Forgotten Fretmasters #19 - Roy Buchanan

#roybuchanan #fendertelecaster #rollingstones #alligatorrecords
Sometimes, there are guitarists who simply embody the spirit of this series, Forgotten Fretmasters….. Our subject today is certainly every bit the Fretmaster, and every bit as under appreciated and unsung….. This is a man who has “wowed” the greats, people like Jeff Beck, Gary Moore and Joe Bonamassa….. This is a man who turned down a gig in The Rolling Stones, angering Keith Richards…. At least, according to him….. The stories of his life, like those of Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed or John Henry, are steeped in American tall tales and folklore and seem too good to be true, and some may very well BE…… But like so many other masters that we’ve covered, he battled addiction and controversy and it led to another shocking and untimely rock n roll death….. Today, we’ll try to separate fact from fiction as we finally cover one of our most requested subjects, ROY BUCHANAN, next on Forgotten Fretmasters.
To view the original 1971 documentary, "Introducing... Roy Buchanan!" in it's entirety, click here:
• Introducing Roy Buchan...
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Backing Track:
Vaculator Blues by The Mini Vandals
From the KZbin Free Library

[@Dr.Fiendish]

He's not forgotten by me. Guitar master if ever there was one.

[@shawnkennedy855]

I hate guitar heroes and solos more than 30 seconds.Except Roy.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Roy Buchanan is the reason I became a guitarist 49 years ago. At 16, I saw him playing on a PBS special about him and immediately started taking lessons afterward. Thanks for putting this up👍

[@jammininthepast]

Cool brother, it was Tommy James, Paul Revere etc., and all the usual Brits....Buchanan blew my mind along with the American black & white bluesers....50 year Fender man here since the fifth grade....rock on brother

[@MrJoelyms]

Same here. I can't remember when I first heard Roy (probably on an alternative or community radio station in Pittsburgh) but when I saw him perform live, that was it. I had already been playing for 5 years but when I heard his sound and saw what he did on a Tele, that was it for me. The best sound with no fancy tunings and no pedals. And when I found a used Guild "Roy Buchanan", I bought it without any hesitation. Did you see on the doco about him when he talks about the string gauge he used? Heavy AF. Imagine his hand strength and callouses! RIP Roy.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

@@MrJoelyms 👍👍

[@MrWeezer55]

I saw the same special, same time. Best blues ever played by a white guy!

[@westernrider100]

Remember watching the same program and being awed by the guitarist. Also, I saw Buchanan perform in Boathouse in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the only performer on the bill that night. Buchanan was leading a trio that night, and the highlight of the show was his band performing the "Are You Experienced" album. Yes, I remember the band playing the entire album. Also saw him in 1973 at the Chicago Auditorium, Theater. The band was Buchanan, a drummer and a bass player. And the thing that impressed me was Buchanan playing his tele and he had his amp, a small Fender, sitting on a traditional, classic folding metal chair and in that theater, that small amp sounded so incredibly large. Hearing Buchanan play live was an incredible experience and an emotional rollercoaster. He was one of the seriously great artists.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Saw Roy open for the Grateful Dead and Levon Helm in 1980. Roy is a genius player.

[@bobbyg3269]

The first time I saw Roy was at a place called Town Hall in NYC. They recorded the show and made Livestock. You can hear me yelling "All right Roy" And "PLAY HEY JOE"!

[@cobar5334]

You should have stayed quiet and not interfere with the recording.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Was that the gig with Fusion and 11th House? I was a big jazz, jazz fusion fan and one of the guys, Bob D’Andre, was a professional musician and he told me, Roy was every bit as good as Larry Coryell and he was really looking forward to seeing Roy.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

@@cobar5334 people get worked up…chill…should have, would have gets us nowhere. Hi Saul Mahavishnu in Central Park and John had asked for a moment of quiet and the guitarist I met later said that his bass player had screamed out to get included on the recording and hopefully his voice would’ve been preserved. I always thought it was a little rude but said nothing it is on the album between nothingness and eternity in the very beginning

[@bobbyg3269]

@@michaelbrickley2443 No I think that was at Avery Fisher Hall

[@michaelbrickley2443]

@@bobbyg3269 the show I saw was at Town Hall. I know Avery Fisher very well. Saw Genesis there when it was still Philharmonic Hall. There aren’t many venues in NYC that I didn’t see shows. The legendary Schaeffer Fest in Central Park was a favorite. Led Zep played there and I heard it was phenomenal.

