Remembering Roy Buchanan, part 1 

Roy was one of the greatest guitarists of all time

Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton were the two best guitarists to ever roam the Earth!

I was working at Sky Blue studios in 1974 in Sonoma California. I was 15 years old. Bob Johnston and Roy Buchanan show up one day. I have no idea who either of them are. They bought a 2-inch tape with them and wanted to put it on the Ampex. I said to Chris Hackney the master of the studio what's with the grumpy old men. Chris said to me "those old men have probably forgotten more music than you have ever heard. What's your first job as an apprentice?" I answered "to listen." Chris told me to "do just as they say and stay out of their way and you just might learn something." I set the mics for "Dual Soliloquy." Roy had been recording at the Record Plant in Sausalito California. The record plant was charging $500 an hour and booking in a 8-hour blocks. You could come to Sky Blue Studio and record all week for $500. With the money they saved they could buy drugs. Also a small studio allows an artist to be themself. They can afford to do another take without the pressure of the high cost and knowing they have to get out of the way of the next band coming in. From Bob Johnston I learned about capturing the signal and letting the artist be themself. I learned about the Sonic landscape and how to sort by transducer. From Roy Buchanan I learned to be quiet. I was quieter than he was and he really liked it. I did just what I was told. When he looked me in the eye I could tell that he appreciated it. I set two mics for Dual Soliloquy- one at instrument height and one for a vocal in case Roy wanted to do a vocal. Roy sat on a bar stool and began with an acoustic guitar. I had never seen him play acoustic guitar. I'd seen him play a well-worn Telecaster through a Fender amp and occasionally a tobacco Les Paul. He could play a Telecaster through a Leslie and make it sound like a saxophone. Roy could do bends and curves. I had never seen anybody reached through the cutaway on a Telecaster the way he did. I didn't know who Roy was but I remembered him. While I was there Harold Diltz did a photoshoot. Later when I saw the photographs I was able to put it together who Roy was During the recording of "Dual Soliloquy" I sat three feet away from Roy in a wicker chair. I had to hold real still and watch my breathing. Bob told Roy he had about a half hour of tape and he could do whatever he wanted. Roy looked at me the entire time and it was as though he was playing just for me. He looked me straight in the eyes. It was like I was an audience of one. His eyes seemed to be asking "am I reaching you." And he did. He spoke very little. And when the day came to say good-by he looked me in the eyes and his eyes were smiling. His glance seem to say that he appreciated me. I smiled back and gave him a heads up to let him know I appreciated him. This was the most recording we had ever done without talking. Bob Johnson gave some esoteric instructions. But being around Bob and Roy was a pretty austere experience. These guys were really serious. I would later run into Bob Johnston and learn about the work he'd done. 26 years later he was still wearing the same gold corduroy jacket with the brown leather patches on the elbows and he had the same pitted teeth. Maybe he had more than one gold corduroy jacket but I would have thought he would have had his teeth fixed. Life is funny.

Arguably the best telecaster player ever.

Saw roy twice in Pittsburgh,,he was awesome,,came every year to Pittsburgh around Christmas,,I bought him a beer and he drank it on stage,,Stanley theater around 82 83,,,,,miss you roy

I saw Roy twice at Salisbury State College, 1st time I was on LSD 25 from MIT, the second time I saw him I was straight, both times when he played tears rolled down my face and I could not control it.

Nobody`s guitar play touched me as much as Roy Buchanan`s.

I went to Roy Buchanan's concert at the Auckland Town Hall in New Zealand. I collected all his albums. Roy became my favorite blues player many. Beautiful Blues guitarist

I learned more about playing guitar by watching/listening to him than all other guitarists put together. Been playing for 43 years everything from classical to grunge, thrash, speed, blues...doesnt matter...he is in everything I've written . Arthritis nerve damage is taking its toll on me but I still hear him in what's left of me. Thanks, Roy!

He was a great guitarist, a real musical genius.

RIP Roy Buchanan. What a musician.

