British guitarist analyses Jim Stafford's JOKE performance!!!

[@kellycoleman715]

I always thought that Jim was a very underrated talent. I am so thankful that I grew up in the prime of Campbell and Stafford and Clark. We were spoiled and didn’t know it.

[@CRAIG5835]

I reckon, Kelly. Same here. Agreed. They ALL got a ton of Respec in their name.

[@freddyvis99]

I'd like to insert Jerry Reed

[@leegrant7333]

I don't know why those who say underated talent...You weren't there. He was big during the time...

[@jimashtube]

" While the other kids practiced football, I practiced guitar, and today I can kick that guitar 40 yards". Jim Stafford.

[@davidmiller9485]

60 bro, not 40 :)

[@jimashtube]

@@davidmiller9485 I was an underachiever.

[@davidmiller9485]

@@jimashtube lol :)

[@sherriebrand1771]

AND IT'S GOOOOD !!

[@johnnytruck2009]

Hahaha!

[@backspace4203]

I remember him. Guys like him and Roy don’t act like they’re special, while those who act special aren’t.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@Hollylivengood]

He also was an ammature oceanographer, if I remember right , he did a video on Florida wetlands.

[@jameseubanks379]

But don’t you think Roy Clarke worried about this new show he signed on to do would affect his career, Hee Haw! Your kidding right? What do you mean Buck Owens is in his dressing room already! This may work afterall.

[@jodidavis6595]

Amen

[@muzikdude1188]

Jim Stafford is an incredible guitarist who has never received the respect he deserves most likely because of his comedic approach to playing. But he's got the chops, and can hang with the best of them when he's being serious.

[@I_Palaver]

Either way, he can have you wiping tears.

[@blackholeentry3489]

Not sure of the years, but my 1st wife and I made several trips from CA to Branson. Jim Stafford was always a favorite and we felt we got our money's worth from his performance alone.

[@MelissaThompson432]

He has an incredibly silly face he makes that leads you into underestimating him. Roy Clark did the same thing.

[@tonybush5973]

I was born in Defuniak springs Fl. I never thought to hear it mentioned in a Jim Stafford story. Thank you to all musicians for your gifts to humanity. Mr. Fil, it is so nice to hear the respect and decency you display. I am so sick of snarky, mean spirited people. You help restore some of my faith in humanity by your demeanor. Hee Haw to Zeppelin I have enjoyed it all. Keep playing and singing, it lifts our souls.

[@stacybishop5501]

When I saw you mention Defuniak Springs, I had a flashback. In about 1978 or 1979, my mom and I drove our big Dodge truck from Colorado to St. Augustine to help my oldest brother move back to CO...I was 12ish...I saw my first tornado in Oklahoma and we stayed in Defuniak Springs...it was late when we got there...my mom thought it was scary, I thought the fog and trees and the dim street lights were creepy too, but kind of cool! I will never forget that car trip!

[@graywade9225]

The "Jokers" always seem to be underrated. Jim Stafford, Roy Clark, Jerry Reed... All MASTERS at their craft. Thanks Fil, for yet another insightful analysis!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@neotheone7923]

alex lifeson tells some great jokes

[@jamesanderson5268]

Don't forget Weird Al. Massively talented.

[@rickdoogie749]

I'd like to add Martin Mull and Steve Martin to the listen of comedians who are great musicians. Chevy Chase is also a very good piano / organ player. I'm sure the list goes on and on. Just a few names that immediately came to mind.

[@DigitalBridge.]

@@rickdoogie749 Yes Chevy Chase was a member of the Steely Dan band for a new york minute:)

[@georgeiron8399]

Mr Stafford is very alive and still makes people laugh in Branson Missouri

[@insideoutsideupsidedown2218]

George Iron saw him several years ago, the theater was almost sold out, we were on the 3rd front, got to shake his hand. Good solid performance.

[@Glide1992]

Just got back from seeing him at his theater in Branson. Awesome show. Got to meet him and shake his hand. Great guy.

[@tornadotj2059]

Yep, he has his own entertainment hall there. I saw him there a couple of years ago, I think I might have been the only person in the crowd that still has some brown hair. He was fantastic. He even came over and talked to our group after the show, and wasn't rushed to get away. A true talent and great guy.

[@donyamcashburn5440]

I did not know that. Thank you for that info

[@pateagle7191]

I was going to say, you can get this kind of entertainment in Branson.

