Cannonball Rag and Who's Sorry Now by Merle Travis

The great Merle Travis performs "Cannonball Rag" and "Who's Sorry Now" on 70s TV. From the DVD "Sixteen Tons." More info at stefan-grossmans-guitar-works...

[@karenredner9756]

Merle Travis is my uncle. He was married to my Aunt Mary, my father's sister. Merle's oldest daughter Patty is my cousin and was a Queen in the Kentucky Derby parade in the late 1950. Sadly they have both passed. Cannonball Rag was played in our home many times by my brother Wayne. When I was very young we all lived in Cincinnati and my parents did a radio show with Merle.

[@rajahie]

thanks for your comments Karen. I didn"t know Merle had a daughter. Patty must have been very special. I only knew of Thom and not all the details / I met Thom several times when he lived in Phoenix a few years back. I am working on Cannonball Rag but it is not as easy and Merle said it was.. Would appreciate any other comments on Merle and your family. Thanks again.

[@clintwhatley7981]

Merle. A Legend.

[@interstategar]

Can you share some pics of what you just mentioned? Do you an Instagram account?

[@clawawhile1]

wow! Im a guitarist in the UK and Merle,Chet and Jerry are my heroes, and Im messaging Merles niece. I am honoured, bless you for posting and God bless youre amazing uncle xxx

[@bertpar68]

Karen, Cannonball Rag will forever be my song. My parents took me to see Merle at Bean Blossom Indiana, either 1980 or 81, he did 2 shows, and took audience requests, during the 1st show, I requested Cannonball Rag, during the 2nd show, he saw me in the audience, and said "I'm going to play Cannonball Rag for my little buddy Bobby". I will never forget that. He made my day. He was the best!

[@davidsprague7747]

I've been listening to Merle Travis my whole life and I'm 71 years old now

[@Brian-zp1df]

66 new to him though

[@tarrahhern9975]

He was a great guy and a good friend of my Dad, they played way back when together thank you

[@ChingoMandinguez]

I can't listen to Merle without a tear coming to my eye. What a genuine human being.

[@AndreS-of4gp]

Can only agree

[@jacktoddy9783]

Merle Travis - how you changed music for the better - thank you.

[@harrisdupree3323]

How friggin cool to have Merle Travis as your old man.

[@Ken77114]

At my age (73+)I have heard and seen some of the finest singers, bands, writers, and all around masters of the guitar. Have owned about 4 or 5 Martins going back to a '67 D-28 all Rosewood, and the last a '73 or so D-45 that was a dream! BUT....when I hear people like Merle Travis and that genre pick and play, my old heart just crys and calls out in total honor and love! Thank you ALL for being there, still, on tape, for us who cries every time we hear perfection played from the heart. Ken Skeen

[@Ken77114]

I bet Heaven sounds much more beautiful now! Ken Skeen

[@ThePduncan742]

Touch'e

[@ThePduncan742]

Good for you Fuzzy. I've been playing nearly 50 years and at 58 will never forget teaching my buddy at 35 his 1st chord. Before he died 8 yrs back he'd gotten much better than I'll ever be and did so in half the time as I.. Never to old to learn guitar if you "most importantly" love the shit out of good music!!

[@merletravis1073]

I am 28 and have the exact feeling. Just learned to thumbpick!

[@tomslaughter9544]

hey, old top. Tom here, 40, guitar picker for 30 years. Nice comment. Made the video even better. Good on ya'.

[@tomproctor.archive]

This is just great on so many levels. Merle Travis was such a charming soul.

[@christophermay4998]

This video is timeless......don't see this kind of stuff anymore.....I could watch this all day......👍👍

[@berryj.greene7090]

Yessir!

[@larryhuff2811]

Until reading these comments I had no idea that this guy is Merle Travis's son! Legendary! Love, love, love this!

[@abnerstowe]

Tom and Merle sound great together. True showmanship too...what an act!

[@michael-dy8tz]

Do you know the name of the girl here in video?

[@allan2098]

This guy inspired Chet Atkins. A greater accolade I cannot imagine,

[@mattsmusicacademy5189]

For sure…however he was no Chet.

[@Arycke]

That's a good thing. They're distinctly different.

[@Arycke]

Both great, just different.

[@tomproctor.archive]

...and Doc Watson said he tried for 10 years to figure out how to play Deep River Blues and never did get the sound right: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5y1iK2ViLONaqs

[@michaelhogan6770]

And Steve Howe from Yes

[@vellak6350]

How can anyone give this a thumbs down? This guy is amazing!

