The Greatest Session Guitarist in Nashville History

[@otisgibbs]

Become a member. kzbin.info/door/YX2... www.patreon.com/otisgibbs Tip jar for anyone who wants to help support this channel. paypal.me/otisgibbs?locale.x=... www.venmo.com/OtisGibbs Paypal: @otisgibbs Venmo: @OtisGibbs

[@markmoscatello9461]

Thanks Otis. I wanted to say Happy Anniversary to u and yours.

[@jamesdillman6811]

My God, Chris is a walking encyclopedia of history. He’s right up there with the great Eddie Stubbs. I know Eddie is retired, but he’s be a great interview subject as well. Thank you so much for this, Otis. Chris is awesome.

[@catheryndenton1766]

You are SO right.

[@matthewe.johnson1760]

Ok

[@joekhatib3798]

Eddie Stubbs, THE VOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤔

[@MrMultitool]

Not only does he know a lot of history He was also blessed to be taught steel guitar by Johnny Sibert one of the very best non pedal steel players!

[@edc4052]

Marty Stuart is the ultimate country music historian

[@DemonKingOFFICIAL]

Grady was amazing indeed. A true pioneer and innovator of the instrument. I grew up with and was very close to his sons Justin, Jason, and Josh Martin, and I met Grady down at his house in Lewisberg, TN when I was in middle school or high school shortly before he passed. RIP Grady, you legend!

[@vincentl.9469]

Did he make good money?

[@frankd4875]

Wow! Chris Scruggs has such a wealth of knowledge about country music in addition to being a super-talented multi-instrumentalist himself. I hope he writes a book someday. What great stories! Chris, Marty Stuart and Kenny Vaughan could entertain us all forever just sharing their knowledge of country music stories, not to mention exhibiting their superb musicianship whenever they play.

[@Mystbilly]

so true on all of that

[@DevilDogClayton]

Amen friend...I love all these behind the scene stories these troubadours share...Great stuff hoss...👍

[@ardenevox]

I could listen to this guy all day long. Because of this interview, I'm thinking he oughta teach a Masterclass. I don't think there are any Country Masterclasses. Chris is the s***. Thanks for doing these Otis. I think you must be getting a really strong response. Everyone I know into this music listens to you.

[@donaldperrotta8514]

Grady Martin & Hank Garland where incredible players !!!!

[@markmoscatello9461]

Absolutely. Hank Garland worked with Elvis alot.

[@emjaybee63]

I bought Marty Robbins "Gunfighter Ballads" LP when it first came out in the early 60's. I was mezmorised by the guitar playing behind Marty's vocals. It was years before I found out it was Grady Martin. He never got a mention on the record ..... so so unfair for such an amazing guitarist.

[@davebarnes6672]

Glen Campbell was another great session player for yrs before he became a recording artist himself. This guy played on so dang many songs it will make your head spin,

[@mojo6778]

Chris is so eloquent with his description and accolades for Grady Martin. What a great interview!!

[@elc1960]

The A Team was the Nashville version of L.A.'s Wrecking Crew, that played on more records than you could count without a computer. And all were absolutely the best you could get. Both groups were full of amazing, truly legendary musicians. We'll never see their like again. Thanks for posting this!

[@Kickstart500]

Also brings to mind the Muscle Shoals Rhythm section.. the Swampers!

[@elc1960]

@@Kickstart500 Yes indeed!

[@paulrupright4694]

You have that reversed. The LA musicians were the Nashville version. 🎸🥁🎻🎹

[@SuperBeachbum74]

The Memphis boys are the best

[@daveyvane9431]

and the Funk Brothers for Motown

[@kennethbrown7411]

Otis, you are indeed a blessing to saving Nashville music history. Don't dare stopping.

[@Omando55]

WOW!!! - Another Awesome vid Otis!!! How special to hear about Grady from Chris -- who is an incredible musician himself -- Thanks Much🎶

[@bigrecord]

My aunt Patti Page loved Grady and Hank Garland. Grew up hearing stories of these great musicians of Nashville...thanks for sharing your incredible knowledge

[@javi__...]