[@kendavis8046]

I'm an old-fart who plays "cowboy chords". but I recently subscribed to your channel. I absolutely love the analysis, and the fact that you are pointing out stuff that folks who don't play the instrument (or in my case, play it only poorly) so that they can appreciate the artistry that goes into the playing of the folks at the top of their game. I've watched several of your videos at this point, and the other thing I appreciate is that you genuinely enjoy both the artists and the techniques, regardless of genre. Well done channel, and thumbs up.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Ken!

[@TheMrAshley2010]

+

[@froter1]

Ken Davis we love Fil ! He’s my favorite as well

[@weldonwilson]

While I'm not a guitar player, I also enjoy the analysis of what's going on. And I love watching the joy on Fil's face when he hears and sees one of these master's at work.

[@mitch5699]

Hi ken About a year ago I , 'well I'll say we ' crowned Fil officially" Ambassador To The People Of Rock . I love it when I share Fils channel with a friend that doesn't play guitar, at first they say oh man who gives a shat what some British headbanger says about this or thaaa, .lol almost every time I do that Fil gets a new sub. I've been playing rock guitar 40 years, longer than he's been alive, but Fil is truly the man... I'm old , missed my chance , but I got big hopes for Fil making it big. Thanks for seeing the Fil in Fil ✌️🍻🍺 cheers.

[@williamfarmer3841]

In my belief, Classical Gas is one of the best contemporary classical pieces ever written in modern history. What an entertainer.

[@brianmusson1827]

Victor Borge on the piano was exactly the same. A brilliant musician who would have you in fits of laughter . Your generation has really missed out on some of the great entertainment we had in our younger days.

[@bethcoddington2150]

Brian, I was thinking exactly the same thing watching this. My Dad was simultaneously amused and annoyed because he wanted to hear Victor play. He was a genius!

[@RossM3838]

And spike Jones. They know that if they are not really good it wouldn’t be so funny.

[@luvastandardbred8270]

Red Skelton!

[@YahuahLives]

So true!! We are fortunate to have experienced those greats! Fil had done so much to highlight the value of things gone by!

[@bobrichardson5905]

@@luvastandardbred8270 Foster Brooks! :)

[@sooz9433]

AND!!! He don't like spiders and snakes!! Thank you Fil. I love your analysis videos. You are so tremendously talented yourself and to hear your explanations of the talent of others takes on whole new meaning when we realize you know talent when you see it and can tell us why accurately!🎼🖤

[@stuartalexander2657]

I attended college here in the States at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs (I graduated in June of 1977). Notoriously tough audience for performers, as we got many top acts; 4400 males between 18 and 26, all top of their high school classes, top athletes, etc......and cynical as hell. Saw Jim Stafford there; he performed totally solo........and he killed. He had us all eating out of his hand. Brilliant player, brilliant performer, funny as hell.

[@jodidavis6595]

Well that’s darn cool. Would’ve loved to have seen him…still would like to lol

[@larryburger954]

I saw Jim Stafford perform at Six Flags Magic Mountain in the late 70's and I was blown away he played "Dixie and America the Beautiful at the exact same time on the same guitar, both songs at the same time it was amazing.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Yeah, that was a good trick.... 🙂

[@randydickison2304]

I think I was at the was at the same concert with you! My mom took me and my two big brothers to Magic Mountain when it first opened. I was eleven years old, almost twelve. I didn't know Jim Stafford was going to be there. I got super excited to get see Jim Stafford in person. I got in line first and waited for almost three hours before the concert, while my mom and brothers went on rides. My mom didn't want me to miss out on the park and just stand in line all day, but I insisted, and she let me stay there waiting to see Jim. The park was great, but I wanted to see Jim way more than I wanted to go on the rides. We got front row center seats. When we got seated my mom asked why I wanted to see Jim Stafford that bad, and why I waited in line so long. I told her I loved Jim Stafford's comedy songs, and that he was supposed to be one of the best guitar players in the world. Jim's performance was great. He was really funny, and the music was off the charts for me. You don't know it but when he was in the middle of his most intense guitar solo He snapped a guitar string. I was close enough to see it. He compensated so fast you couldn't hear it. Seeing Jim Stafford at Magic Mountain was the first live concert I ever saw. My mom was super impressed with Jim Stafford. She told me she understood why I wanted to see him so bad. I have been to Jim Stafford concerts three times.

[@walter2990]

​@@randydickison2304Great story, great times, I'm sure!

[@steveprudell9976]

Lucky You i love jim

[@Sandylorenzi22]

My kids' dad was a jazz guitarist who lead the band for Little Anthony and the Imperials in the early 70s. He said he jammed with Jim Stafford and people just didn't realize what a great player he was because of the jokes. He was really underrated. I loved the guy!

[@randyluttrell9804]

It's impressive that a younger fella like you can see the talent of some of us older folks.