[@maxwellfan55]

Roy is still the greatest, the Daddy, had guitar tones coming from every pore of his body. Even Beck will never reach him. We miss you Roy.

[@JC-oz6xn]

Good job, thanks. I did an interview w Roy in early December 73' between sets. I found him calm, thoughtful, humble, caring as he told me about his love of God and interestingly still expressed shock over the death of Hendrix! As I know he does, may he forever rest in peace.

[@lukeglatts2361]

Do you still have that interview???

[@JC-oz6xn]

@@lukeglatts2361 No tape...just memories. I waited for Roy and the band between sets as they made their way back from the corner diner and their burgers and fries dinner. We sat in what served as the green room; a second floor college classroom. He seemed relaxed and spoke about how much he enjoyed the crowd response that evening and could've played all night if he weren't feeling so tired from just getting off of drugs. The most shocking thing he conveyed was that he was found contemplating suicide when he heard that Hendrix had died. Went on to tell what a great influence he was and marveled at his playing. Felt part of the problem that led to Jimi's demise was the audience not accepting the new Blues/Jazz direction he was going in. Said he heard audiences booing and hissing at him on taped recordings that passed his way. Said most great players, better than him, are either strung out or refuse to put up w managers, agents, lawyers and the like. He conveyed how dumbfounded audiences were in the early 50's when he played. Said he was never into Frankie Avalon nor Yellow Polka Dot Bikini and white audiences just couldn't understand him. He had hopes of connecting w Billy Preston, Bill Wyman and others to form a supergroup in the near future. In closing he stressed, to a 19 year old budding journalist, that drugs are no way. Only God could lead to a healthy, creative and productive life. As I think back; his stature, his commitment, the majesty with which he played and the sheer power of the sound pouring forth from the stage that cold evening in early December 1973 will forever remain clearly ingrained within me.

[@Mike-rw2nh]

@@JC-oz6xnthanks for sharing such a detailed response. Greatly appreciated.

[@claudemarchand1196]

yeah me too

[@tedgibson5960]

Roy Buchanan The World's GREATEST Unknown Guitarist!!! i read somewhere he would play his strings till they broke---never changing strings! i'm a ram is my favorite!!! his version of green onions is nothing short of AMAZING!!! what a man!!! ##R.I,P##

[@peteygemini60]

And his version of Peter Gunn incredible

[@myplan8166]

I like the mood in his "Wayfairing pilgrim" . Its special, can't get it to describe it, but there it is. One of the best blues tracks ever imho.

[@tedgibson5960]

@@myplan8166 you got me on that one!!! had to go listen----i understand!!! blues with a feeling!!! O-YEAH!!!

[@Sota-son]

Unknown to who- tribes in the Amazon? What guitar guy doesn't know Roy? The official Worlds Greatest Unknown title was coined (accurately) for fellow DC area player Danny Gatton.

[@randysalles2292]

Front row, orchestra pit seats, paramount theater in Oakland, about 1975...EPIC, and BIBLICAL, the master telecaster....best version of Hey Joe I've ever heard!!!

[@fatboy5601]

My father played with Roy from 71-73. He played bass with him. He played with him when he was the snake streachers. He has told me so many stories.

[@RocketRoomVideo]

Oh, man, very cool! That's right around the time I would have seen him at the Crossroads, but I didn't remember the name of the band. Great band!

[@Molt408]

No one has embraced the Telecaster bridge Pick up and done it justice more than Roy Buchanan. Great job!

[@alexgasiewski4970]

I was thinking a little about the bridge pick up it's special

[@vincentl.9469]

Roy Buchanan & Danny Gatton. as good as most players who have picked up a Tele ..

