Johnny B Goode - Danny Gatton

[@murdude11]

I had become bored listening to guitarists and their versions of this old song over the decades, but Danny Gatton took it to levels I had never dreamed of.

[@stelliumeleven2889]

We'll put!

[@jimmyrecce8787]

Danny's genius was unparalleled... period...

[@joeleonard7306]

I was talking to a great blues guitarist Jimmy Thackery . He committed on Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton. He stated. ‘ I knew what Roy was playing I just couldn’t do it! ‘ As for Danny I had no idea what he was doing ‘ Then he goes on to say’ Hell Les Paul invented the damn thing and he can’t figure out Danny’s playing’ Any how Danny Gatton could play anything. He could play music better you and that goes for just about any guitarist. If Danny were in a room with all of the supper heavy weights of guitar playing all jamming together. They would all leave the room except for Danny scratching their heads saying where in the hell did he come from? I am talking Beck,Hendrix etc.They wouldn’t know what to say! Thanks for the opportunity to speak about the Great Guitarist Danny Gatton. RIP.

[@mrfester42]

The word genius is so misused these days that it's become almost meaningless. Not so when used to describe Danny Gatton. Unfortunately I believe that it was his genius that caused him to take his own life. I know my motivation for writing this is going to be misinterpreted by some but hopefully others will understand it and maybe reach out to someone like Danny that they know. I'll start by saying that I'm not claiming to be infallible in what I'm putting forth here but this is how I see it. I am a genius as well and it's a burden. I've also done much reading on human psychology and I've learned that people with very high intelligence tend to be loners. They tend to be that way because most people just don't understand how they think and many even believe to be of low intelligence. For those of you tempted to respond with some stupid remark that I'm trying to blow my own horn and I'm showing off and bragging, just stop, think for a moment and remember this. I'm anonymous and you'll never know who I am!! I was ignored as a child and treated as if I was stupid because even my parents didn't understand how I solved problems and they ignored me when I had something to say because it was often at odds with the viewpoints of most people. I was labeled a trouble maker from an early age. Even as a child when. tests revealed my genius I.Q. I was still treated like a stupid kid. I am now 61 years old and my family still treats me this way. It's a burden and I have fought suicidal thoughts my whole life!) As for Danny Gatton, he was a real genius. I am a guitar player myself. Strictly an amateur but musically aware enough to know that he was one of a kind. I know exactly what you mean when you said,; "I knew what Roy was playing I just couldn’t do it! ‘ As for Danny I had no idea what he was doing". That's it, in a nutshell. We all know that what magicians do is not magic, it just appears that way. With Danny, it all appeared dangerously close to magic and even the other "magicians" couldn't understand what he was doing. Danny had such a hard time becoming mainstream and getting the world to see his artistry and genius. Record companies just didn't "get" him. I believe it was THAT, that was causing him pain. The man obviously had the heart and soul of a true artist and he had something to say to the whole world yet he couldn't get the world to listen. They couldn't categorize him. They didn't understand that he was fluent in every musical language there was. They wanted to put him in a box and make him speak only one language but he couldn't live in a box nor speak only one language. It was just not in him. It would be like keeping a fish from swimming. It can't be done without destroying it. I don't know for sure if it was that, that was causing him pain but I would bet a years pay it was. He was bursting at the seams and he was living in a straight jacket. He had a voice that demanded to be heard because he knew the world would listen but he couldn't get through the door to where the microphone was waiting. That's why I've always thought that his death was such horrible tragedy. The man was born to speak to the world through his guitar. He knew he could do it if given the chance but he wasn't allowed. His suicide makes total sense to me!

[@johnbristow4981]

I love Jimmy Thackery's playing. And he just gets better and better.

[@Hollcall]

@@mrfester42 Always will equate Danny & Robin Williams alike. When they performed it was Spectacular, but..................NOBODY REALLY SAW THEIR "ALONE TIMES." RIP -BOTH of YOU STARS. You "flamed out" too soon. .........P.S.-Mr. FESTER42,thanks.

[@davidwalker5054]

Danny is one of the very few who have got anywhere near Django that is the greatest compliment you can get

[@Kaspen82]

@@davidwalker5054 they’re completely different and brilliant in their own ways. A better comparison would be Greg Koch

[@jonathanmoran8932]

Gatton once said his goal with his music is to give the listener, “goosebumps”, mission accomplished for this dude. Thank you for posting

[@georgedavis8412]

He gave my goosebumps goosebumps.

