The Ballad of String Bean and Estell

[@tomthebomb557]

The absurd paradox of this society that a kind, humble, modest banjo playing prodigy and his beautiful wife should leave this world so rough and violently is saddening even to the hardest of hearts. The beauty of it is that Stringbean still lives. The evil act that took them could not erase them, and his gentle and unpretentious soul and music is eternal and he will not be forgotten, at least from myself and countless other bluegrass lovers. God bless Stringbean and Estelle.

[@sharonsparks5121]

Rest in peace.. so senseless! Thank God there's eternal life and this is not the end. See you there.

[@Alistoria]

I am the second cousin to StringBean. I cry fro the bottom of soul everytime I listen to this ballad! If you saw my Uncle Jesse who was his first cousin you would think they were twins!

[@OfficialHankIII]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5jPXpKugtSVask

[@buggy123roberson]

David was such a gifted musician and comedian.

[@buggy123roberson]

It is a shame David never got to work with Jim Varney.

[@Godschild316]

Was there money in his fire place? I pray for you dear one, and your good family 🌹

[@kennethmullinax5879]

Stringbean rocks and what a great friend he had in Grandpa Jones

[@RuralCoast2024]

Justice was not served.. RIP Stringbean & Estelle

[@markarnold8014]

They are still dead. No parole should ever have been granted.

[@OstaraBooks]

@@mpaxton8991 They always find Jesus in jail. Doesn't change a thing.

[@123denuevo]

At the end of the day we are all going to die. And at the end of the day I don't think anybody should be totally judged based on one of their actions in life. I would say that even if one of my loved ones were the victim or the perpetrator. Those guys lost their youth in prison. Punishment did happen.

[@DM-yy1mc]

@@OstaraBooks Actually Jesus changes everything. Vengeance is mine saith the Lord. Romans 12:19

[@chazworm3]

what about the other guy? i’m sure he’s out too.

[@mustangmadd3172]

@@chazworm3 na he died several years ago

[@danielmoore636]

Great ballad. No winners, only sadness in this story. Two old folks and two young ones all lose their lives over greed. Reinforces the idea, "the darkest moment in a man's life is when he tries to figure out how to get money without earning it".

[@bobbmarly4355]

Great comment.

[@pauladams5595]

Saw String March 1958 at the Opry Went AWOL from Fort Knox, Kentucky with 5 of my Army buddies. Charles Rockwell from Zanesville, Ohio had a car. Great time at the Opry . We all got in trouble when we got. back to base about 10 o'clock Sunday night. SFC Miller was waiting on the steps for us. What a good time at the Opry and String was great. The Brown boys killed String and his wife for String's Opry pay . RIP String and Estell

[@glorygracek.1841]

I feel so sorry for Grandpa Jones. To be such a close friend and go be the one to find such a atrocious thing. Poor poor man. Bless his Soul.

[@dennisjensen6924]

Thank. You. Miss. Rebecca. Sansom. For. This. Respectful. Vedio. Memorial. Of. Mr. String bean. And. His. His. Beloved. Wife. Miss. Estelle. My. Son. Randy. And. I. Cry. When. We. Play. This. Respectful. Vedio. And. Song. The. World. Lost. Two. Great. Human. Beings. That. Terrible. Tragic. Fateful. Day. Rest. In. Peace. Mr. String bean. And. Miss. Estelle. Respectfully. Dennis. Lee. Jensen. And. Randy. Lee. Jensen. ✝️✝️✝️🙏🙏🙏🕎✡️🔯🌹🌷💐✨🌟⭐☀️💖💕💞💘🇺🇸🇺🇸🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇮🇱🇺🇦🇺🇸🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@towerman3434]

Thanks for sharing this. Stringbean was my Grandpas cousin

[@BeingRomans829ed]

Powerful. This tribute ballad needed to be done.

[@davidfulton3285]

I grew up listening to Stringbean and Grandpa Jones. I live an hour south of Nashville and will never forget the sad feeling I got when I heard the news about how he met his fate. Thanks for the wonderful tribute to a legend.

[@Twitch28233]

How can't you understand he killed one of the greatest banjo players of all time

[@donnawheeler1716]

John Brown walks free now. String and Estelle got no justice. The last I heard, they were still dead.

[@uptonsavoie]

This is a terrific ballad, and it can't be done any better than the way Verlon Thompson does it here.

[@uptonsavoie]

First song I ever heard by String was "Barnyard Banjo Picking" ("Hot Corn, Cold Corn") on campus radio, which he picked in the old Kentucky thumb-lead two-finger style. I've never heard it done better, and to this day (55 years later), I always begin it with "Come along boys, make less noise while the old folks are sleepin'...." Hee Haw was never the same without him.

[@boothl232]

Verlon is an amazing picker. He has a good old fashioned country singing voice. Listen to "The Guitar" for a great performance by Verlon.