[@Molt408]

@@vincentl.9469 not true

[@vincentl.9469]

@@Molt408 who do you think is a great Tele player ?

[@bloozswami]

Living in Phoenix I had learned about Roy Playing in a club called the Crossroads, went out to see him play. Almost empty small club. Hung out for a a few nights A very quiet nice man. Very influential to my playing. So missed by many.

[@bloozswami]

This was in the early 70's. The Crossroads bar I think was around Wsahington, D.C.

[@apachedevil44]

Yup in Bladensburg MD@@bloozswami

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

I saw Roy play at a small club called, “Merlin’s,” in Madison, Wisconsin, around 1979. He was, without a doubt, one of the most DYNAMIC guitarists who ever walked on a stage! There was NO ONE who even came CLOSE to his playing at that time…he was THAT GOOD!

[@janetowens7288]

You failed to mention the album Livestock, a really well recorded live lp. The tune Roy's Bluz just kills. Great video, btw.

[@DogCatchersBand]

Jeff Beck recorded "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" in 1975, before Roy recorded "My Friend Jeff" in 1976. Jeff and Roy didn't meet until 1985, and they never jammed together: this according to Jeff Beck, whom I asked personally, and sent the PBS documentary to in 1999, before the days of youtube.

[@bluesingmusic3443]

First time I ever heard of Roy was 1976. I was in the Navy in Hawaii. Had just got a nice bag of some killer Hawaiian.(don't know what label, but a Hawaiian dude, picked me up hitch hiking. My Mr Zig Zag tattoo, let him know I was okay) after that dude dropped me off, a GI from the Army picked me up. We went to his house to sample my recently acquired goodies. The guy put "A Street Called Straight" on the turn table. I was blown away. That's still my favorite album by Roy. On his death, I heard a completely different story. But amazingly the way he died sounds sounds exactly like the "suicide" my bio Dad, committed in jail. But that's another story. Thanks for covering Roy, he was an amazing guitarist.

[@mallydraycott1870]

The master of the Telecaster,not forgotten by those that know.........Nice video........R.I.P Roy.

[@DogCatchersBand]

Roy was one of my first guitar heroes, and I was lucky enough to meet him back in 1985: he was so approachable, and friendly. He sized me up before saying a word, and said "You look like a Stratocaster player!"

[@aobyungcp4330]

I Love Roy Buchanan so much I still remember when i first heard him he turned me from Strat to Tele…such a Legend thanks for covering him

[@johndrx165]

Roy is one of my favorites. I got Loading Zone after I graduated High School in 1977. Have collected many of his other albums (on CD). He can be uneven, but his skills are epic and he is a true master.

[@woody816]

Roy really shined playing live. Anything live from Roy is absolutely 🔥

[@mchristr]

As a young teen in the early 70's I heard Roy on the local FM station. I was immediately a fan and starting buying vinyl. His wah-wah effect and pinch harmonics are priceless.

[@jfrankcarr]

I got to see Roy in concert at the Center Stage in Atlanta GA in 1988, just a few weeks before his untimely death. He's been a big influence on my guitar playing.

[@ChrisCovin-ne8ll]

I was able to see Roy twice in my younger years, an I have never seen anyone who could ever come close to playing at his level 🎸🎸🎸🎸 And I have seen most of the Greatest players Great Guitarist 🎸🎸🎸🎸♥️

[@erict1917]

I first saw him at My Mother's Place in D.C. mid or early 70's. An amazing show. Guitar sounds no one had ever heard before.

[@michaeljosephmerritt7611]

I was fortunate enough to see Roy Buchanan twice. His signing with Chicago's Alligator Records was so beneficial to him. The show at Rockefellers in Houston, Texas for the "When a Guitar Plays The Blues" is unlike any of over 40 years of shows in Houston & Austin, Texas. His opening song was the title song "When a Guitar Plays the Blues". The single best opening to any show I have ever seen. That opening bend could shatter plaster off of Rockefellers walls. At one time, Roy would travel to cities and pickup session players in each city, not traveling with a band. Roy Buchanan is similar to Jimi Hendrix; there is NOBODY like him. His death in a jail in West Virginia is really, really bizarre. The Telecaster was the perfect guitar for him. Thank you for this video. Roy Buchanan put on such a special concert for us in Houston that night. Psalm 87 Roy, Psalm 87.

