The Rev. Horton Heat on how country players just do it better!

#SongbirdsFoundation #VaultSessions #reverendhortonheat
In this episode of the Vault Sessions, the rockabilly king, The Reverend Horton Heat (James C. Heath) plays a beautiful 1965 Gibson ES-330TD and a 1966 Dynasty Green Fender Telecaster. The Rev. discusses his progression from B.B. King licks to Merle Travis picking, his favorite end-licks, and his attraction to rockabilly. He plays through our 2018 Todd Sharp JOAT-20 amplifier.
So, we are back! We took a bit of a hiatus from the Vault Sessions while we researched, designed, and built the exhibits for the all new Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum. After closing due to the pandemic, we reopened our doors in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in September 2021 with an expanded focus on guitar and music history.
Stick with us! We have some great players visiting us this year... so click the subscribe button for updates. Coming soon: Eric Gales, Paul Thorn, Nir Felder, Joe Robinson, Andy Timmons, Mark Lettieri, Stuart Mathis, and dozens more. These sessions help keep the music alive by helping the Songbirds Foundation raise money to buy guitars for kids… check out our website to find out more-songbirdsfoundation.org or stop by the Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum and visit (Wednesday-Sunday 12-6 EST).

[@zacharysmith5947]

He really should be in the R&R and The Country Music Hall of Fame, He is an American Music Icon!

[@PollyHistor]

Absolutely!!!

[@OriginalKingRichTv]

And R&B since rnr is early R&B

[@frankflores1917]

Why when much more deserving artists such as Eminem and Pat Benatar are in? I don’t think The Rev cares since the R&R Hall of Fame is pretty much meaningless.

[@adamjenkins190]

Agreed

[@keithhampton9700]

Most of his early shows were mostly Punk rockers attending . Dallas is Very Proud of Rev!!

[@jessestrobel2]

I'm a death metal guitarist and this guy never ceases to inspire me. What a dude

[@Onemore59]

That is a better line than all of Ray Romano or David Spades comedy specials that just dropped. I usually bang on my piano with my tiny fists in a ball but that Beethoven guy is pretty good.

[@RustyShackelford1554]

Yo same, dude! I play metalcore but same diff 🤘. The psychobilly got ahold of me.

[@RustyShackelford1554]

@@Onemore59as in, it’s a joke? Are you telling him to “stay in his musical lane”? 😂 A lot of metalheads can actually play Beethoven and Mozart, etc. so yea, we’re already better musicians than you. Ever heard of Malmstein?

[@adamjenkins190]

No doubt. Heath is the real deal

[@ShiningTrapezoid]

​@@Onemore59kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXqofqisdqiCZ9E

[@JohnnyBargeldBoom]

I'm a swedish j-pop death metal doom indian psychedelic math djent diatonic symphonic thrash chemistrycore guitarist and this guy never ceases to inspire me. What a dude

[@RustyShackelford1554]

What’s you people’s fucking deal? Like are you so pressed that a metalhead likes Rev?😂 you sound like a fucking absolute dooshsalad in real life. You can’t like metal and psychobilly at the same time bcuz JohnnyZombieCosplayingAsAMusician on YT says so? Like actually, what are you doing??

[@RustyShackelford1554]

Scoped your channel. You can’t even play a scale 😂

[@cyrus138]

@@RustyShackelford1554 what are you the guitar hall monitor? look up sense of humor you dork.

[@darthclanker6856]

@@RustyShackelford1554 he has 1 backing track how tf you know that.

[@cowslinger64]

The Rev is a phenomenal guitar player.. I saw him first, back in the mid 90s. Him, Jimbo on bass and Taz on drums.. WOW. Very unheralded, very underrated. Go REV!!

[@benjaminwestney9095]

I went to see Smashing Pumpkins in about 1995 and The Reverend was opening. I never cared about SP again but I became a Rev fan for life that night.

[@waxingchandler3895]

One my favorite bands! I've seen them over a dozen times. Each time just as good as the last. First time was at the Wrocklege (a hole in the wall) in Lexington Ky bac in the early 90's.