[@justadoginmaine]

There should never be parole for this type of crime.

[@ReneeNme]

+justadoginmaine No doubt. Premeditated Murder. Both them boys should have died behind bars, not just one.

[@Splinter48708]

Today, both would have been given life without possibility of parole in TN. In 1973, that was not an option, so, the judge gave the longest terms possible and made them consecutive. 198 years in prison with a minimum amount required before parole could be sought. Probably 15-50% of the total sentence, but, don't quote me on that.

[@gravedigr12]

agreed they should have been executed I know life behind bars is suffering but that gives them time to try and weasel out if it if you kill them it's done.

[@kennethcole7616]

A fitting musical memory by Ferlon Thompson an innocent, loved couple perished through crime & ignorance. God Bless those who followed the opry family as members and fans. Patriot , Ken

[@donnawheeler1716]

What would stringbean and Estelle think of their killer being paroled? He was sentenced to life and yet he now walks free. His freedom is a slap in the face of the Akeman's. Shame on the justice system.

[@benniedonald]

I don't know the man personally. I do remember seeing him on the Grand Old Opry, Porter Wagoner, Hee Haw. I loved watching his letter from home. R I P String bean and Estelle.

[@cherieleonard2606]

The Jury gave him 97 yrs., then the Judge changed it to 2 97 yr sentences.

[@ariesthepug7713]

Donna Wheeler. String would probably have forgiven him. Yet he may be free and God will give him the true sentence.

[@donnawheeler1716]

@@ariesthepug7713 true words. We all need to learn forgiveness. Yes, I believe string would have forgiven.

[@calescapee9642]

i was 9 years old when this happened. Loved Stringbean. RIP to Stringbean and Estelle. Hee Haw was a favorite show in California.

[@SuperDEEZBEEZ]

I'm just so glad that we have such a fantastic archive of film clips, and a great body of work from Strang. I love him and I watch and listen to him all the time. He will never be forgotten. In the year 3029, some one will say, WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!? HAVE YOU HEARD THIS GUY!?!? LOOK, PEOPLE HAD REALLY SHORT LEGS BACK THEN! And it will cause a great stir, maybe even a new religion! Count on it!

[@donaldewert2402]

Great ballad!! I have 2cd's by String bean! 🤠

[@KillrMillr7]

RIP Stringbean & Estelle. I remember when he was first on Lester & Earl's show, man that get up and eyebrows.

[@nedkline886]

beautiful song, and so well done. haunting., rip string and estelled. tragic

[@toddbiddle9684]

ok this is one song that i really like and love so mush im a banjoe player i like all the old timers

[@msoiseth3419]

A shocking tragic event in music history. It's fitting that it's remembered in a banjo song.

[@priscilladaniels2907]

Boy, if Grandpa Jones was still alive, he would have something to say about it.

[@banjobones8075]

Priscilla Daniels I'm sure Grandpa would be a forgiven man

[@donnawheeler1716]

Priscilla Daniels you got that right!

[@cornellgreen3692]

@Weslee Zink I would love to see Grandpa make him eat that banjo sideways.

[@jerryhopper1685]

@@banjobones8075 🤔Hmmmmm what does SB stand for, and no I don't think grandpa would for give the killer

[@rev.dr.yvonneray2035]

I am distantly related to Grandpa Jones. My late grandfather knew him. I hope to meet him in heaven.

[@bigdaddyj452]

I was lucky enough to grow up with hee haw. Loved string bean and was sad when he past and wasn't on there anymore

[@FrogBoy138]

I agree never let him out.

[@barbt.9211]

Thank you for this post, String bean Estelle are alive in our hearts.

[@Rick-if5zb]

When I was a kid growing up I'd listen to String bean on Her Has and I loved to hear him pick the banjo and sing. I never knew what happened to him until I saw this video, and it chocked me up. String bean was a good old man and he nor his wife deserved what they got. But it was immortalized in this song and will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace String bean and Estelle. At least you won't be feeling anymore pain and you're together with your loved one. God needed a banjo player in heaven but the Great Almighty couldn't separate you from Estelle so God took you together. You're sorely missed but remembered.

[@jmdavis45]

I just saw this. I really enjoy the music of Vernon Thompson and Guy Clark.

[@D.Gaming-78]

RIP String!! X(

[@rudylittlewolf]

How can anyone dare to continue to ask for parole after committing such a selfish and horrific crime? You did the crime, you best do the time.

[@lembriggs1075]

Great video! What a horrible day when we got the news. There was a nice tribute by Grandpa Jones from HeeHaw on here but it’s been taken down. Too bad. Sad video but should’ve been left on.

[@donnawheeler1716]

God bless string and Estelle.

[@LB-pg3no]

You mean "stringbean", im sure an innocent mistake on your part!