[@keyscook]

One killer concert - The Great American Guitar Assault - Three bands - Lonnie Mack, Roy Buchanan, & Dickie Betts - AWESOME!

[@Sota-son]

Lonnie should be the subject of one of these-without Lonnie Macks influence most of these other guys wouldn't exist . Never got his due in his lifetime and had the bad luck to die on the same day as Prince so passed almost unnoticed.

[@keyscook]

@@Sota-son I was blessed to open several shows for another guitar great, Jerry Miller. Jerry's style is quite unique and been the influence of many guitarists. Cheers from Seattle 🍻 Alex

[@mikegray8776]

Nice tribute, man. What a superb tone and feel Roy managed to wring from that legendary Telecaster! And the man uniquely mastered such a range of genres. The term genius is over-used - especially in America - but Roy really had something extra-special !! In terms of truly great and important US guitarists, he’s right up there with Albert King, Duane Allman, Billy Gibbons, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Bonamassa in my book.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

He wowed me back in high school and has for these many many years. Pure emotion in sound.

[@MistaF]

YES! YES! YES! I played a long time before I heard about this dude.. rabbit holed for days on his music/footage/story. Thank you!!

[@michaelmiller6709]

Right? I'll be going down that rabbit hole at work next week. What a sound.

[@albertceva1526]

He's NEVER been forgotten. Saw him live twice at the Bottom Line in NYC in a trio setting.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Just the name of the series, dude.... it's meant to denote a player who's not as well known. I know he has his hardcore fans, of which I count myself.

[@michaelepstein5447]

Roy has been my favorite guitarist since I first heard and saw him in SF in 1978. I'm convinced that his influence goes way beyond what is normally attributed to him mainly because his pyrotechnics and sound controls were impossible to forget once witnessed. Second Album is my favorite and rates with any blues guitar album that I've heard. Five String Blues, After Hours, Roys Bluz, I'm Evil are lesser known but very impressive guitar pieces by Roy.

[@bluesrockguitaristmikesall2708]

Roy really defined how far you can take the guitar,he had techniques. and sounds that transcend genre.He also had the courage to do it !

[@johnjozefowicz2022]

Like most geniuses he was probably hard to know at times but the open to Sweet Dreams is as beautiful as anything I've ever heard

[@nitrousninja882]

Thank you for making this biography of the great Roy Buchanan, one of my greatest guitar hero. I saw Roy live many times and will never forget just how great he really was.

[@jameshumbert5864]

A hero for me. An influence every generation needs to discover.

[@JammerhakenTV]

Thank you so much, I recently discovered Buchanan but he is already one of my favorites, his signature moves are sooo nice and unique, his 'hey joe' version is beyond badass...

[@jhowardduff692]

Opened for him in Dover NJ. Great guy, so humble, so talented!

[@robmcvaigh796]

I’ve always loved Roy Buchanan! Another great episode. Thanks man

[@michaelsmyth3935]

Guys like Roy and Gary Richrath are heroes to me.. The ability is in the hands, not how many pedals or guitars they have.

[@Michael-no6jw]

For R.E.O's lead guitarist Gary Richrath are two very talented guitarist, RIP to Both.

[@mikej70]

Gary and Roy are my two favorite unknown and underrated top 10 guitari of all time

[@coreymihailiuk5189]

I had the good fortune to see Roy many times and it was always special. The pure energy in his playing was incredible and the haunting sounds he could conjure with that 53 Tele were otherworldly. I was just gutted when I heard of his death. Rest in peace Roy until the Messiah comes again.

[@bhhNC]

RB is one of my Top Five. Amazingly unique in every genre he played ... like Danny Gatton was.

[@anotherrudeawkening2k610]

Thanks for spotlighting some of these genius guitarists from the past! Most of whom Ive heard on the radio when I was a young boy!