[@kevinbishop6582]

Just freaking amazing

[@billkarmetsky4003]

I had a short relationship with the guy they call "The Groove Master," electric bassist Jerry Jemmott regarding his opening lick on the Voices of East Harlem's "For What It's Worth," the Buffalo Springfield hit. Because this lick was so totally funky to me, I asked him what was his approach to playing the electric bass. His answer -- premeditated murder. You hear his incredible attack on the Rascals' "Freedom Suite," specifically "A Ray of Hope." Hear what premeditated murder sounds like. Making that joyous noise unto the Lord although in this case, it's more of that one world kumbaya stuff put into the culture to subvert true Christian values of family, work, wealth attainment where Blacks co-mingle with Whites. Looks good on paper, so the people Kanye eluded to have pushed for decades to weaken as in "diversity is our strength" rubbish. Gatton knew who the record business people are. They wrecked him and he had nowhere else to go. Same with Hendrix who was finished anyway for being pegged into this Hendrix psychological operation.

[@matthewsmith8568]

@@billkarmetsky4003 allllrighty then…

[@andrewoverhere8525]

@@matthewsmith8568 LOL

[@bloozintro]

his call and response licks on the chorus are like a horn section. What a monster. RIP Danny Gatton.

[@thomastjb]

AMAZING rhythm chops! As great of a lead player as Danny was, it is so enjoyable to watch his creative approach to rhythm. Absolutely incredible.

[@markmarsh27]

saw him 3 times in Toronto. ... at each of those shows the greatest guitar players in Canada were at the edge of the stage, staring at Gatton's magic hands with their TONGUES ON THE FLOOR!

[@IantaylorCanuck]

I saw him a couple of times at The Phoenix in Toronto. Crazy shows.

[@markmarsh27]

@@IantaylorCanuck Those Diamond shows were two of the three I saw! ... YEAH MAN, Great Shows!

[@markmarsh27]

@@IantaylorCanuck The last time Danny played Toronto was at The Horseshoe

[@99sco]

There is no doubt danny gatton was one of the best players of all time

[@LoveBandit1000]

I grew up in DC area in the late 70's and 80's and saw Gatton MANY times in small bars. Yes, he is fantastic! But I will never forget what Roy Buchanan said in a clip from his performance in Germany (Rockpalast). After a stellar song the German crowd starting chanting in near unison "Roy number one, Roy number one!" and Roy stopped them and said simply "I love you all for saying it but the truth is there is no such thing as number one". I'll never forget that nugget of humble wisdom that Roy laid down.....

[@guidorollard2944]

very true. only thing you could agree on, is that Gatton did not came into picture that good, like " underrated guitarist "

[@woodystemms3799]

Had the pleasure of meeting Roy, and seeing him perform several times ... very unassuming guy. Had the luck to see Gatton up close before his untimely passing. They both had so much more than mere "chops".

[@300preston]

I was fortunate enough to meet and speak with Danny at a show at Sully's in Dearborn. He gave a card for Joe Barden pickups, which are in my 72 Tele today. Danny was a gem ......

[@PabluchoViision]

Just his rhythm guitar comping alone is mesmerizing. But when he takes a solo, baby hold the phone…. DC Danny, you are immortal!!!

[@Doogie20000]

So tasteful and restrained for a guitarist who could easily shred a 1 hour solo on this progression! Speaks volumes for his modesty and desire that the music come first.

[@twangbarfly]

John Boda -thanks so much for posting these precious gems showing Danny Gatton!!!!🙏

[@patriotpride16t]

Just realized he squeezed a “Carol” lick in with “Johnny B Goode”! (1:38) Effin’ awesome!!

[@tellycaster2487]

The best of the best. his playing borders on magic !!

[@blkjckgtr3075]

Danny knew his guitar and was one with it he was truly in the Zone!!

[@bessiebraveheart]

hi from England, not many people know Danny here, but those of us who do love him. one red hot player. my favourite of all time. I'm a 71 yr old picker and he amazes me, and I've heard a few in my time.

[@chasetower6773]

Only saw .... 🔥His🔥Band🔥 Burned 🔥The🔥Place🔥Down🔥

[@pumpkinking5174]

Danny was like an open channel with the music just flowing through him

[@wungabunga]

Well said. I've learnt a couple of Danny's double stop bends and all that - at the end of the day it just hurts too much! A destroyer of guitarists.

[@jwa718]

Was completely blown away first time heard Johnny B Goode---it was 1957 and NONE was playing guitar like Chuck Berry. Well I was in my wildest dreams! A ground breaking song that's also one of your biggest influences NEVER gets tired or seems that way. Had it not been for Chuck Berry Danny Gatton might never have been inspired to develop his own style------thank god he did! RIP Danny...................