Hank was the only other guy in Nashville that could sound like Martin. They played on songs together. I believe they both played on multiple Roy hall tracks.

[@vayabroder729]

Another Fabulous Superlative!! He’s such a killer musician; love his steel playing!! Love it!!

[@explorn66]

Man oh man another awesome video. I love hearing about the stuff not in your face. The background stuff always completes the story. I thought Kenny Vaughan had some excellent stuff. Looks like he has some competition with Chris. LOL Have you ever thought about talking to Harry Stinson. I bet he has some killer stories as long as he's been in the business. Great job again!

[@pattonmaclean4777]

i was just thinking the same thing, love all the superlative interviews so far!

[@seanmeisner3190]

Excellent appreciation for a guitarist who deserves to be much better known.

[@guygranger7894]

Grady Martin --- I will never forget that name. Ive always wondered who the guitar player behind the song ElPaso was. Simply a masterpiece. Like you said " It tells the story ,even without the singing".

[@duellingscarguevara]

Try playing it.

[@guygranger7894]

@@duellingscarguevara I can only dream of playing like that.

[@duellingscarguevara]

@@guygranger7894It’s amazing playing, I thought it was a classical guitar, for a long time. (it’s played on a D28).

[@micksypickxen2386]

I was proud to call Grady a friend... he gave me the best advice I ever got on how to improve my guitar skills when he said, "Pay the most attention to where you DON'T play." Willie invited Grady to come on the road after the Honeysuckle Rose movie in which Grady was the "picking stand-in" for when Slim Pickens' character played guitar. Back in the day, during songs in Willie's show, solos got passed around to all the musicians in turn. However, Grady always got to shine alone on Stardust & All of Me. Even though he never played solos the same way twice, he always left you shaking your head in amazement. What a talent... he is missed.

[@wm631]

Somewhere, years ago, I read an interview with Doc Watson, who said exactly that also. Great talents think alike. 😉

[@petecarrollmusic]

Excellent, Grady played on Buddy Holly's session at Bradley's Barn, on a version of "Rock Around With Ollie Vee".

[@tonydeaton1967]

Absolutely love the history. It's amazing how much of these techniques bled over into the rock world later. Keep'em coming Otis.

[@agordianknot]

Wow! Not really a country music fan and did not think I would stay to the end but this guy had me hook, line, and sinker.

[@sunnyhendry7144]

If ever get the chance go see Chris and Kenny Vaughn play together on Monday nights near Vanderbilt in Nashville. They play for tips only. I was blown away and had no idea who they were till years later.

[@vayabroder729]

Fabulous Superlatives, nonetheless!!!

[@jaymichaels5187]

Always liked Grady's guitar work on the 1950s Johnny Burnette and the Rock n' Roll Trio recordings.

[@johncoffman2703]

We love Chris he is an awesome artist also

[@floydstowe]

Wow a lot of knowledge

[@mitchmatthews6713]

Grady was amazing! There is a CD out there of Grady's best work with various artists But "El Paso" is the beginning and end.

[@benw-king3380]

Grady Martin has long been a favourite of mine. His guitar playing on Johnny Horton's early Rockabilly 78s, and the gut string on Marty Robbin's 'Gunfighter Ballads' was particulary magnificent. Is GM playing on Red Foley's 'Midnight? ' This beautifully melancholy record is supposedly the last thing Hank Williams had on the radio before the driver realised the worst. Grady should be better known; but then again it's nice to be part of the small club that knows of this very cool guitar player.

[@ragpicker006]

I think it's Chet Atkins on Midnight. He wrote it with Boudleaux Bryant. Could be wrong, but it sounds like Chet.

[@benw-king3380]

@@ragpicker006 He did co-write it, and recorded several versions which were a lot 'slicker'. I'm not the last word in this sort of thing, but the credits as I understand them are; Red Foley - vocals, Grady Martin/Billy Byrd - guitars, Ernie Newton - Bass, Jack Shook and Owen Bradley. Recorded at Castle Studios, Sept 1951. I've got to say, it sounds a little too bluesy for Chet...the double stops behind the vocals are very GM to my ears.