[@HawklordLI]

It's about time Roy got some recognition. Thank You!

[@jetsterable]

Well she didn’t bat an eye, as I packed my bags to leave….loved the strum & solo of that song on Live Stock. Really only tune that could have & should have been a radio hit. Roy made his own rules.

[@mikej70]

One of the best so innovative but always soulful still in 2023 hardly nobody knows who he is spread the word

[@williamkerr3350]

great show,I remember listening to Roy in the early seventies,this took me there again.thank you

[@richardelgart8420]

I saw Roy 5-6 times at My Father’s Place in Roslyn, NY. Always got there early to get a seat right in front of. An incredible and unique guitarist.

[@v2vroth]

Awesome thanks so much been waiting for this one! Roy was one of the best ever IMHO..Still think he was killed by the cops..

[@peterbartolomeo9574]

No doubt. As an ex lifer in NY ...seen cops do some horrific shit in prison. Murder one of their own ...1981 Donna Payant in Greenhaven. I was in B Block five company 280 cell. They murdered her and a bulldozer ran over her body at the Dutchess co landfill. They kill tons of inmates. Too much power in the hands of people with character flaws and power trips

[@scottlewis1530]

Your series is just great! Have watched several of your videos. You're a legit journalistt - great research, articulate presentation, and genuine passion for the subject matter. I look forward to another video in the future.

[@chrisdrake447]

Great tribute to an amazing player. Such a parallel with Danny Gatton in life and art. Thank you for this.

[@rmcellig]

Another excellent episode from one of the greatest guitarists ever yet so underrated!! 🙂

[@davidfarris894]

I have seen ROY BUCHANAN 3 times in BERKELEY CA.AMAZING MUSIC.ESPECIALLY 12 minutes of TURN TO STONE.MISTER ROY BUCHANAN RIP

[@gomoistic]

I saw him there too!

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I saw him in the early 80 s in Toronto , it was a outside concert that lasted all weekend at the time I didn't know who he was and walked away a fan . Great memories haven't thought about it in awhile! Thanks for the video 🙏

[@texastoneamps]

Roy Buchanan was the best guitar player I ever saw or heard. Guitar - cable - amp. All you need is a good guitar, and good cable, and a good amp, and they are one instrument. Roy could play stuff no one else could, in a wide variety of styles. He played blues like a country picker would was a jazz player. Amazing talent.

[@patrickkelly5004]

Amazing! I saw Roy play at a coffee house type club in suburban Philly in the late 70s, and was floored. I'm so happy you put this together, Jason. Great job!

[@DAMillich-lg9mz]

I consider myself fortunate to have had a front row seat to see Roy play at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh decades ago. I hadn't really heard of him or knew much about him, my friend bought the tickets and gave me one for driving. Here's whats happened: We go in, make our way to front row , sit down, and short while later this unassuming guy walks on stage by himself with a guitar, drags a barstool to front of the stage, sits down and just starts jamming... I was completely mesmerized the entire time. It's hard to describe, but I knew that I was witnessing raw and pure talent that was unparalleled..... Roy blew my mind that night, and I was a teenager in the 70's with the plethora of unbelievable bands I've been fortunate to grow up not only with, but actually seeing perform live. This guy tops the list for pure talent . Imagine just walking onto a stage with no introduction, no other musicians etc..... just jamming! A timeless brief gift I was given that day, I know for certain the universe opened one of it's tiny windows for me...

[@ziggylayneable]

Greetings from Salem County New Jersey. For me personally Roy Buchanan is not forgotten. Everytime I pick up one of my telecasters I find myself playing Roy licks

[@westernrider100]