No one’s guitar playing has ever touched my soul the way Roy’s playing has, Thanks Roy.

remember like it was yesterday. I was 18 the year was 1986. I actually was in Roy’s Beautiful Home in Reston VA. His daughter Patti was best friends with my good buddy steve’s girlfriend Janice. We were all young and at A party on a Saturday night there. I actually stood there in awe of the mans record collection witch towered over ten feet high on an entire wall. My god the musical archives. Getting high with a bunch of local musicians. Drinking. Amazing time 1986. We’ll Roy happened to come home around ten o’clock and just was gracious as could be. Father and daughter Partying together. Stood right next to a legend and he talked with us so kindly and relaxed for a guy that came home to like fifty people partying in his home. The guitarist in my band Craig it had to be a religious experience. Fast forward To present and I now work and am going to retire from the Sheriffs Office that runs the jail where he died. A lot of fucking misery in that place. A lot of ghosts of years past restlessly wandering around. And Just recently went into the cell where he died and said a little prayer. It’s eerie and surreal. It’s a place where quite a few of us ended up at one time or another. Different times now. Staff doesn’t Intentionally harm inmates in there anymore thank god. I’ve cared for Childhood friends that ended up there. I’m still a musician and Am hoping for a renewed sense of energy and creativity after a career like I’ve had. The story of him hanging himself I truly believe is Utter bullshit. Nobody that gets arrested for Drunk in public commits suicide while being held for six hours. Justice will never be served in that God forsaken County.

A friend dragged my to see Roy Buchanan [ who ? ] 3 months before his death . It was the most outrageous virtuoso performance I have ever seen . His studio records just don't portray how clean , wild and soulful he really was . I was transfixed . Oh yeah , I have seen a lot of gigs but , ....WOW !

Got to meet and hang out with Roy in the early 70's. Was fortunate enough to be at the Record Plant when he recorded "That's What I Am Here For". Was sitting right in front of him when he recorded the solo for "Hey Joe". I still have a copy of a conversation that I had with Robbie, John Harrison and Dick Heinz just before the album was released. Billy Price was the amazing singer on that LP. Such fond memories.

Nobody can touch my soul like Roys Telecaster,I NEVER TIRE OF HIS PLAYING!

one of the most underrated guitar players (in Europe, I think!).

My God where was I WOW ..... Again I missed the best ever guitarist on the planet Gary Moore & Roy Bachanan.... God rest your souls boys

Roy was a close friend of mine. Thanks for putting this together. Roy would have approved.

Truly the best telemaster of all time, unparalleled skill and imortal talent

Sometimes a comedian is called a "comedians comedian." Buchanan was truly great musician. Duane Allman, Clapton, Beck, they all loved and respected him. He was just great. The musicians knew it.

Roy Buchanan's playing didn't touch my soul, it blew my mind.

Roy was perhaps the most inimitable guitarist ever. People can mimic the basic Hendrix sound, but not the total package. Nobody can even get Roy's sound.

Roy was unique for sure, and will be remembered forever.

I heard "Live Stock" in 1974 and became a big fan. Have everything I know of that he ever put on vinyl in his name. Only guitar player whose sound can bring me to tears, it is so soulful.

Sweet Dreams by Roy was the very first track I EVER recorded off the radio as a kid way back in '70 or '71. What a masterpiece!

Roy is the reason I own and play a Tele.

Roy Buchanon was 30 years ahead of his time, This is what happened to Roy Buchanon .

the best player I ever heard...insane tone and control...first recorded pinch harmonic...technical master

Roy is one of my relatives. I also love to play the guitar. Must be in our blood. RIP Roy.

the first time i listened to his cover of hey Joe i said holy shit who is that, and my old man said son he is the greatest unknown underrated guitarists you will ever come across. And a big influence on my playing ever since live stock is a brilliant album.

He's the main reason I bought my first Telecaster. I had already played a couple of old late 60's models (they were a dime a dozen back then) that I really thought were special, but it didn't seem like anybody else was playing them at the time. Then I heard Roy's first album, and that was it. I had to have one.

I saw Roy live in Brisbane 81,and Perth 88/89??!Epic nights ,legendary guitarist,cheers mate

Blessed to see Roy at the Amazing grace Coffee House in Evanston, IL in the 70's. Sat on the floor right in front of him along with my coherts. AMAZING. Seen him again at the Ivanhoe Theater in Chicago and then at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. My buddy Jack said lets go to his dressing room. No one was looking and we climbed right up on stage and made our way to the dressing room. The door was opened and Roy and his band greeted us kindly. They were sharing a 12 pack of beer. I couldn't believe we had the balls to do that. We thanked him for the show and left.

