Chris Scruggs on George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Merle Haggard, The Byrds, Waylon Jennings 

I made this compilation in hopes of making it easier for people to find all of these stories. Please feel free to share a link with your favorite Chris Scruggs fan.

How anyone can talk so articulately for so long (even given that these are edited together snippets) is amazing to me -- I can't get two sentences out without five "Uhs" and and three pauses searching for the right word. Plus the fact that his depth of knowledge is such a treasure trove. Loved he's stories about Billy Joe Shaver especially.

The Superlatives are the best band going, and their collective knowledge is simply insane

Somebody give Chris his own Nashville talk show.

Always a pleasure listening to Chris and Kenny Vaughn… Great stories, great knowledge, great talent..

Chris Scruggs is a walking encyclopedia of authentic country music and conveys a wonderfully articulate and entertaining mix of interesting information and well-timed humor. And this interview was the best of many I’ve viewed with him due to Otis’s typical superb questions and willingness to let Chris elaborate. All the Byrds stuff was especially informative and illuminating, particularly for a Byrds know-it-all like me.

I could listen to Chris Scruggs forever!

Great to here from Chris , He's a awesome story teller with a ton of musical knowledge. He's also a huge asset to Marty Stuarts Fabulous Superlatives

Chris Scruggs is captivating… What a knowledgeable story teller… love him as a musician as well…

Hey Otis - us Bluegrass fans would love to hear Chris talk a bit about his Grandaddy Earl. Thanks for these great videos.

Love these recollections by Scruggs, Vaughan and etc. I ‘d love to hear something about the “Renegade Picker “ Steve Young.

The reason McGuinn used so much compression was a result of the recording session for the first single release of Tambourine Man. The wrecking crew was used on that first single instead of the band. McGuinn, who was also a studio player at the time, was the only band member who played on the single. They recorded it at Columbia records and at that time Columbia was recording mostly classical and orchestra music. The sound engineers were concerned that this "Rock" music would damage their equipment so they put heavy compression on Roger's 12 string. He really liked the sound and wanted to re-create it when they played live so he installed the VOX compressor unit into his guitar.

This man has more country music history information in him than the world has ears to hear. Fantastic! I wish I could roll down the highway with him and the rest of the Superlatives for a weekend! 😊

So much history from Mr. Scruggs, Thank you so much for sharing Otis🎼❤️

What I love about this guy is that he’s not only a great musician, but he KNOWS where he came from and who paved that path, and KNOWS it’s important to know it and to give them their credit. He’s a legit historian. This was so amazing to listen to. Thanks for all of it!

Great interview. Loved the Haggard stories. Chris is so talented and knowledgeable.

Chris is a walking encyclopedia of Nashville's golden era.

Wow, Chris is such an interesting and knowledgeable guy. Thanks for this.

These sessions are like going to university. Thank you.

Thanks Otis ! Chris is an amazing talent in his own right, and I love listening to him tell stories and history about the music, players, and industry in general. He could be another Joe Chambers (RIP) down at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. I would enjoy Chris interviewing the greats, before their all gone. Cheers to you both !

I think paycheck is easily one of the best song writers or story tellers in the outlaw movement and was one of the last true outlaw

Love to be on the tour bus listening to Scruggs, Kenny Vaughan and Marty Stuart swapping stories and discussing music-I could listen to these guys all day long. Otis is one of the best hosts ever-he books great guests and never gets in the way-thanks for getting this “inside baseball” information out there. It really enhances the music having the history and context for these great songs and amazing artists

Chris is a walking encyclopedia of gear, technique etc from the classic era and he can play what he talks about. It's great to see him in Marty's band. I wrote this on one of Deke's posts, the two of them could pull off a Chester and Lester type record more than anybody I know. They both know the gear, the songs etc. They would be great to play with the standards and bring them to a new generation with that fun approach. I was happy to see the vid clip of them jamming at Norms Rare Guitars. I guess if it's feasible, it might happen.