PBS Show - The World's Greatest Unknown Artist, or something like that! How many people became inspired to play guitar or get seriously better after watching that video? There are so many stories below ...... I was visiting family members in Chicago in early 1973 and saw a flier for a show. It was for Roy Buchanan at the Chicago Auditorium, Theater. The band was Buchanan, a drummer and a bass player. And the thing that impressed me was Buchanan playing his tele and he had his amp, a small Fender, sitting on a traditional, classic folding metal chair, and in that theater, that small amp sounded so incredibly large. His command of emotional playing and tone was unbelievable. [ Matched by Jimi Hendrix, Oh Lord, forgive him for using a Fender!, and the Allman Brothers - had the opportunity to see the original band live a couple of weeks before Duanne cashed his bike Witnessing two guitarists using LP's and Marshalls and playing "Not My cross to Bear" totally changed my life and me a LP player for life. ] Also, I saw Buchanan perform in Boathouse in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the only performer on the bill that night. Buchanan was leading a trio that night, and the highlight of the show came at about the halfway point of the show. Buchanan and his band performed the "Are You Experienced" album. Yes, I remember the band playing the entire album. For me, the highlights of the album were Hey Joe and are You Experienced. Hearing Buchanan play live was an incredible experience and an emotional rollercoaster. He was one of the seriously great artists and sadly will only be remembered by a chosen few.

[@jeffreystaub2960]

Great short doc. I forgot more about Roy than most would remember. Please do a doc on one of Roy's biggest fans and that would be my all time favorite Mr jimmy Thackeray. He is a true living legend.

[@jeffreystaub2960]

I misspelled his last name, it should read Thackery. Please, please, listen to this man for he is surely phenomenal!!!!!

[@franzwaltenspuhl8892]

Hot damn, he sure could play the guitar! Thanks for this episode. I’m glad you covered this forgotten fretmaster!

[@dmk7700]

I got into Roy big time after hearing "Hey Joe" - so fucking intense. That "Loading Zone" album cover with a well worn Nancy, beer and cigarette says it all. "The Heat Of The Battle" is my personnel favorite. Great post Man.

[@lazlo5971]

I roadied for Roy once at a show in the Bronx at a place called Luna Park. Early 80s i think. Brought him a beer on stage. Nektar and the Dictators were also on the bill.

[@sixbladeknife44]

Great episode, Roy was such a huge talent. I often think of Rory Gallagher as the Strat playing equivalent of Roy, before Rory really started using a lot of effects…mostly just the volume swells, tone pot used as a wah, pinch harmonics, and just a lot of natural dynamics. They were both true masters in that way. Oh, and Steve Marriott with the Stones?! Hard to imagine, it would’ve been criminal to stifle that powerful voice in leu of Mick’s ok-ish voice.

[@ozwzrd]

Great presentation. Thanks!

[@scottfors1450]

Really enjoyed your video!I saw Roy 3 times and was blown away every time!Great to see the pictures and hear about his life!RIP Roy

[@folderol8487]

He's never really been forgotten. Unknown by the general public, since he didn't have a wild stage presence or was part of a supergroup, but those "in the know" have always remembered Roy Buchanan. The best ever, if there is such a thing. The man could play blues, blues rock, country, gospel, funk, anything. There's never been anyone like him.

[@richardfinlayson1524]

Love Roy Buchanan,he's fantastic,like your Liverpool top too, go the Reds,lifetime fan.

[@johnnyd63]

Saw him at a club called My Father's Place in Roslyn NY.Ill never forget someone yelled out to play "Stray Cat Strut" to which Roy replied "Stray Cat Bullshit"! As always he had a pickup band and show was just OK as Roy never really took off.But it was great seeing him live.Been a fan since his 2nd album came out in 1972.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

What a great tribute .Roy was the best .Sweet Dreams may be one of the greatest guitar instrumentals of all time right up there with Sleepwalk by Santo snd Johnny and Slaughter on 10th Ave.as Recorded by the Ventures and Mick Ronson.The Messiah will come Again is one of the most Haunting recordings ever put to tape.A Fender Tele, a coiled cable and a Fender amp.Roy always gave his band mates a fwe bars to solo over like Jeff Beck would selfless preformers confident of their abilities.Roy ...gone but not forgotten. Alligator Records helped a lot of blues men when they came on the scene. Truly fantastic label.dont know if it sitll exists ;but I purchased alot of Alligator records over rhe years.

[@ByronWarfield]

The reason I wanted a Telecaster is because of Roy. He still blows my mind!

