David Grier Remembers Clarence White and Tony Rice

Clarence White Stories told by David Grier. This is an interview I did with David Grier about his childhood memories of being around Clarence White.
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David Grier
Clarence White
Tony Rice
Flatpicking
Guitar
Bluegrass
#ClarenceWhite
#DavidGrier

[@otisgibbs]

I'm listening to The New Kentucky Colonels -Live In Sweden right now and it's pretty damn great! What do you recommend people listen to if they want to get turned onto Clarence White? Here's a clip of David Grier from our friends at Fretboard Journal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX-yip2vg96WaMU

[@Kan-o-tex]

33 Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals is great; Livin' in the Past (first time I heard Clarence) is great; the various live collections Rounder used to put out on vinyl are great. And the tape of Clarence and Tony White jamming that you can hear here on youtube. And that's just for the acoustic side of Clarence. Thanks for posting this, it was a blast to listen to.

[@matthewatkinson7558]

That album is the one that got me into bluegrass. Was that BR Latham and Scotty Stoneman?

[@Kan-o-tex]

@@matthewatkinson7558 Yep, both of them. That album was also the first time I heard Scotty; can you even imagine walking into a tavern and hearing Clarence White and Scotty Stoneman in the same band? Everybody was super talented, but those two were not of this Earth. I got to meet and jam with Roland White a few years ago and he was a great guy. Roland was playing mandolin, naturally, but Marty Stuart has said that Roland can play in Clarence's style (Roland was Bill Monroe's guitarist for awhile when Clarence was going electric).

[@Kan-o-tex]

I almost forgot about the Guitar Workshop video. There are clips of it here and there on youtube but it's worth getting the whole thing from Sierra Records. Bob Baxter, the host, is a little goofy sometimes but it's worth it to hear and to watch Clarence play, and at the end he's joined by Roland, Byron Berline and Alan Munde.

[@bluesriot2]

the "on stage" is 30 minutes of the colonels rippin it

[@durrtyb123]

Thank you for this. I love hearing stories about my grandfather Clarence. I didn’t really know how good he was until KZbin came around.

[@aidankelleher4755]

I'm a 19 year old kid from New Hampshire and I practically worship your grandad haha!

[@MichaelHattem]

Clarence was a legend who I have loved since I first heard him nearly 30 years ago.

[@BrandonAdkins44]

These sort of interviews is therapy for his remaining heirs.. only our mother is alive. Clarence's wife (my grandmother) and son (my uncle) passed away in a car accident years later.. We crave stories like this for solitude, he is a man so sorely missed.

[@TN-D18]

Nobody plays like David. Nobody. His mind works differently and he has truly taken flatpicking to some interesting and unusual places. I admire his determination above all else to find his own voice and create his own style. Kudos for getting the word out on DG.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Roy!

[@otisgibbs]

I met David at a poker game in Nashville. I played poker every Tuesday at Andy Reiss' house and most everyone there was a very accomplished musician. Andy is an unbelievably great player and an even better human being. I knew David played and I knew his name, but when I finally heard him play my jaw pretty much hit the floor. He is a force of nature and you should look up some of his videos and buy his records. He's also a damn fine poker player and he's the first to tell someone to shut up and deal. That was usually me. ; )

[@robgoodfellow]

David Grier makes it look like breathing. This was a great one.

[@otisgibbs]

@@robgoodfellow He can definitely pick it! : )

[@lbshore]

I was lucky enough to see Clarence White with the Byrds when I was in high school. And a friend had dosed the wine we were passing with acid... Needless to say, it was one of the greatest shows of my life. And I've seen a lot of great ones. Thanks for this. I revere all these people.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful!

[@TheBlackHarrington]

I often search for David Grier content I haven’t seen yet. Pleasantly surprised to have this pop up in my feed after subscribing only a few days ago.

[@kazherogoda4153]

Thank you, Otis, for uploading the interview. I'm a huge David Grier fan in Japan. I went to see his show with Mike Compton in Osaka, Nara, and Nagoya in the mid 1990s. The photo he mentioned in the interview is in Russ Barenburg's book on Clarence White's guitar play (Oak Publishing, 1978). My copy is a Japanese version of it.

[@kipmarchetti6123]

Love David Grier ... grand stories ... “Brazilian dollars” thanks for this.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Kip!