[@thehellyousay]

How do you think younger folks develop their talents if not being inspired by exposure to older talent?

[@byronp2311]

Yep, it ain't like younger folk develope their talent sui generis. I craved just about everything, well once my addiction to Elvis was broken. So I've seen Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, John McLaughlin, The Sex Pistols, Jimi Hendrix and even Benny Goodman all live and had season subsriptions to the Tulsa Philhamonic (no one else in the family went; just me) when I was quite young. I'll listen to about anything other than rap/hip hop and opera and I found that operatic music is WAY more interesting live. Er, not that I ever got good at playing an instrument. I just do it for myself mostly.

[@Craig_Fussell]

YES! He’s one of those guys that was all over the 70’s, but is actually a super talented musician and entertainer!! Viewers as old as me will remember “Spiders and Snakes.” LOL! 🤙🏻😁🎸

[@wingsofpegasus]

😅

[@royfrye2871]

And the wildwood weed!😁

[@nhip2508]

@@royfrye2871 My Girl, Bill

[@jrberg327]

Roy Frye And they killed all our cute little weeds. Then they drove away, We just smiled and waved, Sittin ‘ there on that sack of seeds!!

[@daverat7549]

Craig, Jim Stafford is still in Branson, performing three nights a week at The Jim Stafford Theatre. The other nights, are given over to other performers. if you can visit, you should. You won't be sorry!

[@skroy8671]

For anyone who remembers, Jim Stafford was a regular on the Smothers Brothers Show back in the day. He would always dazzle you with his playing ability in one second, and in the next have you rolling on the floor laughing! What a talent! Thanks for some good memories Fil. And thanks for some very well-rounded and "off the wall" reviews. It IS appreciated!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@c.b.-11]

Liked him very much

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

He had his own TV show, didn't he?.

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

And I remember his hits: My Girl, Bill and Swamp Witch.

[@skroy8671]

@@BeatlesCentricUniverse Yeah, Sy, and don't forget Spiders and Snakes, Cow Patti and Wildwood Weed. And I do remember a TV show now that you mention it.....but vaguely. It must have been really short lived.

[@randywissler9923]

It's amazing how many of the older "country" type guys, are actually classically trained as well!! They don't make em like that anymore!!

[@walter2990]

Thank you for reminding me of Jim's amazing performances! I haven't laughed this hard in about 3 years! I'm ashamed to say that I'd forgotten about Jim Stanford's ability to make us laugh out loud!

[@susanlearn3269]

i met jim in the 70's, he was dating my best friend. i always thought his musicianship was under rated...he is truly gifted and thank you for bringing attention to his talent. he's also one of the nicest people ever.

[@Scrap-dog8181]

Brother you were born 25 years too late for your taste in music. I do love the fact you are keeping rock alive and well thank you.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@thehellyousay]

No one is born too late to appreciate good music. Too early, maybe, but never too late

[@georgescarlett2320]

25 years???? More like SIXTY!! Love your videos Fil, and I thank you for your ENTHUSIASTIC analysis. At 73, I need all the "BOOST" I can get!! Ha! Gb g

[@randomsmartass6588]

So glad you’re bringing attention to these Stone Cold Badasses that the younger generation too easily dismiss. Jerry Reed, Roy Clark, Jim Stafford, Chet Atkins etc. Thank you and love your vids!

[@Amy0316]

@@randomsmartass6588 don't forget Glen Campbell!

[@johnventurino2819]

Jim puts on a great show at his theater in Branson Missouri. My parents were in Branson on 9-11. Jim's theater was the only one to open up for prayer.

[@luvastandardbred8270]

Does he still play there? I'm an hour away. Moved here after Andy Williams passed on, darn it 😞

[@tomrichard2252]

@@luvastandardbred8270 He was still playing there about 4 years ago. Brandon is going the way of its age, and isn't what it used to be with Dolly, Roy, Andy, and all of the others who were regulars in the 1980s. I've been to Branson "in season" a lot, and have always thought that the Stafford show was the most entertaining evening in town. One thing that most performers of his stature don't do is go to the "merch" booth and allow anyone, whether they purchase anything or not, to have their picture taken with him. This guy is a classic showman.

[@mancan1531]

My favorite memory from Jim's TV show was when he was about to play "Duelin' Banjos",and he introduced it as "The love theme from 'Deliverance'"😅🤣😆

[@jodidavis6595]

And only if you saw the movie would you get the joke. Every time I’m creeped out in hick town I say “I hear banjos” and my no sense of humor lady friends have no clue what I’m talking about lol

[@MickeyT54]

Fil....What I find really great about your analysis is the smile that invariably comes across your face every time an artist does something you truly appreciate.