[@TheAvailable43]

His start was with Charlie Christian, Django, Link Wry, Merle Travis, Elvis, Chet Atkins, and many many others.

[@commanderthorkilj.amundsen3426]

jwa718 Delete? Scotty Moore was playing rockabilly and rock and roll in early 50’s

[@therealdecross]

Mr. Gatton was a Monster to be revered.

[@RickCosmo]

i discovered Danny after reading about him and then hearing his album 88 Elmira St. i was floored! he's been in my top 10 since...wicked tuning and playing

[@mikemarak2613]

88 Elmira Street was out of this world!

[@orange-rv9ek]

He has a surf rock vibe going at 2 minutes 15 seconds. Awesome!

[@Barnekkid]

How come I never saw this before?! Thank you, John Boda, for posting this. I love you for it.

[@alainadeilia477]

Amazing is such a total understatement!!

[@matthewchunk3689]

child prodigy who probably peaked too early. still, one of the best male guitarists ever.

[@brettkramer]

I love how Gatton video stuff like this just keeps turning up, thanks for the upload, it made my day. His playing is very little Chuck and 99% Gatton, great stuff..

[@johannhauffman323]

Enjoyed this so much ! Thanks for putting it up.

[@ninebreaker21]

A master class in roots rhythm playing, thanks for uploading!

[@Mr_Lightheart]

Thank you camera man for keeping it on Mr Gatton, great video of an epic player. I think a person could learn lots if he/she took the time to analyze this rendition of a RnR classic.

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

+Tom Peterson Good call - keeping your eyes on what Mr Gatton is a good way to pick up tons of good technique in this video. He's very restrained here, and sticks to the Chuck Berry original licks, mostly...then drops back and plays superb rhythm behind the vocals. Too many times, in videos of Danny Gatton, it seems that he is overwhelming the song with a blizzard of super-fast licks, all precise and loud and perfectly articulated, with his superlative picking technique and preference for bright, twangy Fenders. I'm well aware that that is what he became famous for, and he came to dislike all the "play fast" talk. There are also videos showing his taste and versatility, but that's not what he's mostly famous for. This video gets 17 stars(on a scale of 1 to 10.

[@cato451]

oh my. such an amazing talent.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Danny Gatton was once asked in an interview years ago - maybe something for "Guitar Player" magazine - was there anyone whose style he had trouble duplicating? Danny paused and said "Chuck Berry" and went on to relate how capturing Chuck's unique vibe was so tough. How difficult it was to sound authentic when covering his tunes. Well, as usual, "The Humbler" was far-too-dismissive of his own playing, which sounds great on this Berry chestnut. No complaints here, DG!

[@douglaswaggoner3653]

Danny was the true Master of the Telecaster. RIP

[@matthewchunk3689]

jimmy page played a telecaster

[@rickhahn950]

Roy Buchanon or Albert Collins ring a bell??

[@bluesplayer1959]

he mailed this one in like mentioned he would have blown away the singer and the band D.G. Pure greatness Period...

[@carver3419]

I saw Danny at the Pschedelly in Bethesda - and later at the Birchmere. It was pure bliss.

[@Mark8395217]

Chuck... has been humbled!

[@plgplgplg]

There's a fair bit of Carol in this version including playing the 4 on the way down, JBG hangs on the 5. Great playing though, love the pedal stuff at 1:50 ish

[@rdjones97439]

One of the best to ever strap on a guitar... Wish Jeff Beck and Danny Gatton had made an recording together and toured

[@TheWerequat]

The only thing that you'd hear is Gatton being brilliant and Beck's jaw hitting the floor. (Joke!)

[@dressedtosmellgood]

@@TheWerequat theres not enough coke in the world to get beck up to danny's level

[@rcheath4258]

No comparison as great as Beck was. Danny traveled to England and Clapton refused to meet him. Sent his manager. Nobody from Beck’s camp bothered showing up at all. Gatton owens then all.

[@rcheath4258]

Gatton didn’t actually study guitar as a student, having only two lessons ever. Gatton played the world’s most unforgiving guitar with no tricks at full on volume.

[@Jay-lr3me]

There's a great video of him playing live with Albert Lee and Vince Gill. 3 masters at work. The full thing is on KZbin

[@PabluchoViision]

PS 2 things jump out about his playing listening to this (aside from his colossal chops): One, his killer rhythm, clean, defined, powerful, like a freight train barrelling down the track, but with utter relaxed ease. Two, his incredible palette of color, tone, and texture, like a whole orchestra in one guitar-often when playing rhythm, he is alternating between laying down a bass line and then screaming out chords like a horn section.

[@elvislives-gl4rv]

Look at the stunned look on Danny's face at 2:34 when the singer forgets the third verse and sings #2 over again.