I could listen to Chris for hours, has lived it his whole life. Another great interview Otis, thank you

It's a pure joy learning this country music history.

Otis, I love your channel so much. So much information, so many great stories about some really cool and influential people!

I got out of the army in 1975 at Fort Campbell, KY and started studying music at Austin Peay, up in Clarksville, TN. My violin professor was Sollie Fott who was one of those A listed fiddlers. I believe he also was the first chair fiddle in Johnny Cash's house orchestra for the Johnny Cash Show. What a time! What incredible musicians!!! Otis, I really enjoy all of your videos but this one was exceptional! Thank you and Chris Scruggs!

I love this, Otis. Chris is so genuinely enthusiastic - and a great player.

There are people who can speak musically at a high level and also speak about music at a high level . I put Chris in the same upper echelon with Winton Marsalis . You can listen to them play music or talk about music all day long . He is a treasure

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Waylon really did change country music in so many ways he doesn't get credit for

I just started watching and this is fantastic! It dawned on me (about this country of ours) that if people would lay their guns down and pick up instruments: what a different world we would live in! I'm not a 'believer' (my degree is in Anthropology) but I am well acquainted with verses from the bible: one day they will turn their swords into pruning hooks and make war no more. Maybe, people should just turn their guns in and buy instruments.

BR549 -- I knew it!!!! Damn, he's a walking encylopedia. Very cool. Terrific stories and details.

Chris has a real story-telling talent. I could listen to this stuff for hours. He even manages to pull off that neckerchief and that aint easy!

Thanks for this compilation of great videos, Otis. I feel like I learn something new every time I watch an interview with Chris.

Better watch out. Chris is going to get snatched up by the Smithsonian!

One of the best videos of recollection of some if not all of my country music favourites by a person who retells his experiences with wit and charm. Thanks for posting this! Made my year really…I wonder if he ever spent time with Doug Sahm?

What a great big heart of a guy.

Grady Martin? Not sure I'd say he rated over Hank Garland.

What a country music historian he is! A walking treasure trove of beautiful stories. So glad he’s keeping those memories alive.

This is great! I can listen to stories about the Byrds and Merle Haggard all day long. That Byrds “reunion” tour came through Austin. Wonderful show and event! Thanks!

That was so great, the whole rhing. Im a Merle nut, so that was my favorite part but man .i nerded out on the whole conversation.

There is speculation the Grady Martin also played some guitar parts on "Train Kept a Rolling" by the Burnette Trio

What a great interview Otis. Chris is a living encyclopedia of music. And he talks so well.

Chris talking about Merle Haggard was just excellent. It's a good thing he's so easy to listen to because you can't shut him up!

There are still two Lee's chicken restaurants in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken....My Father N Law put me on it in Maysville , KY

What a great encyclopedia of early C & W Music ❤

Wonderful interview’s with Chris

This is what happens when you ask Chris if he has a spare E string.

I love listening to Chris Scruggs! What a wealth of music history!

Really enjoy these informal conversations. The A team, and members of it, play on some of my favourite records. Charlie McCoy accompanies Dylan on the magnificent 'Desolation Row' - he 'just happened to be in New York'. Grady Martin plays some beautiful gut string guitar on Marty Robbins, 'Gunfighter Ballads.' Grady's work on Johnny Horton's early 78's is distorted and meaner than a junkyard dog; also lead breaks that were thought to be Paul Burlison...it was Grady.

“I think Paycheck was a bit of a character too” Quite the hot take, Chris. 😂 Chris is always a great storyteller.

Yes, Otis!!!!! Thanks for bringing more of Chris. Great hang....

I read that Merle H. took guitar lessons from Grady....

I like the way you talk.

Hi Otis, your stuff is so good that I watched it twice. Thanks you and greetings from Germany

Mr Gibbs, this is a masterpiece! Love Chris and you sir!!

I was lucky enough to be in a bar band that opened for Shaver at a bar in Chillicothe Ohio in the mid 90s. An unforgettable experience for sure.

