Marty Stuart: The Story of Clarence White & The Parsons/White StringBender | Guitar Stories
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- Опубліковано 18 кві 2017
- Clarence White was always a force to be reckoned with in the bluegrass and country world. But he changed the guitar game entirely when he and Byrds’ drummer Gene Parsons created what would become the first String Bender guitar. In this video, Country Music Legend Marty Stuart tells us the story of Clarence’s guitar and how he came to own it.
Read more on Marty and the StringBender at: bit.ly/2oM0T2G
Interview by Joe Shadid
Editor: Michael Lux
Camera: John Gagen & Michael Lux
Marty Stuart is an extremely talented musician, a gentleman, and a class act. Clarence's Tele found the right home.
Saw him last nite and can only second your comment, in the strongest way. Marty is a natural, as a performer, musician, understated showman. What a pleasure, and...his band, as expected, was incredible, all of 'em!
Absolutely, Marty is a music historian.
@@eddpao445 lucky you
@@oldermusiclover Yup, I was lucky "last nite", about a year ago. Marty and the boys were so engaging, personable, and moved through several musical genre's seemingly effortlessly, which was not surprising to me, as I know how very gifted he and the fellas are. Their musicianship, harmonies were perfect, and Marty sure seems to love that B-bender! Hope they pass through NorCal again sometime soon.
Cheers Ginny!
@@eddpao445 if you see them again hold that guitar for me
Marty has saved, cared for and preserved much of country music. It's a good thing that this guitar is in his possession.
Clarence’s guitar is exactly where it should be. This man plays it as tastefully and understated as its previous owner. Those who can’t/won’t get past the hair, sparkly clothes, etc. you’re missing out. Marty’s the real deal. He’s put in the hours and work - he always says the only two jobs he’s ever had were Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash. Awesome resume in my book. Should open any door(s).
So true, Marty is the real deal. What talent.
Talent + humility + class = Marty Stuart. His wealth of knowledge and reverence for the history of bluegrass and country music make him the perfect candidate to look after Clarence's guitar.
Agreed. Interviewed him about ten years ago. Great conversationalist. Great storyteller. Talked twice as long as we scheduled and he didn't mind.
Agree 100%
@@Putaspellonyou I have been looking for all the Marty Stuart interviews i can find....I swear i could listen to him tell all his stories for days and weeks on end
@@jmissle he's a key voice and an a co-producer of Ken Burns's upcoming country music doc. You know it's gonna be good.
@@Putaspellonyou Oh yea and I dig most of Ken Burns stuff anyway...i cant wait for the new series
I was playing with Lee Greenwood's band in Syracuse, NY in about 2004 and none of our gear made the flight, so we had to beg and borrow guitars and everything from the other acts on the show, John Anderson, Marty Stuart and a local group. Marty heard I needed a guitar and held out this guitar and said, "Here, play Clarence!" I about fell to my knees and said the exact same thing Marty said, "I'll hold it but there's no way I could play it." I know how he felt, humbled and unworthy. I was a HUGE Byrds fan from the beginning, especially Clarence's playing, all the way thru Farther Along, Byrds Untitled and Circle. I'm honored to have held this piece of history for a few minutes. Oh, the end of the story is, Marty said, "That's okay, here, play Ronnie Woods' '53 Esquire." :)
Jeff Dayton Great story
Jeff: What a great story...and an awesome experience. And it reflects everything I know about Marty's character. I think Susie White must be a very wise woman. She chose well in passing Clarence's guitar to Marty.
Marty is a good guy,,,,,endangered species in this day and age,,,Thank You Marty for being who you are,,,,
WOW!
@@daviddoyle4516 I saw Marty and "Clarence" at Penn's Peak here in Jim Thorpe playing the music I've loved for many years. It is my favorite place to see and hear great music. Thank you Marty for your inspiration to this old bass player!
Marty Stuart is a class act. What an absolute gentleman.