I met Roy in the mid 1960's at The Rabbit's Foot in upper Georgetown DC...he was backing up a DC duo, The Kaylin Twins. From the first song he played...the great instrumental 20/75...to the last song I heard him play many years later I felt he understood the connection between his soul, music, his guitar and the listener's soul and was able to make that connection time after time after time...I spoke with him numerous times at stage side and he was always kind, courteous and...interesting. A notable memory was how high his strings were on his guitar. That is the Roy Buchanan I knew. Larry Marseglia

I get to remember Mr. Roy B. every day. He is in my music library of course. He is played and listened to daily. Seen him here in Pittsburgh at least a half dozen times in the early eighties maybe even late seventys. The Graffiti and the Stanley theater were fantastic and most intimate venues. I still miss not seeing him , especially since it was always around this time of year he would often visit Pittsburgh. I can still recall the times I was blessed to see him. Thank goodness for memories. Thank you.

This man was a total gift from God - one of God's little examples of what He can do in a person

Robbie could never even think about dancing with Roy Buchanan. Not even close....

I remember seeing him in the early at Frostburg State University in a small room and we had to sit on the floor. This man came out, didn't say anything and played his ass off on the guitar. He could make the guitar sound like it was crying. It is one of the best performances I have ever seen and remember like it was yesterday!!

Saw Roy a bunch of times but the gig in Morristown N j was the craziest……. Roy had a 12 pac of Heineken bottles and after chugging one proceeded to throw them full speed at the stage hands and then laugh his ass off ……. Priceless!!!

First time I ever heard Roy was on one of the Concert TV. shows they used to air in the mid 70"s. I was 17, Roy played Hey Joe, and to this day I remember the feeling of every goose bump on my skin rising. When I called my guitar playing friend the next day,at the same time we said to each other...did you see that guy last night? Those were the days when ACTUAL MUSICIANS dominated the music industry.

Best documentary on Roy I've seen.

Just hearing Roy for the 1st time, amazing player!!!

roy was the best,absolutely awesome

Was very fortunate to see him live at the Old Brunswick House in Toronto in the '80's. Long lineup outside the bar with only last set left to play. When his devoted, loving fans in front of us heard we had never seen him play live, they let us go to the front so we wouldn't miss him, saying "you gotta see him live." Many thanks again for letting us have an unforgettable experience. Many thanks to you Roy, with love and respect.

"average intelligence and way above average perception" That sounds about right. I think most good musicians score high in the area of emotional IQ and have a sensitivity and perceptiveness about human nature and love and hate that they express through their instruments.

I saw Roy perform in 1971 or '72 at a large venue in Wash. DC. It was coordinated by Nils Lofgren - who jammed with him. Roy's band was called The Snakestretchers. I was a strat playing guitarist with my own R&B band in DC. Great concert. My favorite number was his version of Sweet Dreams. I was smitten.

The mystery man named on 'Blow by Blow'. Excellent vid, many voices giving a hint as to who RB was. Peace.

i've played guitar for 35 years, most of it with a tele in my hands. I've always massively respected Roy. He's my favorite player's (Will Ray) favorite player. So my hat's off to the man. Surely a genius and like many people on a different plane, he apparently struggled to find a place among "normal" people. Having said that, I've never "liked" his playing, and I have a hunch it's because I never saw him live. Some players' brilliance cannot be conveyed via recordings. I never cared much for BB King until I saw him live in his home town of Indianola, MS...and the 2 hours changed my life. So, I only wish I could have seen Mr Buchanan in the flesh.

a very special musician, you won't see many that could match him

THANK YOU ROY FOR YOUR MUSIC!!! JUST THANK YOU

Saw him at Carnegie Hall in 1972 I think it was. The sounds he got out of that Tele were unreal. It cried. And the speed - he was blindingly fast but with taste which most speed freaks don't have. But then, Oh, those soulful blues licks ! Ya know what it was? Nobody else played with so much treble on his guitar and amp.

He can solo to anything rock, soul, blues, jazz, country, better than the best at a first take.. others just drop their jaw looking and listening..

Was able to see him in the 70's at the Kennedy center, no one can make a guitar wail like he did.

one of the best. "a street called straight" I played his albums over and over, he fascinated me. such a rare talent.

I Mike had the honor to work with buchanan in minneapolis in a blues band in 1984 @ we were pick up musicians that played with artist that had no band we had a great time@miss him alot

I met him twice and he was very friendly and receptive to me.He actually showed me some of his technique on his famous Telecaster one on one.I wasn't a guitar player but I sure wasn't going to stop him.One of my life's most chershed memories

I found Roy in the early 70s and imo "The Messiah will come again"is still a stand-alone example of electric guitar virtuosity.

