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.
@@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
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!
@@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!
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...............
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!!
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!
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!!!
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: 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.
@@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!
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 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.
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.
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 wrote a song called Telecaster Dream about the very guitar that Marty is talking about in this video. You can hear it here on RU-vid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YNFmvNf3mFI.html
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.
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.
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).
Wonderful piece!... You know, I've SEEN Clarence play that guitar...I'd just gotten out of the Air Force, was stationed at Homestead, just sound of Miami. The Byrds were doing a free concert at the University of Miami, at their student union area...It was outside...not a really huge place...I got there early, got a great seat..I was about 50 feet from the stage... I'd never heard them doing country before, so I was quite surprised...when they came on and did the songs from their 'Sweethears' album! I'd never seen Clarence before, not knew that he was with their band, then. I sat and looked...and looked..and wondered HOW in the WORLD!...is he getting those notes!!??!... A year later, I was in Westwood, CA, part of L.A....Went into a music store that was a block or two 'below' Wishire...and I believe it was on Westwood Blvd...I go and...there is this guitar!..getting some work done on it... and I ask they guy ..'What is that?!'.. He said it belonged to Clarence White... and explained it...it was THEN!..that I finally realized how Clarence had gotten those sounds...Along, of course, with his amazing talent!..Thanks for the video, 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.
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.
I met Marty Stuart backstage at a bluegrass festival while I was tripping on acid. I have no idea how I even got backstage, but I was basically being escorted out of the area, and Marty just walked around the corner and said "It's ok, he's with us". They let me go, and I just chilled backstage for hours.
Great story. Marty is a genuine, awesome guy. I've met him and he was the most gracious, down-to-earth dude you'd ever want to meet. I think that's probably how Clarence's wife knew he was the right guy for it.
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
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 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 RU-vid 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.
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.
_Wow_... There is so much to love here I watched this 3 times *and* downloaded it! What a wonderful gentleman, guitar player, guitar, story behind the guitar... And what a great job by Reverb!!! Unlike so many others, they just basically let the man tell the story and did an incredible job to bring us this finished product. I wish I could like it twice.
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.
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.
Awesome...great story. Very talented fellow. Marty also has been collecting lots of memorabilia over the years from a vast variety of musicians and singers. So grateful that honors and respects the music.
Well some of these comments and some of Marty's story brings tears to my eyes. When Sweetheart of the Rodeo 1st came out on Columbia Records I secretly bought the album and used to play it in my back room hoping the one would hear it. I went back to living with my parents when I was in my middle twenties for a while. Most of the people around me were listening to rock,blues, and RnB Mostly Jewish Italian families in my area of Surfside near Miami Beach. I used to love this album. Before I became a Christian I loved all the Christian songs on there. Very endearing to hear Martin's relationship with Clarence White and his family. Interesting thing how I even migrated to this video was I was going through some old cassettes that I go through periodically to try to decide either to keep,re record, donate or throw out to bring things up-to-date and get rid of things I don't want. I have a tape that has some Bob Dylan recordings with the Band and he was doing this song. I run it through Google Play Music came up on RU-vid scroll down to remarks found Marty's video. Very historically educational background thank you Marty.
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.
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.
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!
Greatness in Motion and I agree with Mrs. White Clarence would've wanted Mr Marty to have the Guitar Gently, Genuine ,Compassionate and Real Heart and Soul....Thank You for Posting this Blessed Story of Marty and Clarence, Goodness Gracious Alive gives me chills to the bone.....ol man way down in TX JD
Robert Noble Music Country pickers tend to get passed over save for guys like Clapton. Read his book. He pays homage. I'd put Roy Clark and Glenn Campbell up against almost any rocker on a bad night.
Robert Noble Music Many moons ago I hung around a joint called the Palomino and they had occasion to play together few times there and a joint up Bakersfield way called the Silver Slipper(belonged to Buck Owens). When disco and DJs took hold Country Western joints were live music.
The fact that Marty doesn’t think he deserves this guitar underlines the fact that he does deserve it. It’s still played on stage and goes around the world…
I wrote a song called Telecaster Dream about the very guitar that Marty is talking about in this video. You can hear it here on RU-vid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YNFmvNf3mFI.html
Heard him last night in Augusta, GA and the Clarence Tele was magnificent. He and Kenny traded licks back and forth all night, Kenny’s it appears, is a G Bender, rather than a B-Bender. They both operate the same way and the beautiful steel-like tones are unmistakable. What a story .. and what a prize, for Country Music’s #1 Ambassador. Congrats Marty! I’ll give you 2x $1450 whenever you’re ready .. and you can keep the Nudie Suits 😇👍🏻
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.
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, 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.
We can't forget history. Marty Stuart knows history and understands history. What if Gram Parsons had overcome his demons. What if Clarence White had chosen a different way to park his car. Just a pipe dream of a fan. I am glad that Marty got Clarence's guitar. Should an instrument become a static museum piece of should it become a piece of history that is still shared with thousands of people. I think you know what my answer is.
Sorry, I think I've got something in my eye....or maybe my allergies are acting up....or maybe it's just really dusty in here. It's just an old guitar, after all... Anyways, I'm pretty sure Marty Stuart is one of the top ten coolest guys on the planet.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 !!!
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....
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.