[@seanfitzpatrick7878]

I saw Danny live a couple of times back in the 80's when I had only been playing for a couple years. I'm glad it was back then because I was still under the delusion that I'd be that good one day. If it had been a few years later, I'd have quit and sold my guitar.

[@jkjk-hk9lb]

Absolute genius

[@cassiobarone4305]

REALLY THE BEST !!!!!!!

[@patriotpride16t]

I truly wish he knew how great of a musician we all thought he was/is!

[@johnkellermann7365]

I used to see Danny got in at the Big Apple his rhythm guitar player owned it, Billy, Windsor he was my boss they were great

[@lemonnlimelight2760]

LOVE DANNY in CAPS

[@victorgirard6783]

the best guitar player yes

[@zelpho3]

Both Chuck and that upstart Keith Richards would have had to pick their jaws up off the carpet seeing Danny play!

[@omeletpants]

+Phil Rey Richards is the greatest rhythm guitarist ever. He is not a lead guitarist like Gatton

[@modernman8151]

+Phil Rey yea my friend but it's not his composition. Despite his extraordinary skills, writing great memorable songs is everything.

[@250frederic]

+omeletpants Rhythm guitarist means nothing except to describe your job in a band where your role as a player is set in stone. Every guitar player is able to play rhythm, it's just the basic of the instrument. (And most famous rhythm players can play mean solos too, like Malcolm from AC/DC) Plus Keith played solos on many of the Stones' songs and on other projects, so saying he's only a rhythm guitarist is not true. I love Keith and don't want to take anything away from him, but Gatton was a prodigy. He was a master in every style and could do things most professional players would not even dream of being able to pull off. One of the few people I dare call a genius.

[@EndeavorLeadGtr]

+250frederic Rhythm guitar is an art in itself and I have seen plenty of guitar who can wank off solos and know nothing about playing rhythm.

[@250frederic]

+Raymond Flanagan Well then they are not guitarists, just jerks with guitars.

[@stenmark66]

Pure genius! From about 4.15 into the video: WoW !!!!

[@Chooch207]

love danny!!

[@markgreenhouse100]

good god

[@godbyone]

I grew in maryland, u could danny all the time ,super cool,akways talk guitar after gig. every time I thought my playing was awesome I go see danny,and get humbled.

[@YankeeClippa]

Awesome

[@jlombardo6619]

@tumiboros I believe that was the main riff from Duane Eddy's "Movin and Groovin"

[@greghardysmelodiesfromheav4971]

I really liked it when he threw a little Duane Eddy in there. Awesome guitarist, R. I. P. Danny Gatton.

[@nelsonx5326]

This is great.

[@jimiguitar100]

so smooth..

[@johnstill9490]

I don't wanna take anything away from DANNY! What a player!! But Chuck plays AND sings..!

[@xandones]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@Zoladog]

Gatton or bust baby!!!

[@jimmac3637]

A true TeleMaster!

[@stevewilcox8616]

I love that the camera dude never took it off Danny!

[@madisonmasontv]

And the dude built CARS!!!

[@dougdavis8986]

My neighbor used to have a Gatton. Cool car.

[@Mark8395217]

Ahhhhhh... Mr Natural approved!

[@theiceman6941]

From 4:22 on it gets really crazy! YEAH!!!

[@altadena57]

Danny looks like he could be watching an online course in advanced nuclear physics, completely focused and engrossed in following the course material, and just playing his guitar as something to do with his hands and fingers, all the while blowing licks like no one's business...

[@davidwalker5054]

Danny did'nt do the look at me im a rock god poses or the spandex leotards he came on stage dressed like he was going to fix your roof. But when he played your jaw was on the floor

[@bplayer47]

WHo do you think Danny has his eye on?? He keeps looking at someone. the drummer??

[@scottmagri6306]

He's the man! Still

[@steeltunes]

Amazing. Vintage Danny.

[@rogerhoman8442]

a Master...

[@blkjckgtr3075]

He truly was the best guitarist and i think if he did sing he would of taken off!!!They used him as a guitarist and tricks !!RIP somewear theres the biggest jam session ever!!!!

[@-RandomBiz-]

I just got home tonight from seeing Guthrie Govan playing with the Aristocrats. I can safely say the same thing about them that I can say about Danny Gatton. The greatest players are the ones that not only have amazing technical ability but amazing musical ability. You gotta have the song. You gotta have the music. Otherwise it's all athletics.

[@daleschimpf]

Band leaders asks: “Do you guys know Johnny B Goode?” Danny: “Hold my beer.” Lol!