Years ago I went to a club in Harvard Square, Cambridge MA called Jonathan Swifts...Roy was playing there that night and I was excited to see him live for the first time. I sat at the bar with by friend, having a beer when I noticed the guy sitting right next to me quietly having a drink...It was Roy. I was excited to be six inches from him at the bar but something told me to leave him be to enjoy his drink, so I said nothing. He got up quietly and was on stage 30 minutes later ripping it up. One of the most underrated guitarists ever. Sad ending for such a gifted guy.

I like how you can really hear the neck in Roy's playing, even though he's playing on the bridge. You can hear that fingerboard, all the nuances. It's so completely organic.

Live stock. ,,, Roy Buchanan, one of the best albums ever

What a wonderful tribute to the Great Master Roy Buchanan ... Bravo! Great Post! :)

Remember seeing him with Royz Boyz at the Wax Museum in Washington D.C. late 87 or early 88 cause it was cold. Took forever for him to come out on stage. But it was well worth it. One of the greatest of all time. We were blessed to have great guitarists in the D.C. area along with Nils Lofgren,Tom Principato,and also Danny Gatton. Wish I could have seen him more!! RIP Roy !!!

Hey, that guy we killed in D cell. It turns out he's famous. Oh damn, we better come up with a good story. RIP Roy.

Roy Buchanan was the greatest guitarist who ever played the Telecaster. And, at least in my book, Prince is definitely a close second. Those two are simply untouchable on the Tele.

First found out about Roy in the early seventies and thankful for it. RIP big man.

I was playing at a night club in the 1970's and during a break, the DJ played Roy Buchanan's version of "Sweet Dreams". I was completely taken by his guitar playing and will never forget that 'first time'!

Was lucky enough to see Roy play at a bar in Dallas called, Poor Davids. Actually in Garland Tx. He was a bit crazy that night. Willie Nelson was in the room as was Jimmy Lee Vaugn. Great evening of drunken debauchery.

He was so good everyone would side step him or ignore him not talk to him out of fear. Like this ( this guy is bigger than our egos run) ..

He was an Introvert. I know this because I am One. His mode of communication came from his guitar. I am a fan to my last breath!

Way fairing pilgrim, studio version, best guitar work ever!!

Words....None! He was in a class that carved their own style. A true innovator. Inspiriring!!

Roy was ny favorite. Saw him live and he was awesome. He came on stage with a six pack at Park East Chicago. Sat it down by the mike and played his a s s off. He was guitar players guitar player.

We saw him at a small club in Santa Cruz c. 1976. They didn't even sell out the second show so let us stay. I was standing close to the stage and Roy suddenly appeared talking to some people. He turns to me, "Could you watch this for a second?" And hands me his Telecaster(!). He's gone for 5-10 minutes. My buddies are like, "What?!" I'm afraid I'll drop it or something. He shows back, "Thanks." Wtf(?!) Back-to-back shows completely different. Amazing, magical night (plus the chick I was with was completely hot, out of my league...and I left her exhausted, giving me that 'look'.) What an amazing 8 or so hrs...

Way back in 1966, I was an army draftee stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA. I was (and am) a guitarist. One day I and friends went to a club in DC that had the one-hit wonders the Kalin Twins playing. They had an excellent guitarist with them. After a few drinks (!), I asked if I could sit in. They said yes, so I grabbed my guitar and got up on stage (behind the bar). Had a good time - years later I realized that their guitarist was Roy Buchanan.

Thank you, thank you for posting this. Roy doesn't get enough credit. He was a guitar player's guitar player.

The first time I heard Roy's Bluz from Livestock, it changed my appreciation for music. Nothing else I've ever heard compared to it. Still affects me the same way today 45 years later. I miss Roy and his music.

Roy Buchanan is a way ,way, underrated guitarist. He is much more influential than he gets recognition or credit for. I remember hearing his version of Green Onions, (Booker T) back in 1975 or 6 and I was hooked on this guy. His style of playing is unmatched. I`ve never seen someone so at home and comfortable on a guitar. Stevie Ray comes damn close.

They should do a movie about Roy Buchanan. It could be great. So many ins and outs, so many questions, such a great talent.

I’ve listened to a lot of Roy Buchanan from since I was an adolescent. Some of these live clips are blowing me away.

An American friend of mine introduced me to his music and I was devastated to learn that he was already gone! Such a talent. Cheers from Australia.