[@Tomlinson_Farms]

God has a plan for us all, we can wonder why, but we'll should not ever question our maker. Money has always been the culprit behind greed, dirty deeds, and worse. I loved String Bean from the time I was 10, watching him on Hee Haw. We will always have you and Estelle torched in our hearts and soul... God rest your souls, and someday I'll know if I make it to heaven from the sounds of your banjo pickin'...

[@maint220]

wow. miss these guys..that sob should never get out..

[@Babybluebbw]

One of the men who murdered Stringbean & Estelle was paroled today after 40 years in prison. I don't think it was long enough! Rest in peace Mr & Mrs Akeman. You will continue to be remembered fondly in our hearts.

[@jerryhopper1685]

Babybluebbw its a damn shame to he should have never got out What happened to the other one

[@donnawheeler1716]

I remember when this happened. So sad. Miss you string and estelle.

[@ronaldneville9986]

still the best ever played

[@jeremymcclary3901]

Thank you for this touching tribute!!!!🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@94757598494309438]

Allowing them to live their lives out in prison after such heinous murders shows how much value the Great State of Tennessee places on our lives.....

[@nitromethane222]

I was 6 years old and saw String Bean at Opryland a week before he and his wife were murdered

[@warrenqualls]

That's a very good song Good tribute to string bean

[@geraldbarry2115]

No parole for John Brown ever RiP string and estelle

[@michaelmoore8680]

The Tennessee State Law should change the sentencing for murder from "life in prison" to "death in prison"...then, maybe then, people like this won't ever get a chance to get out. I've read that these guys were sentenced to 198 years in prison. How in the world can anyone justify John Brown being paroled at all? 198 years means you are going to die in prison. That is why sentences like that are handed down...to drive home the point that you are never getting out. I've also read that City Confidential did an episode about Stringbean and Estelle's murder, but I have searched and can't find it anywhere. If anyone can find a link to it, would you please post it. I'd love to watch it, I was only 6 years old when they were killed, and have found lots of bits and pieces of the story, but I'd sure like to hear the whole story. Thanks very much, and God Bless

[@donnawheeler6067]

Download it on you tube. I did! It's there!

[@Hollandsemum2]

I saw it, but at least 15 or more years ago.

[@brianfergus839]

Thank you for this. They sure deserved better. 💔

[@memyself-nd-i]

murder should automatically be life with no parole, if not death.

[@Smokey298]

MeMyself &i Just death

[@chrisdow6627]

@Jimmy Neal fuck your God, and I bet that imaginary bitch won't do shit about it

[@gxtmfa]

Jimmy Neal God says thou shall not kill and Jesus teaches forgiveness. Jesus never told us brothers forgiveness was easy.

[@shmittyworman]

@Jimmy Neal I'm liberal as fuck and I wish death on murderers like this. Put me in a firing squad dor free

[@TaweretSekhmet]

This is so sad...RIP

[@anotherperson7679]

Gets me in the feels every damn time

[@peachesb-georgia1125]

I think I remember seeing Stringbean on the grand ole opry... never knew what happened to him... so sorry he died...I liked his music...

[@roybookbinder2842]

Nice one Verlon..... beautiful.....

[@Super241946]

Great song.

[@CuzznRickH14]

Profound sadness overtook me the morning that I learned of Stringbean and Estelle's murder. The Ballard of Stringbean and Estell makes my eyes water every time I hear it. Less we forget.

[@raywilk5878]

Than you for sharing Verlons great ballad!

[@msredwine7]

This is total B.S. He should have never been paroled and he doesn't deserve to be a part of society.

[@mattadrev471]

man oh man....what a track! Great video, great editing and song was on point!

[@denisespurlock7869]

Great tribute to Stringbean.

[@nancydemoss8421]

Such a sad song about a tragic event. And three tragic outcomes. The Akeman's (2) and the parole of an affront to their very memories and society. As Jan Howard said "he did not deserve to take one breath of free air". I hope that parole board was investigated after this! (Probably not.) So sad. 😭😵😤👎💔

[@mikemenasco2167]

Awesome and powerful song, I miss old Stringbean. Many thanks for writing this song and posting it. I would love to be able to purchase the sheet music so that I might learn in on my banjo.

[@JeffreyHarthSailing]

Such a sad chapter. I really appreciate this song and I never knew that Stringbean had that money hidden in his firepalce.

[@fastr1red]

Best version I've heard. Love this song. Such a sad history.

[@Aussietari]

This is just Haunting.😥🥀 Well Done, Verlon Thompson.😌

[@blainesenior9981]

Beautifully done.

[@TheTomasa74]

i love the song

[@andrewdensmore4019]

I learned to play the ukulele from string bean I have learned to play from him personally I did watched him on here haw and I do guess that was where I learned to play the ukulele from him he taught me a few songs of Henry Thomas

[@RandalSmith]

Great song. Sam Bush put it on an album also. Love this version.