[@RCHeath]

I just read the first line of the posting below mine. Guthrie Govan is extremely good and very technical. I can absolutely appreciate him and really like his multiple cover of all the various guitarists in the one song. The guitarist you are watching however would smoke him, and with the benefit of two lessons his whole life, the inability to read music, and the minor fact that he rarely if ever practiced. Could Govan or Gilbert tune their guitars by use of the dial tone of a phone? Exactly who is better because of training, and who has a God given miracle gift? It would not be wise to place the most structured and learned guitarist against Gatton because he had an undeniable ability to assimilate, and then destroy you at your own game. Effortless at that. Every "technical" guitarist out there is altered. Danny himself played through a self designed "Magic Dingus Box" attached to his guitars that would act as specific effects. If you see the large silver plating below the bridge, that is where he used to keep it. Then he decided to play a Tele, potentially because Buchanan played one. Slowly the Magic Dingus Box disappeared from use. What you are watching is a guitar straight to an amp. The only alteration being phenomenal Bardon pickups, which would actually only enhance the aggressive unforgivingness of a Telecaster. The many played arguably the hardest guitar ever that would exploit any flaws, and put a cleaner pick up on it to point out his mistakes, and play with no effects. Danny would find out where Roy Buchanan was playing, dial up that bar or venue from the bar that he was playing, and then just drop the phone. Not too many people good enough to taunt Roy Buchanan. His wife came to what she says is one show of his ever. When she entered the club, she describes people bowing to Danny. As amazing as Govan, Gilbert, and the like are, they are not in the same time zone. When Albert Lee, Vince Gill, Les Paul, Steve Vai etc, declare him as the best ever... you be the judge.

[@FlopFlap1]

I wish Danny Gatton had replaced Mick Taylor in the stones. They wouldn’t have sucked for the last three decades and he’d still be alive.

[@bconigliaro]

Danny is one of the guitar gods. But though it may sound like heresy, Jerry Garcia still owns this song. Listen to the "Skull & Roses" version. There's also a good Dead version on a "last days of the Fillmore" type LP which also features Hot Tuna. On that one, Garcia, if memory serves, intros the song by saying, "This is what it's all about." Jerry owned this one just like Danny owns the Sun Medley songs. The first time I heard that masterpiece, the DJ came on at the end and said, "Weld it, Danny, weld it."

[@katsuyukisakata]

Danny`s R&R guitar !

[@picknngrinn]

...amazing!! thanks for sharing. Aprox. what year would this have been?

[@Mitchell-lc5kj]

Who is he looking at while he was playing? I would imagine he would like to face the audience.

[@Philc231]

The greatest natural 😊 guitar player ever born . He never really knew he was as great as he was . A blue collar regular guy that happens to have a natural talent . He would rather work on cars .

[@MrNikodemus2]

this is amazing. did he never record this in a studio?

[@og-greenmachine8623]

He’s garbage next to Chuck Berry. There’s LIMITS in life.

[@petedazer3381]

Danny and Stevie ray would have been one hell of a show!

[@TBlanktim]

Throw in Roy Buchanan, and you've got an all time barn burner!

[@karensimon0]

so good; when was it made?

[@dannyc.jewell8788]

Sorta playing lead and rhythm at the same time ,pretty good pretty good,

[@hiattfan2]

i hate comparing guitarist but its inevitable i guess. your comment was well said.

[@genem9725]

That Telecaster was an extension of his hands and brain. He understood the guitar like very few others.

[@tumiboros]

did no one notice that they played the main riff from Duane Eddys Rebel Rouser ?

[@TheWerequat]

He does that a lot. Music from anywhere will show up in his solos

[@EVEROSFP1]

Sad to see some people dislike this....

[@FordyHunt]

Dat shuffle....dreamy

[@fuxgood]

Any idea what year this was recorded? I'm thinking late 80's maybe??

[@ChrisArmourMusic]

Hahaha points to the upright bass during his solo, class

[@wa0000]

Holy shit!

[@jackpine3528]

ALL THE WAY HOME.

[@RCHeath]

Bad ass.

[@greghardysmelodiesfromheav4971]

I love the Dwayne Eddy riff.

[@DwainDwight]

You can definitely hear the influence of Roy here.

[@iroshi73]

that personality 'master of the instrument

[@jontycecil5195]

He can play guitar like ringing a bell blindfolded

[@zoomer51]

anyone knows what year was this shot ?

[@jojud]

@jmsbk12345 well at least we have some good footgae of the guy to remember him by...useless..on the contrary thank god he did film it..

[@imnokid]

was it me, or did it look like Danny was shooting murder one's over at the sax player? haha