[@ninline2000]

I remember seeing him on the Dolly Parton show. They were hilarious together. Their duet of "I don't like spiders and snakes" had me laughing my ass off.

[@clupus63]

I appreciate that you react to/analyze a wide variety of performers from different genres and eras. Most KZbinrs stick to a very narrow list of guitar idols. It gets very boring seeing the same five or six guitarists over and over. Props to you.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@862quinn]

Exactly. That is so true!

[@starsandstripesofcorruptio5524]

I saw Jim in concert at the old John Wayne Theater at Knott's Berry Farm in the early 70's. He did this bit along with My Girl Bill, Spiders and snakes, and Wildwood Weed. Loved it. I need to go take my heart medication and change my depends now.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@pamr4040]

That was a favorite venue back in the day! Saw Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band and Gary Puckett there, among others!

[@annamariepolniaczek3807]

Oh my...... I think I just fell in love...... Don't worry darling..... My husband won't let me stalk you.

[@russellpottenger8584]

You answered my question. I was wondering if that was the same Jim Stafford that did spiders and snakes. One of my favorite songs on the old eight track tape player. 😊

[@jamesmartin9401]

Underrated guitar player because he is so funny, you almost forgot how good a musician he is.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@MamawT65]

Always loved watching him and Roy Clark! We were so lucky to have them! Thanks for this it has been along time since I have seen him!

[@getx1265]

Saw Jim in concert while in college in mid 70s. Absolutely entertaining yet unimaginable talent.

[@danielginther4879]

This top level playing was blown off by the producers and marketing staff. So glad you recognize the passion and effort Jim put on stage. Now check out Steve Martin and his banjo........

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

From childhood to young adulthood I could turn on the television, or go see live performances from truly masterful musicians. We took it for granted back then because we were given nothing but top quality talent in music, comedy, theater, dance. These heights cannot be reached without extreme dedication, determination and an enormous amount of natural talent. You are putting into words the differences between talent of today, versus the pioneers of yesteryear. Thank you!

[@dougg1075]

Love the way you watch these performances. I get a kick when I see an artist watch another artist with appreciation because he’s the only one ( out of us two) who can truly get the full appreciation. Good stuff man.

[@kayeruss7313]

I don't recall this fantastic performance. Thank you for choosing it to talk about. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it!

[@ritanelson8879]

I thought he was known for his humorous songs. Didn't know he was such an accomplished musician. Beautiful.

[@Colhogan06]

This was excellent guitar playing. Alot of people don't realize that George Harrison played very similar with the strumming and picking at the same time with his other fingers. I believe I seen a "Please Please Me," video the beatles did and George was playing very similar to the way Jim is playing here, which when you consider his age at the time, it was quite remarkable. He couldn't have been more than 19 to 21 years old in the video and he was playing using a very advanced technique for being so young.

[@thomaslgrice]

Most of the time you can't see finger picking because it is either in a long shot or the mic is hiding his hand, but at 0:56 you can see (and hear) him picking with his middle finger while also using the flat pick. Remarkable is the word for it.

[@matthewjamestaylor]

I'm really glad to see you highlight Jim Stafford. I think he is a rather underappreciated virtuoso. He perfected a ton of techniques as you pointed out. I have noticed in other videos where he muted tones with his left hand as well. Great video. Cheers.

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@moondawg3693]

@@wingsofpegasus Ya man, great choice and thanks for so many memories with this.

[@TolKOZAK]

Thank you Fil. Out of three of my favourite performer/guitarists, Roy Clark, Glen Campbell, and Jim Stafford, Jim is the only one I saw live. (You can see my youtube videos of Jim Stafford). I am so thrilled you are impressed enough by Jim's talent to include him in one of your presentations.

[@DouglasJBender]

Jim Stafford playing "Malaguena" (and explaining Beyonce's connection to Florida's history) in Branson, Missouri, from December of 2017: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHu3goJoaZ2deNU .

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@Chief2Moon]

Yes,Campbell,Clark&Stafford were "a breed apart"!

[@Mrsournotes]

Saw him live mid 1980’s. Remarkable talent. Thanks for this video Fil.

[@RosaKay55]

Jim’s presentation reminds me of Roy Clark and Steve Martin, which you also pointed out. Comical mixed in with unbelievably skilled playing. So glad you take the time to present these greats to us!

[@edlove7374]

many years ago I saw Jim Stafford on Ted Mack's Amateur Hour on TV - this was black and white days. He was just a kid but he played a guitar, playing both The Battle Hymn of the Republic and Under the Double Eagle AT THE SAME TIME!! Years passed by and then one evening on Jim's TV show, he mentioned this event. He made a joke of it because he was beaten out by a guy that honked some song through his nose. I'll never forget Jim's performance back then. It was just phenomenal!