Class act and a master of ability and GORGEOUS tone!
I fully agree with you. I knew of Marty Stuart, but became more aware of him thanks to the PBS Country Music miniseries. This guy's the genuine article. Thankfully we have his and other Country greats who have given us outstanding music to listen to. The dearth of art because of the trash being produced today is more than made up for by artists like Mr. Stuart and they have left us a catalog for the ages. Thank you all for your outstanding work and your love for the genre.
Marty Stuart IS a class act. Talented. Humble. Classy. Rare.
@@BedlamAndBones q
As a teenager The Country Boys was mine & my Sisters Backup Band. We were the Suttles sisters. I actually have a picture of all of us back in 1957-58. Clarence was the youngest, and I still keep in touch with Roland. Clarence was to have lunch with me the same week that he was killed. He was far too young...............
I'm friends with Leroy Mac[Mcnees].Great story.
Wow
How wonderful, stay well,
Good job Reverb. A tribute to Clarence White and Marty deserves this guitar. Great story.
Not sure who did the interview and who did the editing on this video, but they deserve a round of applause. A fabulous example of letting the person who lived the story, tell the story. Thank you.
I totally agree, David. This is the best interview that I've ever seen Marty do in regards to both Clarence & "Clarence" (the bender Telecaster). The only thing he got incorrect was the YEAR that he got the guitar. Michelle White (Clarence's daughter) told me that it was actually in the Summer of '79 when he came to their house asking about the things that Susie had for sale.
Either way, that guitar is in the hands of the perfect person.
Such an awesome story, I'm a huge fan of Marty, and the Byrds, but I must say my all time favorite of theirs is "Hickory Wind"! Marty is being extremely humble as usual and for him to say that about Clarence, would be so good to see what he would have done if had lived!
Bill Wheels,
I think that Clarence was the greatest guitarist of his generation. I've got a copy of the Bob Baxter Guitar Workshop DVD that Sierra Records had for sale a long while back and I love to watch Clarence do some flat-picking!! I've also got footage of a May 18, 1971 Belgium TV concert that they did and it's amazing to watch Clarence play that bender Telecaster!! Marty's right about Clarence and the bender - he's definitely "James Dean-type of cool" when he plays. Clarence barely moved when he played that guitar with those killer bender licks!
Marty's also correct about how a lot of players of bender guitars will "snap" the bender like an on-off switch. That's due to their short "throw" or length of the "pull." "Clarence" has a longer pull than the rest. I got to play that guitar WAY back in July, 2008 when the band I'm in opened for Marty & The Fabulous Superlatives in Hiawassee, GA! That was a literal dream come true!!
Awesome!
Yes! I agree!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
How about some love for Gene Parsons who apparently came up with the idea and managed to take parts from a steel guitar and retro-fit them in a Tele using pieces from a Strat? Quite an amazing feat of engineering not to mention having the imagination to come up with the idea in the first place. Awesome interview!
as detailed in the liner notes from byrdmaniax gene was an accomplished machinist....there is a copy of a reference letter describing his skills......
@@markbrownner6565 Marty has a Martin fitted with a b-bender, too.
@@flautalee3090 😳
Wow... what history and brilliance. You deserve it Marty. You do it justice. Looking forward to seeing you again with Kenny at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Sooner than later!!!
Gene; killer musician and inventor; another Les Paul. Great minds!
The older I get the more I respect Marty.
The more I learn about Marty, the more I love this guy!
Indeed, what a gentleman -self-effacing, generous, polite.
Same here , I lived in the states in the early 90’s and always and always related him to George strait and those clean country guys …. Big mistake. Just rediscovers him and realized what I’ve been missing
Me too and what an incredible band the Fabulous Superlatives are
You know I like Marty Stewart and his love of country and the fact he was with Lester Flats at 14, and later with Johnny Cash and all of that. The one thing I do not like is "Hillbilly Rock". Just do not like that song.
I can't think of a single person who deserves to be in possession of that guitar, other than Marty Stuart.