[@TweedSuit]

Journalist: Tell me Roy, what kind of pedals do you use to get those sounds? Roy: Clutch, Brake and Accelerator.

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Hey Brother-love your channel-Thanks for covering Roy. They’ll never be another Axe slinger that could play like Him. Show me anyone that could come close!!!! People copy Hendrix,Clapton, Trower, Carlos, B.B and others-- but Roy was untouchable!!! Beck is the only one who gives people -just a tiny taste of Roy’s control and mastery of the six string Electric Guitar. -- Hey my friend- Maybe think about doing a episode on the Great Danny Gatton’ !!!!!!!!!

[@TheGattonmaster]

Buchanan great bender, tone; BUT Gatton best ever hands down; Beck could also outplay Buchanan the Beck in 72-76. There's others Leny Breau, Django, Wes, Scotty Anderson, Johny Smith, Hank Garland all better than Buchanan .

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

@@TheGattonmaster I would never say Roy was greatest ever. He was the master of pulling off the wild tones Blues and bends on that Tele. It’s too difficult to say any one guitarist was the greatest because of the vast array of styles of music-Blues,Jazz,Classical,Bluegrass etc. Gatton surely was in the top few with his fluid style-especially of Bluesy Rockabilly Jazz -Danny was a Monster. L Breau’ was hands down probably the best finger style Jazz Cat ever-But Joe Pass was a monster too. Al Dimeola’ is up there with that handful of players. Scoefield is pretty amazing. Garland,Joe Maphis, Wes , Burrell,Smith,Christian ,Kessel and those Jazz cats were all up there. And yes Django who created a unique style of soloing. Beck is definitely great--Always was better than Clapton,page and the other slingers from his Era, and to this Day is a monster at tone bends volume control. Best!!!

[@younkinjames8571]

Donnie Bell. Beck didn't even come close. You're welcome.

[@alanthorne3921]

Bought my first RB album A Street Called Straight when first released when I was teenager.I was hooked.I managed to get a vhs bootleg copy of the tv special and still have it today.

[@cliveburgess4128]

Going down to the grave yard, in a somber voice, followed by screaming painful angry telecaster licks! never forget it, my introduction to Roy, back in the 70's, 1939? had no clue he was that old, thanks for the video!!

[@oliviacrockett2560]

That's not old for a genius guitarist as Roy. I knew him personally years ago.

[@lourishchynski8093]

I saw Roy in 1976 at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh. He was amazing. I remember his version of Hey Joe like it was yesterday. He was almost in a trance as he played it, walking back stage and still playing. A truely memorable concert!

[@richardfinney3179]

Most people don't know that Roy had a great act and alot of his riffs sounded like Stevie Ray Vaughan I listen to Roy in 72 and I was blown away loved his blues he is dearly missed he was suffering from alcoholisum and hung him self in a cell in jail

[@mariolopezconde1733]

Thanks so much brother, I appreciate the effort and research put in this documentary. I am intrigued with his music And damn, Roy could play the guitar

[@philippicphilodox888]

I saw Roy live only once. As I recall, it was the mid 80s at the Mercury Cafe in Denver, a small venue, as the name implies, probably only 75 people or so were in attendance. I went with a college buddy of mine who was a genius guitarist so obsessed about getting the right tone that he built his own amps. Needless to say, we were blown away by the performance. At the end of the show, my friend wanted to see what effects pedals Roy was using. Because of the small venue, we had easy access to the "stage," really just the corner of the room, and we said hello to Roy. It was then that we discovered that there were no pedals! All of that amazing tone was just from Roy's fingers on the strings and control knobs on the instrument. This was an epiphany of sorts for my friend who now had to rethink his entire approach to playing. It changed his playing forever. What an amazing experience!

[@johnnyp8979]

Thanks for that great info, makes the songs even more better while listening to them again. 👍

[@drrayman1435]

Forgotten? By no means! He was one of the best guitarists ever, way beyond his era! His first and second albums are both absolute must!!! Check out "The Messiah Will Come Again" (1st album) and "Five String Blues" from the second. Jaw-dropping stuff!!!!