I thought f . zappa was the best in the 70s I forgot about Roy b. all the great ones brought something awesome. miss frank, and Roy, jimi, duane, jerry, rory, prince, and Randy. !!!

He never gets mentioned with the greats, its a shame. Great honesty film about Roy. Great job on this video.

Roy Buchanan probably knew more about the Telecaster than Leo Fender.

I was very fortunate to see Roy live in Adelaide, Australia in the early eighties.. I love the sound of the Telecaster ( I had an American 67' ash blonde, maple neck that I wore all the polyurethane off and wore the frets down to the neck ) I loved the way Scotty Moore (Elvis's guitarist) played them, I loved the way Jeff Beck played them and the sound Keith Richards got from his Tele'.. it's just got a sound that you can't reproduce with any other guitar. (IMO)The sad thing was, the Hells Angels brought him out to Australia, which scared a lot of people off going to see him in Adelaide at the venue he played (which was always usually packed) so, there was only about 2 dozen people there, also myself and 4 friends who admired him, plus about 15 Hells Angels walking around with their patches on, there was no trouble at all, I felt privileged as it felt like a private gig, he played brilliantly! but I just felt sad that only a few people were there to see this master of the guitar. I was sad the day I heard he had tragically died. R.I.P. Leroy Buchanan.

One of the best I never got to see , DAMN IT.

Have never seen this. Thank you for posting!

Great doc; thanks for posting.

I saw Roy in Toronto at a outdoor concert not a lot of people were even paying attention , I stood next to the stage with no problem & watched the show .

Thank You so much for this great documentary.

Blessed to have seen RB perform here in St. Louis. I believe he was the opening act for 'The Dickie Betts Band'. Could have been the other way around of course! During his show he had an upbeat song happening and he was just blazing away on a lead. While continuing to play the lead he slowly walked over to his amp and picked up a beer with his right hand--lefthand fingers still tapping, pulling off, killing it. He even paused mid-beer to take a deep breath kind of winking at the audience-- then he finished the beer and continued his solo. Some might say, "Oh sure ... nice trick' ... and while that is accurate his solo never lost momentum. Very cool. R.I.P. RB.

I love Roy's playing so much he was truly a master thank you for posting this.

Thanx for posting! I think I'm gonna like this.

Roy was nicknamed the best unknown guitar player........Roy with his last 3 album's, Dancing on the Edge was just seemed to be a new direction Roy was going to, second to last, was up for a grammy..When a Guitar Plays the Blues .....and his last ..he said was his best one. Roy was still young. Yes Roy Was unbelievable and didn't have a popular name like Clapton and Hendrix. But Roy if he never passed ...he was just onto something different. We all grow and go thru changes but Roy I firmly believe would never stop playing that guitar and finally his name would b a popular name....not unknown. I met Roy backstage 2 times each at 2 different night shows. He was really kind He opened his case and said here's my guitar. We asked (I was 12 and my brother was 9 ) it was b 4 the show the club was empty still . me bro and dad were the 1st ones there. We asked him if he was Roy Buchanan and He kindly said yes with a smile that's when we asked if that was his guitar case and he asked if wed like to c his guitar he showed us itt. Just in a gentle made us feel good. The other show he took a picture I re with me my brother and my father with his arms stretched out all the way around us three. Man he's just in his own class one of a kind got to love him. Its like I miss him but I still listen to him often and play guitar at least try and want to b able to play as good as he couldf . well lol. I wish me luck right. God Bless you Roy thanks for sharing your gift kindness and making us all happy w/ur music . R.I.P.

Could you imagine Roy and Danny gatton jamming together? What an overload of guitarorgasm the two together would be insane and throw in Rory Gallagher and these three would produce a sound that cannot be imagined! All three were equally good on the guitar with Danny being the best of the three

This is so great and so, so interesting. Thank you for exposing me to Roy Buchanan, and others too, on this video. I really can't thank you enough.

Fabulous, this is great to hear from the folks who knew Roy - who played with Roy and had first-hand experience with him. I love it, thanks for posting this bio. This is a real find for Roy's fans.

On another RU-vid video I had made a comment about how I thought that the 2 most underappreciated guitar players who are gone are Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan. A person replied and said he had seen those 2 guitar players play together and he said "It was like hearing Joe Pass and Duke Ellington playing together cause the musical genius was overflowing that night"! What a great description!!!

Thank you 👍 Well done.

Master guitar player, great father (?) KING OF THE COMB OVER!!!