What a great interview!
Marty Stuart is an American icon.
Marty Stuart is one of the nicest and most genuine people in the entire music industry. He is one of a kind.
If you could pick the one person on Earth that deserves to have that guitar - it's clearly Marty Stuart🎸
I didn't know much about this story, then I saw Stuart playing "You Ain't Going Nowhere" with Roger McGuinn on his show. That video is on UA-cam and he really plays Clarence's part beautifully. That is very hard to do. He is very conscious and respectful of what a great guitarist Clarence White was, and what a huge loss to music when he was killed. Glad to see someone like him now owns and plays this legendary instrument. It should be played and seen all the time, so people can know about the man.
One of the best guitar stories ever. Enough to bring a tear to the eye. I must say that Marty Stuart is worthy of inheriting this guitar, a great guy, a fabulous musician and he's honored Clarence White and that prototype B Bender Telecaster by making that guitar sing beautifully on many many stages.
I didn't deserve it....that's exactly why Marty deserved it! Besides that, I don't believe anyone could have given the guitar more respect and played it as well as Marty does.
I agree Brother 👍 💯 % By the way, my middle name is Jay after my Dad
I was at Clyde Wallich's Music City, when he came in to demo his invention to Clyde. While he was waiting, he saw me struggling to get a Strat to stay in tune. He taught me the technique of using the whammy bar, to help tune the Strat. I'm 70 now and still tune my Strat, using the technique he showed me. I've been forever in his debt. When Clyde came out of his office, Clarence played incredible and Clyde was blown away :) Marty, you're more than deserving to own that Telecaster !!!
Marty is the coolest guy! A friend of mine, who was a Criminal Investigator, worked security for him at show in Monument Valley, Utah and Marty let us play one of his Telecasters and chat with him for a bit before and after the show. I'll always remember that and he is worthy of this String Bender.
Marty is a unique individual and a class act.
That is so true what he said about Clarence "just getting started", if he'd lived I have no doubt The Byrds would still be together. They went to another level with Clarence in the band.
I was lucky enough to see Clarence with the Byrds three times. I saw him at the last concert he ever played with them. I have attended many a concert, different genres, and Clarence was the best guitar player of them all. That includes Steve Howe of Yes, David Gilmour of Floyd and a myriad of others.
Marty is a good guy and has done so much for preservation of American Country Music history
Marty and his band The Fabulous Superlatives are quite possibly the best band I’ve ever seen and Marty is too humble; he’s one of the best I’ve seen as well. His musicianship and artistry and versatility are insurmountable.
That is totally amazing. So sad that Clarence got killed but he lives on in Marty Stuart. Awesome. Thanks for sharing with me!
Yes, Marty, you DO deserve that guitar. Almost teared up when I heard the intro to "Down In The Easy Chair"
*You Ain’t Going Nowhere
I saw Marty in concert just a couple of weeks ago. It was a 2-hour b-bender fest in the hands of masters (he and his other guitarist). Then I picked my jaw back up from the floor and drove an hour and a half home knowing I had witnessed greatness.
This is one of my favorite things on UA-cam! What a great story!
Saw Marty & the boys a few days ago perform and they tore it up....a legend and the most under rated band in America!...
I don't know much about Marty, but this was a great interview. I enjoyed it. I really don't care who or what kind of musician owns this guitar. Anything is better than being in a museum, or worse - hidden in a vault by a private collector! Rich people buying toys, just so their buddies can't own it.
one of the best stories of rock n roll history and an instrument ever... gotta love some Marty Stuart humbleness!
I had the chance to meet Marty, he's probably one of the nicest guys alive. Very humble. We sat and talked about guitars for a good hour. AMAZING guy.
I met Marty in Nashville about 10 years ago and I agree, he is one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever come across in the music business. His graciousness was real, and I walked away liking him even more than I did before I met him.