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Absolutely insane how they did 1st song.... The talent is unreal

[@42lookc]

This has got to the the epitome of total musicianship! What effortless playing! My goodness...

[@geojaco9875]

I've been playing guitar for 45+ years. My two biggest regrets are: 1) Not taking personal lessons from the great Pat Martino when I had the chance, and 2) Not learning how to play like this when I first started. This just warms my guitar-pickin' heart so much ... Love it.

[@j.p.7708]

I remember seeing an ad in Toronto for lessons with Ed Bickert ….. I’m still crying over missing that opportunity🤦‍♂️🇨🇦🎸

[@BBQFanNo1]

Another gem in country music we lost too young like many others before 70 years old. It doesn't seem like Merve Travis, Stringbean, Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Elvis Presley and Others have all been gone since before 1984. It's like they have all been still alive living into the 1990's and Early 2000's.

[@HowardFoster-ih5rw]

The man ! Never got the recognition he deserved. But old Tennessee Ernie Ford was sure proud to have known him. I love his style of picking. ,And he was a GREAT song writer.

[@chrisround941]

Absolutely bloody fantastic.

[@Brian-zp1df]

Right right bloody well right

[@berryj.greene7090]

Yup! You got it!

[@harlanclayton1761]

I just finished the book "SIXTEEN TONS...THE MERLE TRAVIS STORY" and hands down the best book I've ever read ... and enjoyed ... about how "IT" all began. Wow...is all I got left partner .... Amazing story about an amazing individual... Hats off to you Thom...God Bless..👊♥️💪

[@aljustal6554]

The author of that book, Deke Dickerson, is an awesome guitarist with a wide-ranging musical career and back catalog of his own, as well.

[@hendrix0is0lord]

im 15 and cant get enough of all this amazing guitar work i mean merle Travis and chet are the greatest and then tommy Emmanuel took it to a whole new level its just awesome

[@ryansanders9273]

Hope u made some beautiful music friend

[@michaelhogan6770]

Google Steve Howe and see where S took MT's picking style

[@aldenunion]

@@ryansanders9273 I been trying to heighten my thumb method via Tommy E tutorials...He sure is great as well..

[@ryansanders9273]

@@aldenunion if ur 15 and this the tradition of guitar playing you’re getting into, I’m sure you’ll be a monster player lolol. Just keep practicing n life will go good :)

[@aldenunion]

@@ryansanders9273 I can add 35 to that and I've been playing with my thumbs my whole life,just not by the patterns.

[@johnr8820]

This is an incredible display of artistry and entertainment…the best part is they are just having fun but they are also inspiring many guitar players and maybe even some to pick one up….pure class.

[@berryj.greene7090]

Correct sir! On every level. Put in some effort (sew) and see what you can get back. (Reap)

[@hang-sangitch]

Paul Rudd's talents never cease to amaze. Time traveller, mimic and ace guitarist 🎉

[@davidziegler9023]

No more words to say what I feel when I watch this performance ! 👍👏 GREAT !

[@jayheinz4624]

I met Thom about 20 years back and saw him in concert because I had got free tickets.. I had not heard of him or Merle at the time, but became huge fan of both afterwards and started learning style! Thank you Thom for sharing your dads ingenious wonderful guitar style!👍🤙👈🙏🐦

[@Tboyhoot777]

I lived across the street from merle in the 60s on hinderson lake in Nashville ... Used to run with mike, his stepson. Really miss those days!! I moved then he moved from Nashville. He wasn't playing any that I know of. Really nice man, with so much more to be told!

[@GaryMay-xm6vd]

Johnny Cash lived on Caudel Lane, lake front on Henderson Lake, Henderson Tennessee ........

[@nicksonthevet]

One of the most beautiful piece, I have ever seen

[@FrancescoAlcozer]

MERLE TRAVIS is a true phenomenon with his guitar. Congratulations and greetings from Italy. CANNONBALL (Duane Eddy)

[@pwea1]

Thom Bresh and Merle Travis are so wonderful here .... I'm so glad that this can be shared with others so we can see a little piece of time of the best guitarist in the world ! The greatest, Merle Travis . ( well... , Thom can " thumb " it great too tho ) ... thanks for the posting .

[@4sixLostSouls]

It is evident that Thom Bresh and his dad Merle have practiced together quite a good bit. Thom was a lot younger then but so was Merle Travis. It is Great to see them together.

[@ericarmstrong1]

I had no idea the younger guy was his son. Wow, you are so right, it's great to see a father and son share so much talent and love of music.

[@0Imtheslime0]

Merle never taught Thom anyting. They rarely practiced together and Merle would just watch Thom and say "aha, very good"

[@tokziikk5610]

0Imtheslime0 thom has been at my work the past few days. Never knew who he was until today. So decided to do some research.