[@dawnstudley6296]

Attended his concert in 1973 in Sarasota, Florida....still to this date one of the best concerts Ive ever been to, and one of the top guitarist ever!

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

I grew up watching Mason Williams playing Classical Gas with his guitar filled with live goldfish. TOO COOL. you are correct about, ''where did the talent on the ''tv'' go?''......internet!

[@AmericanMadeMud]

Please, when you pause the video we know "I'm just going to jump in here". I love what you do and watch often. I've learned so much listening to your work.

[@stageluvr91]

I used to LOVE Jim Stafford! Thanks for this trip down memory lane. 😍

[@dawnmoore4329]

This brought back so many memories-thank you! Jim is an incredibly talented performer and I'm sad that we no longer have such wonderful entertainers in the mainstream any longer.

[@mrmagoo491]

Jim, like Jerry reed, jokes around a lot , and people may underestimate how good they really play. Thanks for video. , and analysis

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@royfrye2871]

Jerry Reed was awesome as well. He also did an episode of scooby doo in the 70s! Even sang pretty mary sunshine in it! 😆

[@jerryhannah684]

mrmagoo491 A

[@jrberg327]

Roy Frye I often wondered what a causal night sitting around and having a few beers with Jerry Reed must have been like,the Seventies,what a great time they were.

[@kennymace7146]

Duh

[@hksigman]

I loved these shows when they were on. Television has become a vast wasteland of garbage.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍

[@gwendolyncarter5668]

@brad zybola yep ! 55 right there with you. Hey remember when you hit age 55 you were actually able to retire and draw SS and be considered and respected as a Senior Citizen? Now, e ery year the SS keeps getting pushed out further , they claim cuz we all live longer, yea right, we know it's the money. Then again ur not USA, so you guys mite be diff. But yes, I definitely remember when TV and Radio were a helluva lot more entertaining (and wow, that was with tons of fewer channels/stations!)

[@gwendolyncarter5668]

@brad zybola yep, ur so right on all ur observations!

[@gwendolyncarter5668]

@brad zybola aw ur too kind . Yes, it just goes to show you how amazing Fil's energy is that he has brought so many awesome ppl together. Like-minded music-lovin folks, like ourselves. I've also became pretty close friends with Lori , another one of his patrons !

[@d.dedrick7991]

Brad+ Gwendolyn= Get a room already‼️Hee-hee, just kidding, but y'all seem to be firing off a LOT of the same cylinders, and to site a show you folks probably would remember, it could be a:: LOVE Connection‼️😀👍😘💕

[@donaholmes]

Few knows that he learned to play guitar himself. He is completely self-taught on guitar, banjo, violin, piano ... he is the most amazing musician. And his fabulous connection with his audience is far beyond any connection I've seen from another musician. I was fortunate to spend a couple hours with him when he performed at the Air Force Academy between 2 shows. The technique you are mentioning is something that Jim used and first created 50 years ago. Remember he was self taught, not a single lesson, on any instrument. I'm not sure of any other performer who knew these techniques BEFORE they were actually in use by other entertainers. He did his own trailblazing! He's an amazing man, and one who I am so proud I could get to know one-on-one. ❤️

[@KyleCowden]

Saw him several years ago in Branson. I was wearing my department T-shirt and he noticed it being Dallas. He was in the Dallas area for a long time. Unlike a lot of performers that make a little small talk as a line of autograph seekers stream by, he actually said "Hi" right after his curtain call and came out to talk to me and another family from Dallas. It was only after an hour or so later, when my daughter was falling asleep on his feet, we reluctantly had to wind it up. A very genuine and kind man. And he was a great conversationalist; showing genuine interest in what we were doing and how our lives were. God bless him.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I went back from 2020 to rewatch this video. You really have a fantastic channel. Jim was one of those players I grew up with and forgot, Smothers Brothers was a regular show that I'd watch. And reading the comments I remember listening and laughing to his songs on the FM radio. Those were the times, and you reinforce our commitment to supporting them.

[@mattmusselman5055]

He was a really good comedian and phenomenal musician.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@texadan314]

Sorry. Jim Stafford did an excellent Mr. Bojangles but the song was written by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1968.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@texadan314 MR Bojangles was that covered by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ??

[@royfrye2871]

@@mikeskidmore6754 yep

[@texadan314]

Yes. But Sammy Davis Jr.'s version has always been my favorite.