[@crankydragon]

i've seen this cat live 4 or 5 times. that whole band just something else.

[@cristoff30]

@@stevelind393 Saw him in Portland at La Luna. Opened for Frank Black. Ironically, I was visiting from Texas at the time and that was the first time I'd seen them. Such a great show. Seen them countless times sense and they never disappoint.

[@alanniederlitz8630]

One night at the Axiom Jim jumped on the bass as the playsr and his bass were laying on their sides on stage. Jim was standing ON the bass, playin GIT-TAR and rockin the bass back and forth under his feet like he were ridin a surf board. I was stunned! I mean, i saw lil Joe rub his butt all over a guitar a few a times but MAAAAN!!!!

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

I was a teenager in the 90's. At the time I loved all of the Seattle Grunge era bands. The Reverend Horton Heat was my first taste of Rockabilly. The Rev opened up for Soundgarden one summer night. That night changed my life. I realized was that it was the Guitar that I loved. Not just one kind of music.

[@ericvannielsen]

I was a bit too young at that point, but came to similar tastes later. What a show to catch!

[@bsjeffrey]

rev horton heat is in my top five concerts.

[@bsjeffrey]

@Chris Williams under the rail, seattle

[@travisjohnson6358]

I saw him at a festival near Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 it was great

[@MJSalls]

Nashville Pussy/Reverend/Motorhead.....one of my top 3.

[@waynealazraki887]

Saw them at the Howlin Wolf NOLA! Brought a friend who,d never been a mosh pit, changed his life.

[@Bass.sick.b1tch]

Some 20 shows deep it’s hard to pick, but NYE 1999 in San Francisco is up there

[@celticfury7328]

Watching The Rev do his thing like nobody else can, and listening to him tell his stories never fails to put a big ol' smile on my face. Mr. Heath is not only one of the finest rockabilly and country pickers ever born? His pure, unwavering love for the music shines through with every note he plays, and every word he says!

[@bdn8161]

Criminally underrated…. Just on another level….. Fan for life of the rev jimbo and all drummers along the way. All bad asses

[@stevenm.6886]

Such a reverence for the classic styles. He’s a custodian of music. And a cool cat 😎

[@steev6946]

I never had a real exposure to the rev., but after this I will definitely be doing a deep dive into his music.

[@loganshotrod4x464]

The first time I saw Reverend Heat was back in the 90’s on Conan O’Brian & the performance was raw, precise & powerful. Years later, I saw the Reverend live; Jim, Jimbo & Scott signed my guitar. So much love & respect for the Reverend, I can’t imagine my life without his music.

[@ASSHOLE123456ish]

Beautiful rendition of waltz across Texas ! Thank you sir !

[@Smith686plus]

The level of skill that he possesses is mind blowing.

[@hellboundrubber4448]

That was seriously on a Chet Atkins level! To me you can hear how many years he's been at it by the different progressions he puts together. Literally a Century's worth of styles going on. In Canada we have David Wilcox. "Riverboat Fantasy".

[@Madmax-zc2gk]

I just cannot get enough of this guy…he’s awesome to see live…. Def a bucket-list thing….

[@darthclanker6856]

saw him like a weak ago. I agree.

[@redshinoutdoors]

His one of the few artists whos speaking voice hits the same chords as his singing voice. Love the Rev!

[@jmac3112]

His singing at the end threw me 🥲 normally listen to his licks and playing but never truly listened to his voice before. Amazing

[@regunter6599]

My two sons turned me on to the Reverend about 15 years ago. Then I got into Dave Alvin too, both of them are just amazing.

[@drooskeedoo3388]

Jim smiled at me the exact same way at the start of this video when I saw RHH at The Roxy I think around when Space Heater had come out. One minute after, I got tackled from behind by someone from the very small but exceptionally enthusiastic mosh pit. Great show!