[@kylethedalek]

He was amazing. Some say he was the guitarist for Johnny Burnette. They need to make a signature edition of th guitars he used.

[@benw-king3380]

@@kylethedalek He was. Thing is, that he was on the 'A' grade list of guitarists that were used in Nashville throughout the late 50s and 60s along with Hank Garland and Harold Bradley. Musicians were not really credited on records in those days, which explains their rather anonymous status generally.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤ I am loving these interviews Otis, thank you Chris Scruggs is the real deal

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Amazing. File this under players and history I wasn't aware of. I guess I gave some listening homework over the weekend Thank you, Otis and Chris 🙏🏻🤍💛

[@josmotherman591]

Excellent, Otis. Chris just laid down 10 straight minutes of historical musical knowledge that spanned at least 50 years. Not counting that it is still relevant today...and still going. And he explained everything so well, that even I could understand. Kudos to you both. This is an episode of episodes. Many thanks to you both. Peace.

[@karlmartin849]

Reggie Young is one of my personal favourites.

[@kevincoffey6188]

Appreciated, but underappreciated. He was my next door neighbor for a time- pretty much every time a song name came up he had played on it! Super nice guy as well.

[@Dang...]

Thank you!

[@buzzsmith8146]

This was an unexpected, but very well done, interview with Chris talking about Grady Martin.. Thanks, Otis.

[@bobsmoot8454]

What insight into last century Nashville music scene, Nashville has dramatically changed even from the early 70s to today

[@JamesJLaRue]

Every time Chris talks for 10 minutes, I end up learning like 2 or 3 hours worth of stuff.

[@waynemiracle8928]

Otis, I could listen to Chris all day long! He is a great artist and I like what he’s all about! Thanks for having him on your channel!

[@StringsandWings]

Great stuff, Otis. Thanks for what you do.

[@mairianncullen8753]

Excellent content from the Fabulous Chris Scruggs. Thanks, Otis! Imagine the conversations on the Fabulous Superlatives' bus! I hope each of these guys is writing a book 🤞 - in the meantime, your interviews are a treasure of gold.

[@sundownsigns]

I love listening to Chris Scruggs. He is so articulate and has a wealth of information.

[@FIGGY65]

I feel the same. He was born into a musical dynasty, and obviously he had a passion from an early age, as he is in fact encyclopedia like ! That is something that can’t be bought, taught, or faked ! He is a true gentleman and steward of his family legacy, and is a blessing to the music world !

[@FIGGY65]

I feel the same. He was born into a musical dynasty, and obviously he had a passion from an early age, as he is in fact encyclopedia like ! That is something that can’t be bought, taught, or faked ! He is a true gentleman and steward of his family legacy, and is a blessing to the music world !

[@FIGGY65]

I feel the same. He was born into a musical dynasty, and obviously he had a passion from an early age, as he is in fact encyclopedia like ! That is something that can’t be bought, taught, or faked ! He is a true gentleman and steward of his family legacy, and is a blessing to the music world !

[@FIGGY65]

I feel the same. He was born into a musical dynasty, and obviously he had a passion from an early age, as he is in fact encyclopedia like ! That is something that can’t be bought, taught, or faked ! He is a true gentleman and steward of his family legacy, and is a blessing to the music world !

[@FIGGY65]

I feel the same. He was born into a musical dynasty, and obviously he had a passion from an early age, as he is in fact encyclopedia like ! That is something that can’t be bought, taught, or faked ! He is a true gentleman and steward of his family legacy, and is a blessing to the music world !

[@bjorntannberg1581]

Fantastic. What a source of knowledge and wisdom.

[@gregargo1898]

Can't tell you how many times I have had to look up these old legends because of you. What an education Otis! You-tubed it and found Buck Trent on Marty Stewart's show ,,, what a delight to watch! T.Y.