[@OfficialHankIII]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5jPXpKugtSVask

[@chuckturner6984]

I didn't know Verlon was a banjo player. He's one of my all time favorites.

[@billywaters.as.billythekid8498]

great song your friend billy

[@ck2music712]

Right down the road from me... Damned shame...

[@chiptapp145]

BTW I loved the song

[@BeingRomans829ed]

His "remorse" would have been believable had he simply been expressing it, and not asking for parole.

[@avdreader1]

After they killed Stringbean, his wife begged for her life. They killed her anyway.

[@DanTaylorSr]

Oh dear God how sad that is. It makes me want to cry.

[@jerryhopper1685]

The killer should have never got out of prison,,

[@cherieleonard2606]

This guy killed them both.

[@sharonsparks5121]

They'd have killed even if Stringbean had given them all his money. Bloodthirsty

[@Roberta-fy4rv]

Beautiful...

[@special7217]

It's sad that these people don't care about the lives of the people they kill. Yet, we are supposed to care about their selfish sociopaths ways and be filled with pity for them. If they kill they should rot in jail.

[@j.m.harrison4701]

My sentiments exactly. The bleeding hearts who weep for them don't seem to care one iota for the victims.

[@lesliearblaster2711]

This was one of the saddest thing that ever happened in my lifetime.😢

[@donnawheeler1716]

I have the episode of city confidential/stringbean murder. Pull it up on you tube. Murder, cabin in the woods. Nashville. It should come up. I watched it many times. So sad. Miss you String. I was a teenager back then. Remember it well.

[@Heathharris508]

Rip string bean he will be missed

[@laurie4275]

It's such a sad story. Thank you for sharing.

[@toddbiddle9684]

i love this songs on banjo im a banjo player my sefe

[@rosaleeingram7308]

I miss you string

[@donnawheeler1716]

God bless stringbean

[@youruptownlowdown7745]

The righteous thing to do is quit beggin and feeling sorry forself! Le t Stringbean and Ma Estelle REST IN PEACE,

[@gxtmfa]

Does Jesus not teach us to forgive and love the sinner? Is the easiest option of giving in to our anger and hatred really the most righteous thing for us to do? Perhaps I am wrong in assuming you are, too, a Christian man. But if you are- ask yourself what lesson we are to truly learn from this?

[@TheAndroia]

I'd love to see a well made movie made from this.

[@hatmakerhuntingandfishing2800]

One big reason I like grampa and string is because yea they was rich but they lived simple lives

[@dobos420]

I love this video, ty

[@HuzzahDaddy]

Awesome. So sad

[@HuzzahDaddy]

They robbed us all of a national treasure. Feel so sorry for grandpa jones having to find them like he did. String and Grandpa pickin' in Heaven now.

[@HuzzahDaddy]

Estelle bringing them sweet tea spiked with good ol' mountain dew.

[@krcsr178]

God Bless Stringbean & may him & his wife R.I.P. & may the scum bags that killed them, rot in in the hottest part of HELL.

[@johnford5568]

[Proverbs 1:11] "If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;" [Proverbs 24:15] "Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place;" [Proverbs 28:17] "A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit; Let no one help him." long ago a childhood friend also had simple plan and I thank God often that that is as far as it went.

[@danitayounger1130Godisalive]

Amen 🙏 🙏

[@twelvestring7]

Should never be considered for parole !!

[@wandamyers8674]

Love this true story

[@bavlen]

Very well made video.

[@thankmar6404]

Holy mackerelandy that thar is a dang good song... So damned good its going on my #ThankmarsTwitterCampfireSong permanent playlist i just created... Don't reckon I've done heard this here before in my long trail, though i was i a wee nugget of 5 at that time...

[@bobbmarly4355]

You are very disrespectful.

[@dreamwell2020]

Why does it not surprise me that Verlon knows what to do with a banjo?

[@stevesellers714]

That's how string bean and estelle died. Holy shit. I didn't know that. I just got into the banjo at 60. And of course string bean came to mind. That is just awful what happened.

[@lloydwarr3488]

John brown should be taken out and strung up in the way they used to do murderers.that put a stop to a lot of killings till a bleeding heart judge disposed of hanging.

[@ChiefThundermoon]

He wouldn't live long enough,they would never find a finger bone of the killer of String Bean and Estelle

[@keithkimmeysr953]

A terrible loss to Country Music and the Grand Ole Opry Family Great tribute song to String and his wife Parole for what

[@timothymason809]

Those bars have a profound effect on the soul of a man or woman.

[@ArcelthePartyman]

I am disappointed in the stare of Tennessee for paroling that guy

[@sartainja]

Both of the Brown cousins needed the death penalty for what they did.

[@Troy_nov1965]

Yeah the state should be ashamed of its self.