[@BobSaget411]

Saw Reverend live for the first time in the early 1990s…knew nothing about them at that time….their set totally melted my face off and have been a huge fan ever since!

[@WhiteDove73-888]

I grew up watching him in Dallas and got to know him when he brought his son into a music store I worked at and made hardly any money. Super nice and brilliant

[@trafyknits9222]

I've played golf with this legend. He's a good guitarist, performer and a pretty darn good golfer.

[@scarletcrusader5431]

God i've always wanted to see Rev. live, my parents were lucky enough to see him twice

[@GrimpleGromble]

He’s touring this summer!

[@ezryder111]

Really enjoyed this video, it almost feels like I'm sitting there in the room enjoying one of my favorite guitar players of all time at an intimate level

[@jonthehermit8082]

Love Jim so much, how he rocks these traditional styles. The concerts all these tattooed punk girls would show up in fifties style dress and be doing the twist. Best shows/times ever.

[@randyheath8566]

Reverend Horton Heat is my Cousin, no joke

[@rhondaunger1228]

I saw him in the early nineties in Atlanta at 57 Fighter Squadron, he was excellent. He is a very musician.

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

He’s got such an incredible touch on the instrument. All of the little nuances in his playing are an absolute pleasure to listen to.

[@dadnelson4008]

Not enough O's in COOL for this guy , luv the Rev

[@johndutton5881]

Wow just wow,what an American treasure.this is what talent looks like ,it's a rare thing these days.

[@Vector2112]

I’ve seen The Reverend a lot over the years. Legendary each and every time.

[@carpballet]

He’s sounds exactly like me. When we play the same record.

[@1000poundsguitar]

That was an incredible joy to watch, I’m glad I saw this. Saw the Reverend in the 90’s with the band. Such amazing talent. He is just as heavy as Slayer man, in his own way. This video just made me feel good…

[@toddianuzzi]

I’ve see The Reverend Horton Heat live at least 20 times since the 90’s. I met Jimbo in 2003 and he was the nicest guy ever. “Full Custom Gospel Sounds” is one of the most ripping records ever made! Awesome stuff!

[@cliffprowse3341]

The classic “I’m not used to this guitar” bit.lol I’ve used that one before.

[@bazookajoethompson3407]

Jim with a Tele!!?? Priceless lol

[@Fantastiko13]

It’s really nice hearing the Rev playing and breaking all this down. Basically what I got from it is that he went from playing like.., to more of like, and adding a little more of the picking like, because traditionally it was like, so basically the influence in Corpus Christi at the time was quite diverse which brought on more of a sound like…. In all seriousness listening to him sing Waltz Across Texas was awesome.

[@bs27v1b]

I have seen the Reverend live so many times I can't remember. I guess I'm a lucky man.

[@drzazgi666]

You are. Very hard to catch em in Europe.

[@markwiley1211]

I'd say he's finally figured that guitar out. He's a master - has been good for a long time, but now that guitar and him are the same entity ... in essence.

[@brasshouse-og]

A true legend in Deep Ellum

[@thebiggol]

Great player. Saw the Reverend many times in the early/mid 90's. Smoked a joint with him and Taz backstage at the 9:30 club in DC. Great times. Always a good show.

[@edwarddavison320]

The old 9:30? I might have been that show.

[@thebiggol]

@@edwarddavison320 Yes the old club. I saw him there a few times.

[@DrunkenRhinoceros]

If you ever get a chance, go see the reverend live.

[@lovelessgaze7325]

Jim really is just one of a kind. His style, his voice, twang, and smooth playing... it all just flows so seemlessly.

[@paulgregory1896]

Total badass.

[@redhorsereincarnated5040]

I've seen the Rev a few times. First was mid/late 90's. Great shows.

[@PollyHistor]

LONG LIVE JIM HEATH!!!

[@shannonedens7854]

Jim Heath is an American treasure

[@Pnanasnoic]

REV!! I caught a few smokin' shows in the '90s and you guys were on fire! I remember Jimbo standing up on his bass and you laughing your ass off ripping hot ass riffs outa your Gretsch. Live long and love it brother.