[@patrickniedermeyer2112]

Ok, new bucket list item...go to an old record shop with Chris!!

[@edwiles5258]

i remember grady martin well...used to play a lot back in the 60s and 70s and i had a 45 he released with heartaces by the number and that was the style i used to play it in....evertime our band would do it i would play the opening and mid leads.......sometimes we would just play it as an instrmental...yep...grady martin was the best..an old boy form over here in arkansas also became a great studio man....a player by the name of glen campbell

[@mesillahills]

Jimmy Capps (or "The Sheriff") said on an interview here on KZbin that the best recordings are those where the band and the singers do not record together and are on different tracks. The idea is the band goes first which makes the singer follow the band, not the band follow the singer. He said you get more out of the band that way. He also said eye contact between the band members when playing is very important. And he said he generally carried about 12 guitars in his trunk to the session. He said he first discussed the sound wanted with the guy paying the bills before choosing a guitar to play. He is credited with over 5000 tracks over many decades too. He said he never knew which recording would be a hit. He said his main thought was "don't be late for the next session" as he played. He was another high demand guy who often worked until 11 PM in the studios.

[@jameshayden3952]

Can't believe had to scroll this far to read Capps name, good on you.

[@dave438-jw3]

I don't understand something: Nashville has country music, Memphis has jazz, blues, boogie woogie, and rock 'n' roll; why is Nashville called Music City? Shouldn't it be Memphis that's called Music City?

[@Tonetwisters]

IIRC, Grady Martin played all the great guitar fills in "El Paso" by Marty Robbins ... what a guitar lesson!!

[@authorworld]

I'm a musician and I feel like I'm on overload in a good way. It reminds me of the time my 10 yr. old daughter asked my wife a music question for her school homework. My wife said, "Why don't you ask your dad?" and my daughter answered, "I don't want to know that much."

[@bak-mariterry5180]

😃 Great story .

[@mandymine4963]

Grady Martin on Marty Robbins' Saddle Tramp-so amazingingly beautiful! Another great Chris Scruggs interview♥

[@bglrj]

This gentleman gives a regular clinic on country music history every time he speaks.

[@gr500music6]

As a measure of how good these cats were, the A-Team harmonica player, Charlie McCoy, was brought on a Bob Dylan session for that purpose and ended up playing the eleven minutes of impromptu acoustic lead that propels Desolation Row to eternal greatness.

[@billyhillk5726]

That is one knowledgeable fella right there 👍🇺🇸 Thank you for posting this 🙏

[@dandrews1]

Chris is such a brilliant and knowledgeable historian of the Nashville music scene. I believe Earl would have been proud of him, and his dad Gary also had they not been estranged. I could listen to him for hours. He needs to do his own channel.

[@mikeperry7678]

Fabulous! I met Chris Years ago when he was in BR5-49, we supported them on a date in Reading England, he was surprised when I asked him to autograph my copy of his solo album. We had a long chat, he's a really knowledgeable guy. Thanks for posting the video!

[@kenkvaale12]

Grady Martin's guitar solo on John Prine's classic song "A Good Time" is a solo that I have loved for the past 1/2 century!!!

[@rodneyharouff5739]

i dig this stuff. thank ya!

[@fredericfogg8784]

Otis, Thank you for your time and effort. Your videos are outstanding. Next time you talk to Chris, please ask him where he buys his handkerchiefs / bandanas? Thank you.

[@Herfinnur]

Great video! It would be great if you did this about more Nashville legends. Even someone as previously ubiquitous as Chet Atkins is receiving very little love on KZbin

[@ivanpainter357]

MR CHRIS HAS GREAT 15 MINUTE SHOW FRIDAY NIGHT AFTER OPERA HE HAS ALL KINDS OF TALENT ANS SKILL AND A WONDERFUL GROUP IVAN FROM ILLINOIS.

