Thank You Roy Clark

Oh my!!! My world was rocked several days ago when the news announced that an important star of my childhood had passed away. My goodness, I do not think we realize sometimes as we age so does our favorite celebrities. On the 15th of November American singer and musician Roy Linwood Clark left this earth to go to wait for the rest of us. I can only imagine Roy somewhere playing that much beloved country music.

I can recall Roy Clark and his jolly face on the T.V. set at home. It seemed every time it was on mom and dad were sure to watch Hee Haw. Clark was there playing music as well as introducing both new and old stars to the show where they would entertain the watchers of the show. While Roy Clark played the guitar, banjo and fiddle as well as sang he had much more to do in the entertainment world.

As a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1987 Roy could entertain the world in many musical manners. In 2009 Clark was introduced to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Interested in reading about the ups and downs in the life of Roy Clark check out his book My Lif e In Spite of Myself

Information about Clark's Life

Born in Meherrin Virginia April 15, 1933 to Hester and Lillian Clark. Roy was one of five children born to a tobacco farmer. Clark spent his childhood in Meherrin and New York City as his father moved around during the Great Depression looking for work. Through the moves his father would move to Washington D.C. and find work in the Navy Yards. Through all the moves his mother and father had many skills to offer him.

His father talented in playing the banjo, fiddle and guitar and his mother played piano. Clark's first instrument was a four string cigar box with a ukelele neck attached. He started playing in elementary school. Shortly after his father taught him how to play guitar at the age of 14. Following the guitar he would learn the banjo and mandolin. At the age of 15 Roy Clark would win the National Banjo Championship in 1947 and 1948.

As much of a star Roy Clark was a bit of his personality was shy and timid. He was socially isolated by his classmates so Clark learned to clown around to fit in. Much of his early singing career showed this comedy side of Clark. Clark would sing duet with Carl Lukat a lead guitarist that Clark supported on rhythm. It was not long before Clark would be shown on T.V on a Washington D.C. station. The following year at the age of 17 Roy Clark made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his second national banjo title. In addition to guitar he would play fiddle and 12 string guitar as music would be his life for the next year and half playing as he toured with David "Stringbean" Akeman. He was paid $150 a week touring and playing fairs and the such with stars such as Red Foley, Annie Lou and Danny and the rest. Believe it or not while his music was flying high Clark would start flying as well.

Roy Clark was 23 when he bought his first plane and started flying. Clarks personal life was filled with his wife Barbara Joyce Rupard and his five children. Roy lived in Tulsa Oklahoma where in 1978 the elementery school was named after him. As I stated Roy Clark died November 15, 2018 at the age of 85 due to complications of pneumonia.

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