Ricky Skaggs and the Boston Pops: "Highway 40 Blues"

[@reginabina4147]

I have listened to this video so many times I've lost track. Combining this bluegrass with a orchestra is just brilliant. I throughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Sounds so good it just keeps calling me back time and time again.

[@piscesbobbie]

one of my top favorite songs!

[@AFINKSTER]

Stopped at the Truck Stops of America back in the late 80's in Nashville and went in and sat down. The waitresses were all giggles and smiles. Up behind me on the wall was hanging a youthful framed picture of Ricky. I was right beneath it, and the waitresses thought I was him. I played along with them and then the whole place was staring at me. More truckers than you could load on a PIE trailer were smiling and talking up a storm all about the Highway 40 Blues. Till one of the girls asked me and I confessed that I was a bit better looking than he was. Everyone got a good laugh and some of the folks didn't believe I wasn't him till I climbed back up in that old BJ McAdams Cabover Cornbinder and headed west on Highway 40. Great old days trucking back then. Out of Little Rock and back and forth across I 40 from Barstow to the Carolina. He must have been a good looking guy when he was young if he looked like me.

[@aridian7787]

AFINKSTER : that's a helluva good story!✋️

[@LovesGreatness]

Great memory! Keep the Greasy side up!

[@playsindirtnapsalot.299]

Great story! those years were the good times trucking out there! it gets me wanting to travel again & I just retired, have to get a camper rig & relax on the road this time...David Allan Coe is touring this Spring, God willing he makes it!

[@bulett16]

Beautiful performance turned in by Ricky's crew and the Boston Pops. Wonderful talent on display for all to enjoy.

[@foobarmaximus3506]

If this song doesn't hit home with you, you ain't been away from home yet.

[@Brent500]

The banjo steals the show on this number. It cuts across everything else and stands out. An awesome performance by everyone. So cool that this happened. They should make a CD.

[@skronked]

What an honest, hip song from just an amazing dude! Ricky Skaggs rules!

[@Chipper17]

LOVE this song! My math teacher always plays this at school at like FULL blast, lol! xD awesome!!

[@dmvhon]

Notice the incredible counter melody played by the banjo on this song.

[@chrisforrest4581]

How great was that !!!

[@W5KVV]

What can this man not do?? A true legend.

[@kieraandrews7044]

This will never get old

[@catherineafrench]

Oh wow, what a combination.

[@ProductTestingClub]

It is very much appreciated to be able to see this on You Tube. Wonderful. Ricky was featured most weeks on Country Radio shows in the 70's on many stations but it died here in UK. Of course I realy appreciate all the other artists on You tube also, and I buy cds often.

[@Jazzyjess49]

These people are all great musicians! It's not like they've never played before. First it was lesson after lesson, then practice, practice, practice. Now it's rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Over the years the Pops have performed all kinds of music. From Bluegrass to Opera and back again! Even with the changes over the years, they have always played beautiful music! When I was a girl, (early 60's) we listened to them on a the radio. One of my dreams is to see them in concert!

[@a1repair]

Absolutley Stunning

[@LovesGreatness]

Wow, Amazing, Beautiful, Timeless music!

[@docholliday3150]

You can see Ricky basking in depth of sound at that ending. He really looks like a dream just came true for him. Fantastic.

[@mmgdavis]

hands down ,one of the best in the biz.!!!!! we love ricky!!!!

[@MarcoPolo-zc6zo]

Everything about this is beautiful. That fiddle and steel, though! 🤠

[@stephenyount3148]

I know all of Ricky's music but never knew of this performance. These collaborations are nothing but pure fun for everyone on the stage. Would have loved to seen it live!

[@tbird914]

Those Pops did just great. We need to encourage these collaborations.

[@dandelly132]

I loved this song as a young teen and still love it today.....Classic country song with a classy twist !!

[@Beallsound]

THANKS FOR POSTING MY NATIONAL ANTHEM.. I hope you get around to hearing my country Some Time.. Oh.. I live off Highway 40

[@newfster90]

Wow I loved this so much to have the king of bluegrass and Boston pops behind him don't know what to say awesome!!!!

[@therealdiehl4671]

Great fiddle (tear it up Andy) and banjo breaks. Some very good direction and camera work too. One of my favorite songs.

[@MrChug]

Practically magic. Nice job from a legend.