[@frogdogify]

My Wildest Dreams Just came true!!!

[@Stereostupid]

Love Reverend Horton heat Jim heath been a fan since liquor in the front poker in the rear!such an amazing rockabilly beast

[@larrybstreetfish5852]

Weird not seeing him with a Gretsch, but that Tele sounded sweet!!...Love some Rev!

[@8wheeledassassins.]

Most underrated machines in the industry. Gretsch guitars until the day I die!!!!

[@larrybstreetfish5852]

@@8wheeledassassins. 🔥👍

[@mikemcintosh9933]

I've had the pleasure of seeing Jim Heath live. I still grin when I think of that show :) Pay attention. This is a maser class.

[@bazookajoethompson3407]

Yeah bro... I was waiting for him to comment on the greasy hot chick's that go to the show!

[@alanniederlitz8630]

Horton Heat was ALWAYS one o my fav acts to work and watch

[@dieseldabberdoug8285]

The Rev rock's!

[@bigjimmedalock4878]

Love me some Reverend Horton Heat !

[@NWLee]

His Reverence is a joy to listen to, delightful.

[@ekirenrut]

BADASS! 👍

[@michaeldonohue9760]

I could listen to this all day!

[@livejts3301]

Wicked Cool! Thank You.

[@lloydloar1]

The Rev!! He's the best!!!

[@bobbydaugherty6993]

Came to see the Rev talk about country players influencing his style, got a Rev song. Win win!

[@rustyshackleford9557]

It's not only that the Rev is great player, he is also FUN. Most player's are boring guys who don't dress up and then stare at their feet the whole night at the gig. The Rev is entertaining. Heck if you were deaf you'd still enjoy his show.

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

Accurate description of the Rev!!!

[@rustyshackleford9557]

@@SongbirdsFoundation Thank you! I needed a good word. The guy on " Neurotic Guitarist channel just chewed me out for making fun of those silly Gibson Darkfire robotic tuners. Right after he chewed me out I got your kind reply about the Rev. Thanks. I used to work out of Dallas and if I had a night off I'd go watch the Rev. He epitomizes what a rock n roll guitarist should be on stage. Thanks again.

[@SteveRyan1965]

Explanation at 07:30 up to the Green Tele was fantastic and clear to understand!

[@mtxmind]

The REV is a true national treasure!😎

[@SandboxBullies]

Reverend Horton Heat is awesome...

[@steelcitytbirds]

Ah, the Good Reverend. Nice to see you again.

[@evanjohnson5480]

A friend of mine turned me on to the rev in the 90's. I am forever grateful.

[@bimscutney1242]

Saw the Rev many times. Always a great show.

[@adamvigil8320]

The first time I heard you was like back in the early 90's. I knew you had it. Bless you.

[@stj971]

Me too!

[@Riskmangler]

This is great - I've never seen Jim play a solid body guitar before this. Thanks!

[@jonnymoka]

The rev is a guitar god!

[@danielpoole1494]

some mighty fine picking Tele has always been my favorite guitar

[@danokerr9929]

Because of the rev and the band he got me into classic pre 1950 cars, motorcycles and classic gretsch guitars. I never looked back since. Thanks rev

[@JT-gd7he]

Seen him a few times, both by himself and with band. Always a good time. And he came from the same home town as me. PS That tele is beautiful.

[@user-rr9re5yk2k]

Thank you so much and great demonstration of your gift in music and style:/you and Brian Setzer, are a great uniqueness and style! With all reverence to Carl Perkins, and all the earlier kick butt rockabilly styles!

[@BBBILLY86]

First time I saw them was around 1993. I loved them among many things for thier hot rod car songs and culture. So I yelled out "Flat Head Ford!!!". The Rev said back, "Flat head Ford? The ultimate hot rod is our tour bus!!" hahahahah

[@willdenham]

This is something I have noticed too. I just heard this clean cut dude sittin' with a strat and a Tweed style amp at Guitar Center and he was country based and on point. He noticed me noticing him and offered the strat to me. I said no, I just want to hear more of what your doin'.