[@ish474]

For the rest of my life its a Brazilian dollars

[@bobk9753]

Awesome stories and yes, Mr. Grier is the best flat picker breathing. I saw a jam a few years ago with David, Tim O'brien , and Shad Cobb that was jaw dropping. Thanks Otis

[@daf827]

This is priceless. I was thoroughly engrossed throughout. When David recalled Clarence’s death, my heart was in my throat. Outstanding, moving, enlightening interview. CW was truly a giant.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@doreleimcmillan7924]

Thanks. That was so good. I met David at some festival when he was 19. He was leaning against a tree playing and I was drawn like a moth to a flame. I had never heard anything like that. I asked him to play on my songs and he said yes and he eventually played on my 4 different projects. We played live a few times. What a pleasure. I played around the Baltimore area for 20 years with some great musicians. Fine times. Love your wallpaper and sofa! Dodie McMillan

[@tedlindsay8221]

Man! I laughed out loud about 25 times. This is an awesome conversation. So many great and personal stories. Thanks Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you very much, Ted!

[@blucheer8743]

A great song if you haven’t heard it is one of my all time favorites and a song that was never released it sat in the vaults for years!! The song is the old doc Watson song “the cuckoo” it’s the everly brothers singing and Clarence white playing both his Martin and telecaster with the string bender… the song is pure magic, pure gold, pure Americana for my ear one the best ever!! Story goes the everly’s broke up in the middle of cutting the record and then CW got tragically killed by a drunk driver. that record is a gift that keeps on giving! You can find it now in the everlys collection. Clarence’s playing on it is awesome doc was his hero as were the everlys. Enjoy!

[@richardgreer459]

What an incredible story from one boundary pushing guitarist about another. Its tough losing your heroes, especially when you've actually met them and they go above and beyond to make you feel like you belong. Hell I never met Tony Rice and truthfully didn't find out about him until a few years ago, over a decade into my guitar journey, yet I still found myself in tears listening to the Church Street Blues album in my garage after his passing.

[@matthewatkinson7558]

A friend turned me in to the Live in Sweden album 40 years ago. I hadn’t forgotten but also hadn’t listened since then. After listening to this interview I downloaded all the Kentucky Colonels I could find and am having a good listen. Holy cow. Live in Holland and Live in Sweden...Clarence is just killin it. Jaw dropping. Thanks for waking me back up!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Matthew!

[@myguitardetective5961]

This really was just incredible: funny, moving and inspiring. I love Clarence White, Tony Rice, and I love David Grier....I hope more people are drawn to him as a player and a person thanks to your kindness in sharing this with the World....

[@mojo6778]

Otis, the interviews you have shared are priceless and this one is awesome. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@otisgibbs]

I appreciate that, Mojo!

[@billlybarrue5953]

Thank you. Clarence IMHO was the best.

[@Jamestele1]

This is a treasure. I grew up with the The Byrds, Kentucky Cols, Tony Rice, the Bluegrass Alliance, JD Crowes' New South--Thanks a ton!

[@davidbergin6184]

This was my favorite KZbin moment of the year. Amazing!

[@otisgibbs]

That's very kind of you to say that, David!

[@ClintonCaraway]

Clarence White is the most influential guitar player ever!!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Clinton!

[@stevevice9863]

Great interview! Really enjoy these stories from the people who were there when these mythical people were roaming the earth. It's hard to know the truth from the myth sometimes, but to hear history from those that witnessed and lived it really brings these people to life and humanizes them. I hope you can continue to find these interesting people and record them for future generations. Thank you for doing this.

[@rogerdodger5415]

That was wonderful! David spoke so highly of Clarence I had the feeling he had known Clarence for years and years. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Roger!

[@buck13horn]

The Byrds have always been my favorite band, making me want to learn to play and sing harmony and, unlike many of their fans at the time, l loved them when they turned to country and their own unique hybrid of country and rock with Clarence along, of course, with Gene Parsons and the classic B-bender. This interview with David Grier and his recollections of Clarence was gold. And I’d never heard those details about Clarence’s beyond-tragic death, and from someone like David, who was in a position to know. Priceless interview. Thanks Otis!

[@capajo02]

Another great video from Otis. Thanks!

[@h.i.5333]

Man, these interviews are priceless! And your editing is fantastic!✌️

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@ktspirit1]

I agree! Cool old school!