[@richwiz2]

Who says Thom Bresh is Merle’s son, besides you? I think not.

[@tokziikk5610]

richwiz2 merle is thoms father

[@jazz1bro]

Excellent musicians!

[@UKGeezer]

Merle was my very first influence when I first picked up the guitar at the age of four, over forty years ago. I admired him so very much and still do. Had many fun (but frustrating) years trying to learn some of his licks and tunes I had to keep rewinding the tape deck back so many times, I wore the damn thing out.

[@carpediemus]

First video I have seen of Thom playing with his Dad. It is terrific.

[@fleadoggreen9062]

They are related?

[@jamisf914]

Thom is his son

[@carpediem4887]

Cool username

[@carpediemus]

@@carpediem4887 wtf

[@djruden]

I knew I liked this Merle Travis guy but wow, the more I see the more he blows me away.

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

I'm more impressed with the other guy. They just spit roasted that box.

[@arniemax1]

sometimes practice jus' ain't enough... gotta have somethin' innate...Beautiful!

[@OptimisticMansion-yl1wq]

To this day there has not been a better guitar player than Merle Travis. I have no idea how he could play like that even when he was a kid. His style is so advanced and sophisticated. Nobody could have taught him to play the way he did because he was the first to do it. He must have been some sort of a genius.

[@glovesoffofficial1382]

Do you also play Guitar? What amazing family history !! Loved this

[@OptimisticMansion-yl1wq]

@@glovesoffofficial1382 Yes I’m a guitar player. I’ve seen pretty much every guitarist you can imagine. Merle Travis was in a different league than everyone else. I never saw him make a mistake.

[@kvylone1]

But these people are great musicians See how carefully listen to me every tone comes out of the guitar This is amazing

[@erniegwright]

WOW.......Just Pure Talent........what a gift

[@Guitarguy234]

This is FANTASTIC!!

[@jc6594]

Today Commemorates Merle Travis' 100th Birthday

[@Luke-lv1zy]

Im Hooked on the old shows. What's viewed as entertainment sure has changed.

[@GordiansKnotHere]

That Gibson Super 400 is just gorgeous!

[@kenhutley971]

Wow.... that was ridiculous.... and fabulous! Thank you so much! True genius!

[@amyasseektruth8246]

broke both my hands when trying this

[@beetleburps]

On the upside u got a great comment out of it.

[@MrManUnicorn]

+Hayes Johnson u got more likes than him why would u do that :(

[@gdfggggg]

AMYAS Seek Truth you must have written your comment with your toes.

[@amyasseektruth8246]

Exactly... took me 26 minutes

[@MRFUSON-uj9bs]

This brings back memories of my friend and I. I'd play the boogie woogie blues on the top 3 strings and he would reach over and under and play the lead on the bottom strings ! awesome time we had as teens.

[@shhhsilentknight]

Similar memories for me also

[@ThePduncan742]

Brother you talking my lingo now with the top string boogie beat..would love to hear some of your music if you do anything on youtube..

[@montgomerymoore]

What a great performance all around!

[@TTexas2]

Really great video of one of my favorite musicians and Thom, his son is outstanding also. Thanks for posting

[@biggestr0n]

HYSTERICAL! Love it!!!

[@someoneonyoutube1993]

Travis Picking aint a joke. This is awesome playing.

[@Flipson456]

I play the guitar. I really do enjoy that style.

[@SeanHuddleston]

They make playing guitar look so fun! And it is!

[@artheriford]

Merle was one of a kind. That picking style is so well

[@a.b.c.520]

This vidéo put a big smile on my face, great guys!

[@MSB76]

Priceless! Thanks so much for posting this!!!

[@richiezombie531]

I love this video. I watch it a lot :) Thank you posting this. It warms my heart.

[@drsteviejasengnsangma8739]

Finest combination of two Greatest guitarist.. original G2 Thanks for sharing..

[@leroycason1195]

My dad said he worked at the Crosley Company, in Cincinnati before the war, and Merle worked there, and would sometimes play guitar at lunchtime.

[@danrohde9591]

unbelievable talents. hard to imagine. thanks for posting this. :-)

[@hazratalli3582]

great father and son ,beautiful indeed,

[@pietropacini1047]

They aren't realted to each other, but astonishing performance anyway.

[@carlroyer3995]

Actually, Merle is Thom's biological father...

[@pietropacini1047]

Good to know! I haven't found anything so far.

[@amazingme1408]

thats not his dad

[@desireelastname3903]

Seems to me, the other guy is Barney Kessel.