[@knopflerado]

Love his walk-up at the end of the mandolin solo, from Ray Flacke's original guitar solo. Great band then and now!

[@ctw1966]

They're trained differently. The result is awesome and amusing and wonderful.

[@smoosje]

a incredible song played by the best. It still rocks here in the Netherlands

[@EclecticHillbilly]

Good musicians are good musicians, no matter what kind of music they play. Everybody on this stage is a good musician.

[@Jazzyjess49]

Wow! Your arrangements? That must have been quite thrilling! Congrats. Jess

[@wjj4832]

Great combination, bluegrass and full orchestra. Like Donna Summer's McArthur Park. Loved it.

[@DAVEUSE]

What a fantastic performance. Many thanks Sir!

[@mortygwhiz]

This song really got me to listen closely to country music when it was a hit on the radio. Really sounds great backed up the Boston Pops.

[@Rpkist77]

I just performed a symphony bluegrass concert with this guy. He's amazing.

[@davidconnon1214]

I love this! What a bravura performance.

[@treybie1]

Very well done, David. And of course Ricky as well. Just beautiful.

[@hideyho67]

It's adding a little class to a beautiful type of music .Have you noticed these muscians are masters of their instruments?

[@hideyho67]

When I see Ricky I am reminded of a story in National Geographic some years ago and about the time of Daniel Boone coming here into Kentucky, there were two brothers named Skaggs that were "long hunters" in this area.They were probably Ricky's ancestors since he is a Kentucky boy.

[@upret66]

What an honor! It shows what pros the Bluegrass guys are when it's all said and done! We love Ricky!

[@jameswarneke2043]

Great song .so many times I have heard it on 40....

[@Backyard76]

Thanks for a wonderful presentation & a beautiful accompaniment Quantum Dave!

[@VictorianRose7]

Excellent! I just love this song!

[@jameswarneke2043]

The first time i was on hwy40. I was driving a sunbird following what turned out to be one of the best friends /role model Mr Myron Casey Henderson may he rest in peace that was the first of many adventures with him he is misses

[@LessTrustMoreTruth]

goddang I tell you what... that is music.

[@SKBottom]

Bravo! Kudos to you too, David

[@hideyho67]

This is a great video.I am so proud that bluegrass is being played by such talents.Everyone of those guys is a master at their instruments.Bluegrass...country music in overdrive.

[@janegallardo4731]

the orchestrations were awesome, I listen to it every day. Thank you.

[@Vittoria10538]

Yes, it did turn out well! And the orchestra's balanced beautifully with Ricky's band. Nice work!

[@CoverMyMouth]

gorgeous

[@georgiaroadgeek]

A "roadgeek tune" and the Boston Pops... what a freakin' awesome combo!!! :)

[@williammartineau6781]

I love this video!!! I listen to it over and over. It's one of my very favorites, and It doesn't get much better than that.

[@charlaquaranta1314]

Did clogging to this song when I was younger - I still love it - and all of Ricky Skaggs and The Kentucky Thunder music!! Love the fiddles, mandolins, banjos!! Happy Happy

[@sifflons]

what an amazing performance!!!

[@ebenclukey7293]

I was playing in a cover band at the Holiday Inn, Burlington Vermont in 1987. I didn't know it, but Ricky was playing the civic center and staying at the hotel. We finished our last set and as I was breaking down my drum set I got a tap on the shoulder and it was Ricky who'd caught the last half of the set. He said "I don't want to bother you. I just wanted to tell you you have one of the best voices I've ever heard." I'll take that compliment to the grave. Sweet man.

[@keithhicks3006]

Awesome

[@barbararene4200]

Great song - and what a musician he is. Good Job Ricky.

[@MJSCountry]

super song - -we always used to sing this....super song

[@josephbiancorosso3179]

That's amazing!

[@screaminrieman]

Great find. I love this and I'm not a true 100% fan of bluegrass. My first love is Rock but I know talent when I see it. Ricky Rocks.

[@jstrunck]

Excellent!

[@rayh3696]

When will folks realize the talent and feeling you get while listening to the rewards of this type of muisic and entertainers. Makes your day, your year, your life.

[@jekiwe]

This is pretty cool. Bluegrass mixed with a big orch. Apparently enjoyed by the audience as well. Thanks for the video dave

[@sifflons]

thank you so much for posting this!