[@roygunter3244]

I try to watch all your postings, I will admit I have never listened to David Grier before but I will try and find him and listen. This is the one of the very best interviews I have heard, David Grier seems to be a genuinely great guy. Like most people Clarence White is someone I have been listening to for as long as I can remember, Tony Rice is too. David's father must have been a really cool guy too, thank you for posting this, it is priceless.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Roy!

[@jvz1970]

Those are some great stories! Thanks Otis!

[@gmoore6166]

There’s yet to be another Clarence White, such a huge influence, if I could only acquire a 1/3 of the talent Clarence had I’d be happy. Great story!

[@JanJohanssonmusic]

This is absolutely great

[@RandyH400]

Another great show thanks Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Randy!

[@ronbenenati2987]

some great story telling, Mr. Grier. I really enjoyed it. Clarence White would be proud.

[@Elje41]

Thanks for sharing this. 💙

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@larryholland7192]

These stories are awesome!!

[@andersfernbach2399]

Thanks so much for sharing this for anyone who cares to listen. It’s a generous offering 💪😎🎶

[@davidfulginiti5985]

Otis,as always thanks 🙏

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, David!

[@iloverumi]

great clip. thanks for posting.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@banjocantrell838]

WOW ! Great talking about a real master of the guitar. Sure wish Clarence would have been with us longer. Thanks Otis, you have gained a new fan in me.

[@oneida41859]

Thanks Otis . What a talent . Again thank you !

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@stevewuertz3598]

Thanks for the introduction to David Grier. A jaw dropper for sure

[@augustineriley5582]

Otis, GREAT interview with David! His crosspicking is in a class of it's own, great player telling stories about previous giants, fantastic! Thanks as always, Peace Gus

[@IrreverendThomas]

I've seen David live several times in living rooms playing with Matt Flinner and Todd Phillips. Far and away the most jaw-dropping musical performances I've ever seen, doesn't get any better!

[@otisgibbs]

Those sound like a damn fine evenings, Chris!

[@catheryndenton1766]

Thank you dear.... that was beyond awesome

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Catheryn!

[@tugwinthrop7424]

Fantastic interview.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Tug!

[@earring1]

I remember this from the podcast. Awesome interview!

[@Possum_J]

Wonderful listen!!

[@bluequirk5384]

Otis , thanks for these interviews. Its like we're sitting there on your couch with your little buddies listening into a conversation with these real people just sharing the day . Cheers mate & Thanks again , from west coast canada

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you! : )

[@LynnwoodBrown]

Three heros for the gift of one! Thanks so much Otis - this was gold!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Lynnwood!

[@bellesmom238]

Of all the stories this one by far is the Greatest , Breaks my heart about Clarence, Thanks Mr Otis This one really hit hard

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Dennis!

[@j.l.mckelvey7569]

Very cool thanks!

[@matthewatkinson7558]

This is just great. Fantastic.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Matthew!

[@lilburro3]

Great interview! I wore out that live in Sweden cassette back in college at University of North Texas in the early 90's. Amazingly talented musicians. Thanks for the quality content Otis. Much love from Texas!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Jon!

[@mitchmatthews6713]

I love David, his stories as much as his playing. That photo is amazing!

[@mitchmatthews6713]

BTW, that photo is in the book Bluegrass Odyssey.

[@eddygreen3631]

This is what it's all about. Damn, sir what a story.

[@folsom68ajohnnycashtribute7]

Off the charts! 🎸

[@mikefannon6994]

Love that version of the Byrds, still have some of their music on vinyl. You are right about how easily kids are influenced. When I was about 10 Uncle John took me for a ride in his TR 3. I've loved sports cars ever since. Thanks Otis!

[@ktspirit1]

I mentioned the Byrds on bird (parrot) channel a while back. I don't think anyone got it, LOL.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Mike!

[@pamartin]

As always, I enjoy a "kitchen table" conversation with folks that play and admire real talent. Thanks Otis.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@keithsandulak9844]

I was so sad at the end of this i couldn't comment. I went and found David Grier playing the 'Beaumont Rag' His warmth and his music was so great my spirits lifted to come back and thank you Otis for another great post. Thank God for great musicians who are great people first....

[@keithsandulak9844]

Funny as I tried to comment on this I was caught thinking of Andy Griffith and 'Ope' then the ending of 'Stand By Me'. Too sad to write so I left and listened to David speak and cheered up. Came back and commented. Then felt like listening to some Clarence... There he was picking with 'Andy' in Mayberry playing as one of the 'Darlings'... Life is all connected.... You Otis start the wheels turning. Always love the doors you open. Reading John Prine 'In Spite of Myself' by Eddie Huffman right now thanks to you. Best Podcast on the Planet👍

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Keith!