[@PainInTheS]

Yup, those are THE tunes. Five string blues.....that guitar is literally in need of tissues!

[@jammininthepast]

Another bluesman Harvey Mandel played with the Stones, but I've never heard anything about him as any threat to Wood taking the job after Taylor of course.

[@sparkspark2314]

Loved this. Really informs my thinking about him and his playing a lot. I remember hearing about him as a kid and about how great he was, but I never found any of his work. Now that I have, with this I get a good picture of who he was as a guitar player. Well done.

[@richardbspeck147]

Thanx 4 A great episode.! I've only ever heard his name, being in Australia, now I'll need to explore his discography.

[@eryckrice5170]

thank you for this been asking for it

[@steveparish9210]

Thanks GH that was really good. I remember the pissing in his beer story, hmm. Didn't know about bruising on his body, thought it was suicide. So sad😞

[@mythrapi73]

I kinda feel ashamed to admit I had never heard of Roy til the other day a youtube video appeared in my recommendations. Thanks for the upload and the link to the PBS broadcast. It is sad about the way he died. But seriously once and alcoholic you should not touch it period. You can't control it. It's a drug it controls you. Simply cutting back never works. Thanks again from a new subscriber

[@forresthouser5807]

Thanks for this, Brother....Been a fan of Roy B. for Decades....

[@66tas95]

Thank you for such an informative video on possibly one of my most revered guitarists. You covered stuff that I had never heard before. I live in Australia and Roy (as far as I know) only ever came to Australia once because of his fear/reluctance of air travel. I went to see him at the 'Tivoli theatre ' in Sydney on George Street with my father three nights straight. It was amazing and coupled with the support act of the 'Emmauel brothers ' 😊 yes the same Aussie legends Tommy and Phil. What a time to be alive. Great video sir.

[@thebikinithug]

Great video thanks so much for sharing and I was told many times that he was offered a spot with the stones

[@cesaresaladandthespicycrou4080]

This is great content. Thank you for making it.

[@stuartbarnhill2795]

Enjoyed so much Brother, so meaningful to us musicians, GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER 🙏 ❤️

[@michaelorleans5396]

I saw Roy..1978..a gift for my Bday..American Music Hall..SF..saw him many times after that..6xs..he always got better..gig after gig. RIP

[@PainInTheS]

I have 3 favorite guitarists....Peter Green, Gary Moore and Roy Buchanan. Roy was an absolute beast and probably THE most underrated guitar player ever.

[@tobinharris8107]

Thanks for informing us about Roy. Gotta say, we know his name and that's about all. Looking forward to diving in. Great job as always.

[@robwatso]

The greatest in my book! Thank you so much. I heard Clapton offered Roy a spot in Derek & the Dominos before going to Duane Allman. Another legend i am sure.

[@markfaby3130]

Doubtful.

[@RocketRoomVideo]

I saw Roy a couple of times at the Crossroads, Bladensburg, MD, around '71 or '72. A friend of mine told me he was one of the greatest guitarists in the world, which you wouldn't expect to find in a dive like the Crossroads, so I had to go check it out, and yup, my friend was right. At the time, my favorite guitarist was Eric Clapton, but really, Roy was in a different league.

[@boomer1954ful]

This was great! Thanks.

[@coryd2668]

Glad I found your channel!! Wanted to know more about this guitar genius I discovered only yesterday 1-22-24 Where the heck have I been? Never the less I found him and here we are! Very excited to binge listen and do some catching up!

[@CliffBoothe]

Well done and thank you. I can honestly say that for me, the ~17 minute duration is the sweet spot. A “Part II” addition could be used to address gaps, viewer inquiries etc. Not that I’m a show runner or anything…

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

What’s funny is that I used to try to keep these under 15 minutes… But so many people get pissed off when you miss an album or a single or one moment that is insignificant in their lives. I started to have to include EVERYTHING in an effort to be complete. So it naturally pushed the time up.

[@alanmatthew5713]

Excellent long-awaited presentation. To me, "When A Guitar Plays The Blues" is his best record.