This Man is a treasure! No he is a TREASURE! Thank you!

A brilliant instrumentalist in his own right.

I loved this! I could listen to Chris all day long!

Incredible share,Otis, thank you

Professor Scruggs!🤠

Chris Scruggs is a true music scholar

What Grady Martin did on El Paso is simply amazing....

What a sharp dude, pleasure to listen, thank you

Kinda like the Wrecking Crew.

Best 49:14 minutes I spent in a long time, pure pleasure!

historically important interview!! should be archived in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Smithsonian , somewhere.

Said Hey to Chris on Sunday at Liberty Hall. We were both going to see the great Mavis Staples.

Uniquely Timeless. Marty Robbins, Strawberry Roan.

Crazy Chris said that about BJS & Spirituality. Because I saw Marty & The Superlatives DO Gospel stuff & it Did Me Thataway!! 🙌🏻

Chris needs a podcast

I read the comments and someone commented that Chris was a great talker and that’s a great observation because Chris talked nonstop without a single pause. I don’t mean to imply that he is manic or anything. Also, what he had to say was very interesting. I especially liked his remembrance of Haggard. I’ve listened to a lot of Hag. over the year - I loved his voice and so many of his songs were on the money, as we say. Thanks Chris and thanks Otis.

Is songwriter Tony Martin, Grady's son? Chris would know

This gentleman is awesome. Huge knowledge base and insight and very articulate. I always enjoy your videos, I REALLY enjoyed this one!

Scruggs is almost 25 years younger than Marty Stuart who is the youngest of the Fabulous Superlatives. Unfortunately, Scruggs will be widowed by his band mates. For now, the Superlatives are indeed fabulous. See them when you can!

Hey Chris Scruggs (and Kenny Vaughn) fans, see and hear them on a great four song set with Marty Stuart on the latest NPR Tiny Desk Concert, posted on April 29, 2024. It’s really really good.

Listen to his show on WSM 650 on Friday’s after the Opry. Usually somewhere between 9 & 9:30 pm. Only a short 15 minutes but well worth a listen.

Is Chris related to Earl, the banjo player?

Outstanding - I couldn't help but tear up at the Haggard/redwood story.

And that's class for today courtesy of Professor Scruggs and Mr. Gibbs. Sure hope there's not a quiz. My mind is reeling. Thank you so much guys.

Saw the Superlatives open for Chris Stapleton last night, wow what a performance. Marty and the gang absolutely killed it, that was an actual show.

And there was Walter Haynes on steel guitar (The A-team) until he went to producing records for Owen. I played in a band with Walt for 9 years. Walt & I also got to play with Paycheck in October 1993.

thanks for talking about the studio musicians sadly most of them are never known although we heard them all our lives. LOved Floyd and Buddy

Thanks that was some great stories.Always love your videos.

Does anyone know where you can listen to or buy a physical copy of Chris’ albums? I’ve looked on here, Spotify and Google a bit. Got nothin…

I wonder if he's thinking of a different Carlisles song...I cant hear any banjo on Too Old...

As far as I’m concerned that lefty frizzlel j200 is much of an important guitar than the SG that belonged to clapton that just sold for a ridiculous sum

Does anyone know if there's a source that lists the complete discography released by Little Darlin'? I looked for one recently and couldn't find it. All my favorite Lloyd Green stuff is definitely on those records.

Jeeez....Chris,...thanks.....❤

❤the musically STELLAR Chris Scruggs

An off topic question for anyone who know it: the kind of scarf and fabric he uses and also the specific knot... it's just im digging it and here in europe no one uses that specific combination

I could listen to this cat all day ...yea ...and Dan Baird . Otis' content is the best .

Music nerd nirvana!!! Thanks. O and Chris! ❤

This is so badass. I’m going to steal the rims off of one of Toby Keith’s old cars and sell it so I can Patreon you.

fabulous

well we know why Marty Stuart calls him the professor!

I would pay money just to sit down and talk music with you Chris