[@thomasbranham4374]

Mr Powell, this was an incredible concert

[@quantumdave]

Thank you! I think so too!! I wish I had been there! I found out about it through the TV Guide. I was there were the Premier with Ricky Skaggs. They did it was the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra. But being with the Boston Pops was a pleasant surprise!!

[@plucknpick6414]

IMHO this band mix Ricky put together is the all time best Kentucky Thunder group..... thanks RIcky!

[@nzpete]

Just stumbled onto your 5 videos and they are phenomenal! The orchestra and Skaggs band compliment each other very well and they sure looked like both were having a ball! Thanks so much for posting, I will be watching these over and over!

[@fontheking5]

Great song

[@BarnsleyTimelord]

Brilliant !

[@hideyho67]

David, I come back to this often,truly a favorite and an honor for Ricky and Kentucky Thunder to play with the B P O Many Thanks

[@kakiernan1]

love this.. thanks for putting this up

[@DAVEUSE]

I only wish something like this could organized to raise some money for homeless juveniles in the US. Fanastic, Thank you again Sir!!!!!

[@garyharris1932]

Ricky looks so well groomed during this time period. Yes, he lives here in Hendersonville, Tn. What a fabulous musician.

[@gandalf3963]

Gracias temazo muy bonito y emocionante

[@PhiloAmericana]

This music comes from the very bones.

[@2true81]

BRILLIANT, BEAUTIFUL, HUMBLING! Well done brother. Keep going!

[@williammartineau6781]

'Brilliant, Beautiful, Humbling'.....perfectly said. Thank you!!!

[@racechaser2002]

great song....love this version

[@juliewise7681]

Ricky Skaggs-Amazing musician!

[@Reptilian0verlord]

I know this is an old posting now, but I just came across it this morning. This pretty much made my day. Everyone on here did a terrific job and thank you Mr. Powell for you part in making this happen!

[@koolaidman4321]

I'd love to have seen this show in person. Thanks so much for posting this. Ricky and Kentucky Thunder are playing with Boston Pops again on June 25th and 26th this year. Wish I could make it up there to see it.

[@pauletteforest8752]

Love this!

[@Sumer61]

Epic!!

[@DAVEUSE]

This music is class !!

[@quantumdave]

I have 5 songs of Ricky w/the Pops doing my arrangements. In some you can catch some of the Pops musicians smiling . . . and you know they are trying not to show they are having fun . . .those old "longhairs" as we used to call them. Thanks for the compliments.

[@DAVEUSE]

Already seen it today. Many thanks

[@redhorsem501]

That was double Awesome!

[@quantumdave]

Thank you, because when I got the assignment to write the orchestrations for them I was worried about how exactly I should approach it. I ended up just making them another member of Ricky's band. I was very pleased with the way it turned out!!

[@wantabe12345]

I heard this on the radio today. sounded as good today as when I first heard it

[@winkieandleah]

Yummy! I like this & all the other songs up here! Thanks for the upload!

[@joannb104]

Love it..!!!

[@patrickhunt5504]

You did an AWESOME job....I loved it.

[@biggunn770]

they are all legends DAMN I love this music and love some good pickers

[@gandalf3963]

Desde España (Cáceres) saludos... magnífica canción... Ricki magnífico

[@jeradjones9306]

Ricky Skaggs is like black belt in the company of red belts in Nashville on contemporary country radio as is most of pre 2000s country and bluegrass where Skaggs Combines Both .

[@vcp430]

@beatsbooze You're absolutely right! You know, I saw Steve Martin play banjo at the Power Center in Ann Arbor, MI, and he classed that place up with sweet bluegrass music! But, all the snooty rich folks expected more of a classical feel for the music, and I bet no one other then a few people (including myself) had ever heard bluegrass or old-time. They did a tremendous encore that night, everyone cheered, and about three people other tan me knew about the Orange Blossom Special.

[@michaelcaplan7012]

Wow! What talent

[@chefjaike]

Beautiful!!

[@zhp69]

i'm larry cordle's cousin the man who wrote this song just wanted to give a shout out to larry and ricky good job boys

[@lovefred1100]

ricky skaggs you are very very good at singing love your voice

[@pelhambx]

Brilliant collaboration...Thank you Mr.Powell...

[@Elmo_Fuddleputt]

Every time I drive between Ormond Beach and Ocala I think of this song.