not big on the Bakersfield sound, but really enjoyed your last two episodes!
Thank you
Enjoying this thanks Zac!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Subscribed from the first Haggard riff.
Great content Zak!
Thank you.
My pleasure!
Thanks for that one, Zac. I wonder if the Edge from U2 was listening to this music. I can definitely hear him in that music and think that he might have appropriated some things there.
Hey Zac, you should do a video about Luther Perkins and Bob Wooton, they are the guitarists for the Tennessee two and Tennessee Three for Johnny Cash
They are on the list
Really enjoyed this, I’m a big fan of Roy Nichols and his playing style. I would love to know why he ditched the 65 maple cap tele as I have one myself with the spaghetti logo. Thank you
Not sure why. He seemed to not play any one guitar for very long.
@@AskZac thank you
My dad didn't buy many albums when I was a young boy,but he bought "The Fighting Side of Me".
That's how I learned Corrina Corrina,.
It was my understanding that James Burton played the "Mama Tried" parts originally. My friend Jody Payne was in LA playing rhythm guitar on some of those sessions, and that was his take. (He also played in Merles band for about six months until he was fired for smoking weed)
I found a series of interviews on UA-cam that Johnny Paycheck did with Eddie Stubbs at WSM. Wynn had the Nashville Nevada club in Las Vegas. He hired paycheck to come in and play steel with the house band. He co-wrote Apartment number nine with the bass player Bobby Austin. Bobby left when Ken Nelson recruited him to Capitol. Haggard took over the bass spot, then eventually took over the band, with Roy, when he got his Capitol deal. Not long after that paycheck ended up back in Ohio and convinced George Jones to hire him, but that’s another story.
I have an album from 1963 called Country Music Hootenanny, featuring Buck Owens, Cousin Herb Henson, Merle Travis, Glen Campbell, Joe and Rose Maphis, Maddox Brothers and Roy Clark. The guitar player in Henson's house band is Roy Nichols. Besides backing up some of the singers, Roy does an instrumental called "Silver Bells." He plays as hot as any of the other name players at the event. He takes one chorus sounding like Chet and the next chorus he does a great Jimmy Bryant. And his amp has a bit of breakup for a little extra attitude. Great stuff!
I mentioned this in last weeks Buck episode. I have the album, its great
@@AskZac Cool! I missed that one but I'll be checking it out!
Am I the only one who’d love a deep dive on ‘Big’ Al Anderson of NRBQ ? Underrated Tele picker IMO.
I LOVE HIS WORK!
My father did sound for Merle on his ‘68 Okie tour in Syracuse NY. at a packed 6,000 seat auditorium. Roy had his silver face twin with silver cap JBL’s.
For some reason, Dad couldn’t mic Roy up correctly and Roy just shrugged and dimes his twin.
Roy looked and played like he was having a great time during the show! He really wailed!
Consequently in ‘72 from high school
I received a Tele and a Twin for graduation.
DANG!!!!! Sweet!!!
great show Zac. FWIW Casper Rawls told me Roy used EB slinky top heavy bottom.
Thank you for the info!
Did not know it was Burton that played on the WMB record. Very cool.
I would go with my dad to Ray Hennig's HOT music in Waco,& all I rmbr was Black Diamond strings being offered.I think they sold them at Montgomery Wards as well.This would've been in the late 60's,early 70's.
I have some great Wynn Stewart records with some sweet guitar pickin by Roy Nichols.
Likewise.