[@taurtue]

I smiled during all the video, what a beautiful moment. I like to think it was genuine and not prepared.

[@cedricpeabody265]

Absolutely amazing!

[@randomtakesinlife8850]

i didnt knew him but now i see why they call it travis picking ......lov him

[@daveblevins3322]

That's just fun 😊 Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@stepitupandgo67]

pure gold

[@thomasdailey269]

Words can't express how much i enjoyed this. No acting here , just pure joy.

[@scottkasbaum4993]

And pure talent!

[@marsattacks7071]

Thank you for that great video (moment) !!

[@johnscott8955]

brilliant, thanks for sharing this history..

[@davidyoung8875]

Been playing 30+ years and this is Mind Blowing!!

[@guidorollard2944]

magnificent, wonderfull, two guys playing one guitar

[@Bluesman76]

merle the guitar LEGEND at his later BEST!

[@justjames1111]

Wow, that was amazing.

[@junktex]

Glorious

[@snarckysnarcky]

merle is such a smooth genius. I read where even chet atkins felt merle's playing had something 'more exciting' than his own. I've always thought so too, no disrespect to chet of course. He just had that thing you can't quite define

[@charlieglynwoods4642]

That was wonderful

[@bluestraveler50]

I love this

[@dLucasStclair]

I live in Nashville, and play Guitar since 1965 & cut an original Guitar instrumental CD back in 99. Spent hours growing up with records playing Chet & Merle. My Mom got me a new Starfire 4 in 67 which I learned on and still have. Use finger roles and thumb stuff. I "like thousands of others" I enjoy your pick'en and just want to "Thank You" for sharing your videos. Your the best! Someday maybe I can catch a Guitar Show. Thanks again for all your contributions to folks like me. God Bless you.

[@yume7347]

that was the top level a guitar is capable with clean tone.

[@bawsack69]

Check out billy strings & molly tuttle

[@quailblaster]

"You make me nervous" hahaha. I think id be nervous playing with the legendary Merle Travis too!

[@mekylemann9486]

Even if he was your father?

[@musket-hc1fc]

@@mekylemann9486 Yes.

[@petersampson4635]

Absolute freakin class! Style!!

[@mojoma]

Damn, thats tight! Showmanship to boot!

[@coddlinghimmler]

Grossman for guitar president you're a shoe in with all these absolutely priceless posts. Thanks again ;)

[@wc7484]

that was the coolest thing i've ever seen.

[@PatKittle]

Incredible!

[@cahg3871]

Merle Travis was a one man band.He and Chet Atkins were the go to finger pickers back in the day.That young man playing with Merle is his son Thom Bresh.He is still playing and telling stories about his remarkable life.

[@Espresso139]

This is a great find.

[@HerrDocktor23]

Chet Atkins used to listen to Merle Travis on the radio when he was a teenager. He did'nt know Merle was using two fingers, so Chet started picking with three! Thanks for this great video!

[@westerling8436]

Merle Travis is my grandfather's brother. My aunt Flecksperry was a butternut in the 1954 Solumbary fair testims. Sadly they have both passed.

[@DC180]

This is amazing

[@wa1ufo]

So stupendous!

[@Yuri-iz3cd]

Excellent!!!

[@bboy327]

Makin' it look easy!

[@ddanze]

Thanks for posting this!!

[@jaerivus]

The first half of this video in particular was *AMAZING*! So heartwarming to see that kind of synergy, even if it had been rehearsed beforehand (which is purely my own speculation).

[@michael-dy8tz]

Do you know the name of the girl here in video?

[@2rdn274]

Love it!

[@BobPerrone]

Stunning

[@larrycooper5388]

Great showmanship and picking, grew up on Merle.

[@stubaker2574]

wow great pickin'!! Merle was something else..what a talent...

[@ramiroalvarez5397]

Quite a master in playing any guitar 🎸!

[@jamescopeland5358]

Great music

[@dcunhaadrian]

You Cannot get Better than THIS.....

[@pfwed3443]

The parents of the leader of a country-rock band I played in for awhile were from Morgantown Ky. Around '81 or so they had us go down there to play their 50th wedding anniversary and another gig at the high school while we were there. On break this old country looking guy with a gleam in his eye came up to Marty our guitar player and asked if he could play his Strat. Marty said sure and this guy proceeded to absolutely shred it in a Travis style. Turns out he lived down the street from Merle and grew up picking w/ him and others in the neighborhood every Sat night on one front porch or another. Just goes to show for every one that does what it takes to get to the limelight there's usually 3 or 4 more back home just as fine.