[@bradhutchison3108]

David’s dad, Lamar, is a criminally underrated banjo player.

[@Ybor-ld6uq]

Another gem. Saw Clarence with the Byrds in 73. Magical.

[@RobbyRoberson]

beautiful

[@robpate1226]

David Grier!!!!! his version of Tarnation is the coolest.

[@johnkincaid2521]

man that was great and no doubt ill be doing some digging ! Thanks Otis !

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, John!

[@a_missippian]

Best Clarence I ever heard is on Arlo's cover of Dylan's Gates of Eden, along with Ry Cooder. CW transforms Bobby's earthy original into a sparkling sojourn thru heaven.

[@Simonsnel]

wow, this is great!!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Simon!

[@marxxs7626]

I got a P.B.R. in mine. Bout to lay it done. Great stuff man keep it up

[@Caperhere]

Thanks, Otis.👋

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@blomsomers]

Dang Otis this had me laughing out loud in the beginning but man what a gut punch at the end...

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@julesotis13]

Tony Rice! the fella im working for (yes finally got some income!) David Uncle DT Thom who apprecinticed with Kent Black both musically and to become a pitmaster and just before Quarantimes opened Santa Fe New MExico's first real home smoke BBQ and is also a fantastic mostly bluegrass musician having played and lived all over this land before moving to NM a hanful or so of years ago and im mentioning this cuz Tony Rice is one of the many cats he played with and loves.....thanks for remding me of this one Otis....us....peas

[@Mr1978Dan]

The end of this video reminded me of Tom T Hall " the day Clayton Delaney died". Another great video Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Dan!

[@williamkelley4728]

I bet you will listen to this at least 100 times.

[@anitadavideduo]

That's great!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@dodgermartin4895]

great story

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Mark!

[@julesotis13]

i wasnt off age but tho i grew up in Baltimore cool to hear these other parts of Maryland name checked for good stuff and this fella tlkas real good too love it....

[@TheZeekgeek1]

This is treasure

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@imannonymous7707]

I could swear that voice i hear is john sebastian . I know it isnt but still. What a great interview.

[@michaelwas8549]

cool vid thank you

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Michael!

[@rosssoutherland8118]

(Here’s a cool Mark Whitebook story for ya) it happened February 12, 1987. I was jamming with my buddy Phil Keaggy at a Phil Keaggy Guitar Clinic/Benefit Concert in Costa Mesa, California. Phil was auctioning off two of his guitars that were on the front and back of his album called Phlip Side. One was a 1970 Les Paul and the other one was a-you got it a Mark Whitebook acoustic guitar. I could have gotten the Les Paul for $800 but I was $800 behind rent. Now I wish I would’ve just slept in the car! But I’m thankful Phil still has it to this day. So the acoustic guitar goes up for auction and this one guy keeps outbidding the other guys. Can’t remember the final price but everybody clapped for him and Phil Keaggy congratulated him over the microphone and said, Can I ask you your name? He said “My name is Mark Whitebook! Phil looked astonished! Phil said, can you please come up here? Phil went on to tell the crowd how wonderful this guitar is. Then Phil did the greatest deed. He said I cannot take money from you. I want you to have this guitar. He told Mark it was a gift and thanked MARK for all the wonderful pleasure it had brought him. Anyway, I hope some people enjoyed that thoughtful story. If you get a chance to see Phil LIVE do it! Just saw him last month in a Jeff Beck tribute. Great!

[@brucegwynn8509]

I seen Clarence white at the galax fiddlers convention in the 70s, he really was spectacular

[@rhapsody5876]

Nice cat, Otis , and great interview..!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Andrew!

[@captainkangaroo4301]

Still miss CW. I’ll never forget trying to understand how he got his electric sound way back when. I’d never heard of or even imagined a B bender guitar. I actually thought he had some type of cutting edge pedal. A sad reminder of damn drunk drivers in the parking lot, if I recall correctly.

[@otisgibbs]

Very sad reminder!

[@johnrosier1686]

I checked out David Grier. I wasn’t too familiar with him but watching him play is definitely amazing.