Ya gotta love Marty Stuart. Incredibly talented but so humble and always shining the spotlight on others. I’m so glad that he has this guitar
Yes if Marty didn't have it we would have missed out on some of the best music ever.
What an honest and unassuming man Marty is.
That made my heart smile when you said the song was for clarence.....your a very endearing human being Marty...GOD BLESS YOUR HEART😇🙏❤
No one better to psych you up about flying furniture is it. Sweetheart.
I’m really glad Marty has that Telecaster! Clarence White was (without a doubt) one of the most unique American guitar pickers. The Byrds recorded a killer version of “This Wheel’s On Fire” in 1969 and Clarence demonstrated his brand of Country-Rock that is totally original. Marty understands what that guitar means and what it means to be a truly versatile player. God bless you Clarence and Marty!
Wow, this guy Marty Stuart can tell a story so well--nothing that spectacular except in the little details from a history that matters so much and has such love in it, and add to that his plain-spoken way of telling the story. He's so passionate and humble in telling how he got the guitar and how he's learned to play it gradually over the years in honor of Clarence White.
Marty, you are the absolute right guy to own the “pull string”. Well done sir.🎸🇺🇸
Marty, I am glad you have that guitar. You take care of it and worked at learning to play it. I loved watching you play it on your show with Roger McGuinn as a guest. Together, you played Byrd’s songs and your band sounded wonderful.
That is a GREAT interview. I have met Marty several times, opened for him two or three times as well. He let me hold that guitar and play it backstage. It was both an honor and humbling moment. The real deal!
Best story I've heard for a long time. Excellent.
Yeah Marty, you do deserve it! Who else?
Marty Stuart is the real deal when it comes to talk about guitars and the history of music. Thanks for sharing.🎸🤘🙂
And if not Marty then who deserves this piece of American history and art more than he!? For me he is the most obvious answer. Marty’s knowledge and appreciation of its history and his relationship to Clarence’s family ( brother and wife of Clarence ) as well as his obvious talent and brilliant guitar playing seals the deal for me and evidently Clarence’s wife as well!! In the whole of it, it’s only the Whites family specifically Clarence’s wife’s opinion that truly matters and she has definitely shown her’s! He also has Pop Staples famous Telecaster delivered to him by his family after his passing! Can’t think of a more deserving musician ( multi instrumentalist ) and musical historian.
20 years ago I bought tickets and drove over 2 hours to see Marty Stuart and more importantly see Marty Stewart play and honor this particular guitar.
When I arrived at the Capital Music Hall in Wheeling WV non other than Kenny Vaughn was out front greeting fans there to see the show. What a great experience.
I can't think of anyone better to own the guitar. You've kept it going!
Love this story. Such reverence for Clarence White and his guitar. Thanks Marty!
I saw Marty in the 90s when he was promoting his "Hillbilly Rock" album. He allowed me to hold this guitar for a couple minutes. Still get goosebumps thinking about it. Thanks Marty.
One of the coolest stories ever. I have the utmost respect for Marty and his band. True gentleman and unbelievable players and singers.
I've been a Clarence White fan for over 40 years. Amazing player. Today a new found respect for Marty Stuart, what a humble person. You definitely deserve that guitar Marty!
Hi Marty, have been one of your biggest fans for 30 years now and I know Clarence would have been very proud of the way you're played and honored this historic Tele.
Marty Stuart is always so humble and personable. He is just a great guy. No doubt that Marty is a great singer, guitar picker and performer. He does indeed deserve Clarence White’s B Bender Tele.
Thanksgiving 2016, and I was having dinner at a friend of my bros. He had several guitars hanging in his practice space. I picked one up, an older model acoustic (Gibson?) and played around for a half hour. When I had had enough, I went looking for it's case to properly put away. When I found it, I noticed a tag, similar to a pawn shop tag on the handle. It said something like 'C.White 1969'. Pretty sure I nearly dropped the thing when I put 2 and 2 together.
Marty is just the best and that guitar is part of that package.