[@streetbob101]

I tell ya Ive played Guitar my entire life and never fully identified with a guitar player until hearing RHH. He blends it all and Texas was the perfect backdrop for the sound

[@ricodog3652]

Waltz across Texas is underrated. Always a good listen.

[@BoomBubbleBustRepeat]

Been a fan since '97 and I was still late to the party! Wish I saw him back in the Taz days.

[@stanbrown915]

Made me think of my dear departed grandparents, they absolutely loved Ol Earnest.

[@oldschoolpunkguy1]

First time I saw Rev Horton Heat was in 1992 when they opened for The Cramps! Been a fan ever since!

[@waden404]

Finally got to see him a few weeks ago (St. Pete, FL) So good!!!

[@ricklaino6385]

So used to seeing Rev. with a Gretsch...!!!

[@8wheeledassassins.]

Gretsch guitars till the day I die! So underrated amongst the best in the industry

[@bassplayer1966]

Dude at my work turned me onto RHH...I'm so digging this! I'm a HeeHaw Baby from the mid/late 60's!

[@Mike28625]

Wow! Thanks! I'm going to work on that octave trick. Cool!

[@corporalclegg914]

I found The Revy Jim Heath when I (ATL area guitar picked) was 15 years old & it scratched whatever itches I ever had for: Real Rock n Roll, Vintage Tone & Sound, a Modern Player, the feeling of High-Octane, Greasers with Punk Rock pals, Jazz, Musicality, and on and on… Jim’s the hardest working guitar picker that I’ve ever known & caught TRHH whenever that we’re close. I’d sneak into Heaven at The Masquerade in ATL before I had an ID that got me in illegitimately. I’ve been playing bass since 2004, as many former rhythm guitar players did out of necessity, but another reason is because I knew I’d never have The Revy’s chops at killing solos how he can. it’s fine…I’ve made a name for myself locally for being the guy to call when you need someone in a hurry. Thank You for featuring my hero here. Lord knows he’s inspired & is respected by many greats of today. Long Live The Reverend Horton Heat!

[@tinman7065]

Had a chance to see him in a small venue last month. Best concert I've ever seen, hands down. The Rev can play with the speed of EVH, and just makes every piece look effortless. A class act all the way, and a phenomenal entertainer.

[@MisterAvila]

Superb playing and style!

[@DoceVicioBlues]

Hug from Brasil ! Rev. Horton Heat é o maioral do rockabilly rock !

[@dougmartin893]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@Gwarclownman]

Cooler than the other side of the pillow..Love The Rev

[@josephhummel8742]

I'm going to see him m in Youngstown Ohio on the 15th. always fun even after seeing him over 15 times over the years. Im grateful as hell

[@grapsoultaker]

Freaking love the Rev!

[@markblackwell9486]

Rev. is Brilliant!

[@waxingchandler3895]

Its a psychobilly freakout! Love Reverend Horton Heat!!

[@ASSHOLE123456ish]

I’ve seen the good reverend in many bars around Houston Texas for many Jears

[@SilverSun216]

Fantastic stuff. What a nice lesson in Texas swing and rockabilly.

[@357armen]

Rev WAS MY FIRST CONCERT FRESHMAN YEAR AT UNT IN DENTON TEXAS ON FRY STREET IN 94. WHAT A BLAST I've been to many shows and seen most of the best and they are up there

[@michaelpond6386]

I’m getting to appreciate the Rockabilly guys. Carl Perkins, The Blasters, and so many more.

[@Sandy-dd4le]

A really underrated guitarist , fantastic rhythm player, with an uncanny ability to drop into and out of lead parts. He reminds me somewhat of Keith Richards in that respect.

[@ROOKTABULA]

I remember seeing him open for Soundgarden in 94. Quite a bit more high octane there!