[@otisgibbs]

That boy can pick it! : )

[@nealhitchcock3519]

This is great information to those that follow bluegrass and country influenced music. I have heard David with Country Gazette and the ties to Clarence and Roland does show the importance of carrying it along. As I have read Bill Monroe was concerned about bluegrass carrying along with his impending death. Well he need not have worried as none of us old timers should. If the lessons are right, the right things will happen. It may be a little different, but it will be alright.

[@otisgibbs]

Well said, Neal!

[@ktspirit1]

I just can't buck dance anymore, haha.

[@jasoncarman9656]

Hey Otis, check out “Cracking the Code” with Troy Grady with David Grier. If unfamiliar with Troy his whole show is about picking styles and so many have been on. David Grier was and it shows his technique and its mind blowing!! Great job! Thanks, Jason

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Jason!

[@briangordon8602]

I see the book is Travels with Charley. Love that book

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Brian!

[@BST501]

❤❤❤

[@im-already-tired-tomorrow]

"Most folks are always nice" interview ends,enough said. peace friend,

[@jmjtree]

Great stuff Otis, thanks for sharing this. Is there any more of this interview?

[@otisgibbs]

We talked about Bill Monroe for about the same amount of time. I published it as an episode of my podcast. You should be able to find it by googling if you're interested. I think the episode title is Growing Up Around Bill Monroe.

[@bluesriot2]

whoa

[@jamiemullins5877]

Clarence Whites son Brad was my best friend. He was killed, along with his mother in a automobile accident when we were in 5th grade, Clarence's daughter Michelle was also in the vehicle, she was the only survivor. Marty Steward,( supposesly) bought the string benderoff of Brad's mom. Thats the Word in the small town I'm from.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you for sharing this, James!

[@jamiemullins5877]

@@otisgibbs most welcome kind sir. I enjoy your stories big time, I liked the George Jones I watched today, never imagined him a bar room brawler...

[@durrtyb123]

Hey my name is Brad. Im named after my uncle. Im Michelle’s son. She wasnt the only survivor, Roland’s son Lawrence was also in the car.

[@durrtyb123]

Do you live in pike county as well??

[@gordonbrackett7220]

If you can find an album called "live in Stereo" recorded in Vancouver BC, get it.

[@dannybowman2926]

I have always said that David's storytelling is almost as entertaining as his playing.

[@MrEst1953]

Rodger McGuinn was the Byrds . Clarence White is a guitar God .

[@bentolleson2585]

Love how your "roommate" looked up when the word syncopation appeared.

[@ktspirit1]

I'm late to the game (the storms here in Alabama). That said, I think the cat was mad you stole her show. LOL

[@brianbeattympls]

I'm a big fan of Grier's album with mandolin man Mike Compton.

[@otisgibbs]

He's an amazing player! It's fun to see him play in Nashville and watch a room full of great guitar players loving every bit of it. : )

[@brianbeattympls]

@@otisgibbs Stumbled upon this incredible ditty: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKTMeWawnNeNea8

[@spaert]

David Grier is an amazing flatpicker, no doubt. Topnotch. But it's hard to beat Bryan Sutton these days, especially since Tony Rice has passed. I guess it's all a matter of taste. I really love Bryan Sutton's style. Great interview with David. Really enjoyed it. He's a great storyteller.

[@otisgibbs]

I agree 100%! It's all subjective. David's my friend, so I'm gonna take sides and wave the flag a bit. Much love to Bryan Sutton!

[@spaert]

Haha! It's good to stand up for our friends. Good on ya.

[@larrypayne5862]

Ahh jamming! Always a great time for picking with folks better than you are. Then hopefully you’re able to share with someone who’s able to make the circle keep rolling! Thanks again Otis and David. I would like you to share anything you know about Mossman Guitars of Wellington,Kansas. Stuart was a cool guy. I used to stop by the shop and visit now and then when I had a semi truck and ran through there. Maybe the early to mid 80s. Stuart was the engineer in the Keach-Carradine brothers movie “ The Long Riders “ Thanks again Otis!

[@daddydothang8635]

They are both masters of the instrument along with Cody Kilby, Jake Workman, and many others. Hell, Wyatt doesn't suck. 😁😁

[@HRamaido]

Can you make a indonesian subtitle bro. 🙏🙏

[@andrewbowen8122]

David’s now the monster player but for sure Clarence White was so ahead of everyone and his death cuts me up. So cool to see Travels with Charlie............better to be a first rate dog than a second rate human 😂

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Andrew!