Thank you Marty,you probably will never read this but I wanted to know how much this means to me. I loved the Byrds and their journey from folk to country rock and how much excitement it created among true Byrd fans. Clearance was a true innovator a man on the cutting edge that was cut short way to soon and everyone knew it. Thank you for playing his guitar and when your time is over make sure you pass it on to a worthy trubador who will continue to play and display this amazing instrument that was introduced to the world through Clarence White and his amazing talent.
I heard Marty and the Superlatives two nights ago in a tiny hall in Connecticut. Thank you Marty and band. Hallelujah! He owns that guitar! A master.
I was there...damn, that was a great show!
What venue? I’d love to catch them again if possible. Saw them at the Ryman in June for Marty’s Late Night Jam and have tickets for SOTR tour in Albany in September. McGuinn, Hillman and Marty and the Superlatives. Gifted artists and true professionals.
I got to hold and play this guitar the night Marty came through my city. I was working security and made conversation with Marty's guitar tech and asked him about the guitar. He went into the history, how it worked and graciously let me hold the guitar to inspect and play. I'll never forget that. I was very humbled to just hold it. What a great instrument and an amazing piece of music history. Great video!
I've been lucky enough to see both White and Stuart play Clarence. Priceless memories.
Marty Stuart is one of those guys I just want to keep learning more and more about. Such a classy guy
You of all people deserve this guitar Marty... you have a gift! Cherish it my friend. Awesome story and awesome guitar. Cheers!
Great story....Marty is awesome!
I just saw them Friday night, he and that guitar are absolutely amazing
Marty Stuart newest album - Way Out West - is produced by Mike Campbell (Tom Petty) and it is a superb album! I don't own many country albums - this one is a gem.
Thanks for the tip - I will look for it!
Yes, mpactdesignmedia, it is a GREAT album..I've been watching "The Marty Stuart Show" on RFDTV., LOVE the flippin' Superlatives and bought it sight unseen, just from hearing Mike Campbell had produced it... I use it to check the speakers in all five of my studios...had my receptionist, a trained singer, flip out on the harmonies..'Now THAT is singing harmony!" she exclaimed as she walked in to the room I was testing. Been doing what I do for 35 years, and "Way Out West" stands up with the best of recorded music...sonically as clean as Steely Dan, great production too...the songwriting is 21st Century Cowboy Americana and the playing and singing are...well...Superlative. Glad you like it too.
Superb Concept Album
This album DESTROYS!!!
Just downloaded it, and it is amazing so far. Thank you!
Thanks for preserving this guitar Marty. I deserves you
I found Marty by way of a record player. I got introduced to bluegrass as alternative to grunge, and as a guitarist, I eventually heard about Tony Rice, the flatpicker's flatpicker, who plays Clarence's Martin. (Do that interview too please.) This led to the Kentucky Colonels, then the Byrds (Sweethearts and on), then Marty.
Yeah Marty, you deserve to have that guitar. Youre one of the coolest and most talented and entertaining artists there ever was. And damn nice to boot.
Marty, you deserve it. You’ve always been one of my favorites.
So glad Marty has this guitar.
Been a hige Clarence White fan for almost 50 years. My favorite guitarist my whole life.
Marty....YOU DESERVE THAT GUITAR as much maybe more than anyone. I appreciate that your playing is not overcooked...I know you got the chops to do whatever you want.....I love that you bring that guitar on the road. I dig that you actually use it....
Marty, I too felt it a little sacrilegious at the thought of anybody but Clarence playing his creation, but when I heard your song Hummingbyrd, I knew Clarence would have been proud. BTW, as an 18 yr old kid, I met and got to speak with him at length following a Byrds concert. I found him humble, soft spoken, a perfectionist and happy to answer anything I asked. He gave me one pearl of wisdom and said, there was an old French saying that "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right". It was the most memorable few minutes of my life. On stage Clarence had on a suede jacket, cowboy boots and dress white pants without a single wrinkle which you just knew he hadn't worn in the limousine ride over to the show. Meticulous in every way.