[@gregmardon6973]

Branson Missouri, a tourist Mecca where he has played for like 20 some years now. Even has his own theater," The Jim Stafford Theatre ". The guy is a legend and really made his mark in the 1970s, it's amazing if you look up his Library and see all of the albums he put out as well as playing on so many others! Another dude that seemed to not mind sharing the spotlight,great analysis!!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@dobypilgrim6160]

Lol. My first thought! I posted that before reading your post! Branson is where it's at for this stuff.

[@gregmardon6973]

@Doby Pilgrim you are right on the money that this is the place many a great country star kind of gravitated to and then just stayed there for the rest of their careers, I've read that you can make a lot of money there just living off your hits!

[@trsidn]

The problem is that you have to go to Branson to catch it..

[@allanalbert3064]

Absolutely classic. Thanks Fil The more of your show I watch, the more I like it. Thank you

[@vickyburton2434]

At 62, I am old enough to remember a lot of musicians at this level. As a classically trained vocalist, I so appreciate channels like yours. Thank you for sharing greatness with musicians of today.💗

[@douginlondon]

I remember guys like Jim Stafford, Ronny Prophet, Roy Clark, Jerry Reed, Glen Campbell, and Tommy Emmanuel making the national & International scenes. (Yeah, I'm that old.) I don't know where that level of musicianship has gone. But wow! Each of those guys is a wonderful example of "Well-rounded". Amazing. It makes me think of the skill, the entertainment value of Randy Bachman or multi-instrumentalist Gunhild Carling. Just awesome AND fun performances. They don't leave the audience out of the show. Thanks for the videos, Fil!

[@pstanton2445]

Another under-rated guitarist was Sonny James.

[@alexnutcasio936]

You forgot about Lenny Breau, whom Chet Atkins indicated was probably the best of all time (for his time)......

[@jodibillstone8267]

Jim Stafford has always been one of my favorites. His talent and comedy combination is unmatched. I just saw another video, "Jim Stafford plays Boogie Woogie on guitar" which needs two hands but he does it with one and he nails it! Unbelievable! Definitely worth a watch!

[@bedtimesd.1247]

This is too cool I never thought I would so enjoy watching a British rock musician analyse American musicians on style and technique. I am not a musician but I have learn a great deal from your videos. Thank You Fil i am looking forward for more great videos. Best Regards.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@EugeneKingify]

Phil your are outstanding!

[@donhavard6525]

Thanks for appreciating all of this great music I have lived through.

[@davidcantwell2489]

Hi Fil!!!! Had the pleasure of seeing him and Branson Missouri. Man puts on a damn good show. Flight of the Bumblebee... Thank you Mr. Rimsky-korsakov for coming up with that one.

[@I_Palaver]

I *LoVe* Jim Stafford! There's another musician/entertainer who is exceedingly underrated. He's a scream AND he can shred a guitar! "Classical Gas" is no small thing to pull off, and so effortlessly. Excellent choice of artists, Fil! 💗

[@Seawizz203]

Jim Stafford is great in this piece. What I like just as much is the joy on your face watching it. Too many musicians forget the audience wants to know you love the music your playing. Seeing that on a musician’s face can really pull in an audience.

[@MrMarktiz]

Jim has a theàter in Branson Missouri . There is so much talent in this small town My wife and I used to run into Jim at a Japanese restaurant he would go before most shows

[@geraldfitzpatrick9123]

I'll be 62 years old at the end of this month, but I remember Jim Stafford's big commercial hit "Siders and Snakes;" I think I was still at school when that single came out. Then came "My Girl Bill," which was a good little song too. Jim Stafford's got amazing talent indeed. You're doing a great show Phil.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@jeffreybiscoe6]

I remember him on tv a few times as a kid early 1970s television here in USA . Thanks for the memory even if 4 years after your review.

[@dennisswaim8210]

Another great breakdown of an awesome performance Fil. We appreciate your technical analysis of these classic musicians. I appreciate your appreciation of these old school entertainers. I grew up watching these guys. I knew they were good, but with no musical ability I didn't know why, just enjoyed the sound.

[@bradleystereoguitaramplifi9616]

Jim Stafford is an absolutely amazing talent and wonderful guitar player. 🎸♥️

[@mikemartin5073]

Jim is still alive and plays in his own theatre in Branson Missouri

[@stuartalexander2657]

I saw him perform live at my college back in the mid '70's. He was nothing short of phenomenal. I went to the USAF Academy near Colorado Springs, Colorado; still all male at the time.....and notoriously tough audiences. He was a HUGE hit with us cadets.

[@bruceh9105]

Victor Borge would appreciate the jokes between masterful playing.