Marty Stuart is truly a class act. WOW
You're doing just fine with that guitar, Marty. Just fine.
Listen to you all sentimental sounding, Think he hears you?
Your point?
@@mindcontrol67 yes, actually we do. Pretty sure, Marty has the internet-machine too. ❤️
@@kimberlyhawkins If I'm wrong its that 1% every few years. Lol.
Thanks Reverb. I needed something nice like that. Great story
Marty is more than just a awesome guitar player songwriter and singer he's a channel and a history book to the County and Blue Grass Songwriters and Players from the past. I absolutely love listening to the stories he tells especially the ones about Johnny Cash. Marty is a true legend
saw Marty play live couple weeks ago.. the man ABSOLUTELY kills it. hands down one the best shows ive been to.
Marty Stuart - Absolute Champion and Legend
I couldn't name anyone more worthy of carrying this iconic instrument... And it still does what it was first built to do, and then modified to do, be played... Not hung on a damn wall in a restaurant, or forever locked away in a vault, never to be seen again... Marty could have kept it at home or in a vault, but instead, he makes Grammy winning albums with it, and then takes it on tours around the world. I honestly couldn't think of a more fitting bearer of the torch, someone who will actually take the torch and run with it and use it...
Love to see so much honor in this story
Totally agree with Ed Wilson's comment : Talent +Humility+ class = Marty Stuart
Keep it and play it
I finally saw that Tele again ... 53 years later. Last night at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. Marty ... Clarence would have been so proud. You own it and bless Susie White.
It's a wonderful, yet tragic story. But so good to have this remarkable instrument back in the hands of a fellow professional musician who actually plays it, and in this case plays it well. I'm sure Clarence White would be 100% behind that, and that money, on this occasion, was not everything. America sure does breed a lot of fine guitar players, in this case a very humble and respectful one in Marty.
Clarence White....simply an amazing, gifted, Jimi Hendrix-level guitar player. He was well ahead of his time and a major contributor and, in many respects, an inventor of the West Coast Sound. Echos in the Canyon should have heavily featured him but, unfortunately, mentioned nothing of him. What a pioneer! RIP B-Bender on, brother.
Great story from a great story teller! Amazing!!
i met Marty years ago.. and I so respect his stories and talent.. Play on Marty
What a beast of a guitar! What a rich and touching story as well! It looks really great and sounds lovely!
oh my it ranks up there with my fav guitars i have ever heard. glad it is still around. wish someone could find James Jamersons Funk Machine
Rediscovering Marty after many many years and enjoying every minute!!! Deep dive coming.
Marty is awesome I’m glad he got the guitar and regularly plays it
I don't know if anyone could be more deserving of that guitar. I mean, Tony Rice with the 1935 and Marty Stuart with the 1954. I think both guitars found their way to the appropriate heirs.
Mr. Stuart, I am glad that you have that guitar. I can't think of anyone who should have it more than you. I have three of Mr. Parsons creations, but that's "The One"
I am not a player. I love gadgets; electric guitars, old radios, kitchen gear, pistols and such. This sort of thing keeps my brain happy. Thank you so much.
Dude is so humble Nobody else in the world should have that guitar but Marty 💕 🎸
That is absolutely magic. I'm so glad you guys made this video. It's made me hugely happy. Cheers.
There'll never ever be another Clarence White when it comes to the mastery of the guitar.🎤🎶🎶🎸
Man I could listen to Marty’s stories all damn day
Great Story from a great, great performer.
Absolutely the coolest story... what heritage !
What a brilliant story, and Marty seems like a lovely guy.
Marty, you got class and you DO deserve this guitar. We love hearing you play her.
I always loved Mr. Stuart's work. He is a class act.
It is truly an Iconic instrument and Marty is fully cognizant of the fact that he is the custodian of a piece of history.