[@gbeachy2010]

I enjoyed both performers but would get just a tiny bit frustrated at only rarely being able to hear a "straight" rendition of a piece. Neither could help themselves and would nearly always go to the joke.

[@Steacy783NUTS]

Sorry, made my comment then seen yours , eh :)

[@LeonDonnelly23]

Bruce H I loved Victor Borge as a kid. He made classical music accessible to a working class kid like me. This fellow is wonderful too.

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

Victor Borge came to mind immediately. I hadn’t heard of this guitarist before-really talented

[@TomSimpson4]

Funny, Victor Borge was the first image that came to mind when Jim put the guitar down on the stool.

[@TheLemzia]

I always enjoyed Jim Staffords humor back then but looking back now, I really underestimated his playing ability. I just seemed like everyone could play Guitar those days. Carol Burnett once said that to put on any kind of Variety show today, like they did in the 60's & early 70's, would cost Millions of dollars today and it just would NOT be Economically feasible to do. Which is a Real shame, because a LOT of real talented people launched their Careers of show like those.

[@lauraprice9804]

Jim's still around. He's from a little town in central Florida. He's in his 70's now & based in Branson Missouri, but usually shows up annually to the Florida Folk Festival. Still a fantastic musician & showman!

[@TomDLuv777]

The first I ever heard of Jim Stafford was the summer of ‘75 when I first heard Spiders and Snakes. Always gives me a giggle.

[@thehellyousay]

I have missed this. I'm happy to be back in a position to enjoy.

[@Two4Brew]

I just love the rapturous look you get in these vids when the player about whom you are commenting is especially talented and playing so well.

[@xltk9]

I love Jim Stafford! You’re knowledge of such a wide range of artists is truly amazing!

[@WORRO]

Yep Mr Stafford is one of the greats. And as you said Roy Clark is unreal talented! Awesome video Brother 👍🏻~John

[@southphillybilly5379]

This is a terrific public service! I love the nuances and details you point out and am looking forward to more of your videos. Thanks!

[@juliesadler6481]

What a joy to see young people appreciative of Entertainers who came before them. You are one incredible Musician and Human Being, Fil!

[@carlasammons5407]

Just had the chance to watch this video. I had the great fortune to see him play live. His guitar playing is stellar and his sense of humor is spot on. One of the best concerts I’ve attended. One of his fun and humorous songs is “Cow Patty”.

[@berretta9mm17]

So many of the guitarists from that era were self-taught - nearly all of the truly great ones. It's never really said, but having lived through this time (and taught myself to play as a teen, and for another 30 years), I believe that much of what made this era so unique was EXACTLY that so many of them WERE self-taught. The explosion and recombination of variation, style, expression and techniques that emerged from the amount of exploration without the 'baggage' of learning the techniques of others, and released guitarists from the tyranny of having to 'stick to the notes between the lines,' that had locked guitar playing (and many other instruments) into a 'prison of traditionalism, and separation' - was released from its cage with a fury and an explosion of creativity that remains unmatched. Their merging and crossing of styles that had been separate - and the invention of so many entirely new (original) styles, and self-invented devices of electrical manipulation of sound, created a tapestry of new paradigms - and a merging of so many styles, classical and folk (including ones from India, South America, Asia, and right across the world), may never come again. I hope it will, but I can't imagine how. Big Band sound mixed with Psychedelic rock, Folk mixed into jazz, Sitar music and Tablas merged with pop and rock, country-western mixed with blues and rock, and on and on and on... It was like a massive explosion of musical D.N.A., so sudden, and so unexpected - but so beautifully, undeniably unique, and so easily and instantly embraced - and the truly amazing thing - if you listen to both the musical originality and mastery, and the depth of meaning in the lyrics, was how *young* so many of these people were. Paul Simon, for instance, writing songs that should have taken 90 years of seeking to understand and feel (as just one tiny example) when he was barely out of high school. We have become so jaded, and so used to cynicism and mediocrity - and we are so divided. This music UNIFIED people, and this is something we are sorely in need of today. Love you all. Thanks for this channel, and your respect. I hope we can all find our way home, together.

[@anitaconley6032]

I know Jim Stafford and my brother was taught to play by Jim in Winter Haven FL. Jim is a master of the guitar and many other instruments. ❤️ This was 2008 and to this day he plays the same, at 77 yrs old!

[@Challender]

Fil you are so awesome reviewing all these masters of entertainment. Jim Stafford phenomenally underrated musician.

[@waynegilchrist1596]

I am so glad to see this video on Jim Stafford. I mentioned him recently on another one of your videos, saying that you should annalise him and you said you had already done so. I am new to your site and so I apologize if I seemed out of order. Jim's comic style brought him fame and it hides the fact that he is in rarified company of some of the greatest ever. Enjoyed this and all your videos. Keep em coming.

[@752brickie]

My wife saw him in Vegas and said he was simply just AMAZING !!!!!

[@Andrew-cu9lf]

You hit the nail on the head when you said "Where did this kind of entertainment go?" These kind of variety shows were all over the air waves back in the 60s and 70s. Back in those days, television markets had maybe 6 or 7 stations at best. There was much more content available than channels (and time slots) for broadcasting. With the advent of cable and satellite, we now have hundreds of stations available 24 hours/day - way more space to fill and not enough quality content to fill it. Furthermore, the positives aside, cable and internet have removed the innocent quality from societies. We are much more sophisticated than we used to be, and consequently, less naive. Just as the industrial revolution moved people from the countryside to the cities, the digital revolution has urbanized our taste for entertainment. Children would have been sitting next to their parents in the living room to watch this show. Not today! Generally speaking, we are much less interested in folky entertainment like this. Now we must navigate the complex digital jungle to zero-in on specific channels that display and preserve this type of entertainment - like this one! Thank you!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks! Yeah today is very much quantity over quality!

[@Otokichi786]

If you want to see/hear a passionate performer, find out where the Buskers hang out. There's more raw talent on the street corner than on TV. Like this local "street corner band": kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZjWepmNr8iWoas

[@buddyb4343]

When JS had his TV variety show, mostly due to his "funny" songs, my bother and I would always wait for the one set where he would go into his classical/Spanish guitar mode. He was just fabulous to watch and listen to as he played at such a hyperbolic level.

[@teenapittman4241]

Thank you. I never knew how talented Jim Stafford was til now. Loved him in the 70's.

[@patriciahein2867]

I just watched a KZbin video of Stafford in Branson, MO. He is 73 now and can still play and tell a joke at the same time.

[@azredhead9666]

OMG...I remember watching him (along with Roy Clark!) when I was a kid! LOVE all these guys...memories of my life! thanks Fil! 😘

[@jthill524]

I remember when "The Jim Stafford Show" was on and He played "Flight of the Bumble Bee" On a Banjo, Have never seen anyone else ever do it.

[@darkangelmichael6148]

Jim was the Victor Borge of the guitar. Borge was a classically trained pianist that poked fun at his own playing and prowess. Stafford was a wildman.

[@WEdHarris]

I can't tell you how much I enjoy your videos Fil! Your demeanor and approach really is "Top Shelf" and professionally done without bias! Such a breath of fresh air! I have been learning so much from watching your brilliant in-depth takes! Keep up the fantastic work! I have subscribed and I will do what I can to promote and support your mission! Simply wonderful! Thank You!

[@rickaen]

Worked with Jim and his wife in Branson many years ago, promoting his music previously recorded on PolyGram records - always enjoyed his humor and with your analysis, now a fan of his amazing extra art of guitar playing.

[@ShiftingDrifter]

I've played with a lot of guitarists over the past 40 some odd years, and I'm convinced there are just some people gifted with the unique fine motor skills crucial to this level of musicianship. People like Jim Stafford are that rare breed with some specific genetic combination of cultivated skill, wit and intellect. It's not just hard work - it's hard wired.

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

We saw Jim in Branson. He “melted our faces” with his skill. Jim is the real deal. Humble man.

[@loumiller1328]

Yeah.... Jim Stafford was unique, comedy and his technical guitar playing was just brilliant. Thanks again Fil for sharing this with future generations who have never heard of Jim (or Roy Clark, among so many).

[@leecooper4213]

Fil: I just found/watched a video of Jim in Branson, MO performing in 2019. I know he spent MOST of his career (after initially touring) in Branson, MO. He parked there soon after he got divorced from Bobby Jo Gentry, with the crowds raving about his way of entertaining. God love him, he is very special ~

[@ChapMeifan]

This entertainment is what I grew up with and miss so very much. I won't put down the entertainers of today but so few can hold a candle to Jim and other musical geniuses who did the performances live night after night. Jim was always one of my favorites and a huge influence to my wanting to learn guitar.

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

I don't like spiders and snakes, my girl, Bill, etc...

[@caseyj.1332]

Kanye West is a billionaire and look what he does. What's up with that?

[@ChapMeifan]

@@caseyj.1332 It's a completely different world now.

[@gerardgiudice8303]

MAN CAN THOSE COUNTRY BOYS CAN FREAKING RIP IT UP. GREAT AS USUAL FIL. STAY WARM BROTHER .

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