[@MrBluoct]

This history , intellect and context seeming was/ is lacking across the nation for those less informed or even less exposed to the musicians, history and … fantastic stories Chris is a true portal and respectful caretaker to the vast list of uniquely capable, talented musicians and artisans -

[@WLBarton4466]

Chet Atkins took a lot of work away from other session guitar players.

[@jtsrecordroom3963]

So informative and very interesting to know ! We all have learned about the " Wrecking Crew".. and now it's time to respect the greatness of Grady Martin and the rest of the boys ! Regards. JT ✌️

[@paulreese3071]

@JT I agree 100%!!! Listening to Chris was fascinating. Do you know if the term "Nashville Cats" was a broad term or was it applied to a specific group of studio musicians?

[@jtsrecordroom3963]

@Paul Reese Man !! All I know is when Rock met Country music in about 1966-67 .. studio guys in Nashville started playing on records like " Nashvile Skyline".. so Dylan again had a lot to do with change !

[@jtsrecordroom3963]

@Paul Reese And I would have to say the term refers to all of those boys ( Nashville studio cats ) who were now playing on cross-over records ! Quite a few Artists from the rock end of things ended up wanting to do records in Nashville.. and with that, and L A and San Francisco.. came Country Rock . ✌️

[@paulreese3071]

@@jtsrecordroom3963 Thx so much for the thoughts JT! My entry into country rock was thru Nesmith. I loved those post Monkee solo albums which helped lead me to other proponents of the genre!

[@jtsrecordroom3963]

@@paulreese3071 That is a fine entry point into early country rock ! Mine would be The New Riders Of The Purple Sage".. and if you have time.. please listen to " Lonesome LA Cowboy" ! 👍

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Years ago I had a publishing deal in Nashville with Warner Chappell. Co-wrote a number of songs with several different writers. We went and cut a number of demos to pitch around town, New York and LA. Being new to the business I didn't know who's who from what's what. The guitar player's chops sounded familiar. But, as soon as the engineer said, "How's your level, Grady?" I knew who it was. Called my mother afterwards and told her Grady Martin played on my demos. She knew who he was because she LOVED Marty Robbins. You told me, "Boy, you've made it! Grady Martin!? Did jah get his autograph!?" lol

[@wm631]

All of the "A" players for Chet Atkins (RCA), Owen Bradley (Decca), Fred Foster (Monument), Don Law, etc. were incredible. And, don't forget the underappreciated Anita Kerr who put a lot of the arrangements together for the sessions she was in with Jim Reeves and others.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I would have thought it was Garland at the tippy top, but Grady was certainly an outstanding player.

[@blueticecho5690]

Wow !! really tough one here But to me I'm a Leon Rhodes guy all the way.. As a old basement /garage picker I have swipe from this man since the 60's..

[@SURRYHOUSE2]

I worked with Russell williford some. Great guitar player.

[@1coopjsn]

This is phenomenal. I love his anecdotes so much. He is such an easy and eloquent speaker, too. I was led to believe that the "A Team" was a somewhat nebulous term with a rotating cast. I think he half alluded to that or maybe that is obvious. I love this discussion so much, though.

[@Mystbilly]

It has come to mean more of a rotating cast, but for a time, it was a very specific group of players.

[@1coopjsn]

@@Mystbilly ahh makes sense. Thank you.

[@buddylobos5277]

This was excellent. I went and looked up a bunch of Grady Martin vids. Yeah. So, you got me interested in Grady and Joe Maphis. Great talents both. I thank you Otis.

[@andyc5392]

I’m a bit of a late comer in discovering BR549 but these guys are very deep digging musicologists…in particular Chris is…they are to country music what Canned Heat was to blues…Chris is fascinating…great player too…

[@onethumbpicker]

Grady Martin was also one of the first to ever record using an Echoplex effect on Little Jimmy Dicken's 1965 hit "May the Bird of Paradise(Fly Up Your Nose)".

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

Hank Garland was another great. Met him here in Jacksonville Florida. It was at a guitar show, they had his log books and guitars

[@davidcooper1201]

I have always wondered who played the fill in guitar picking in the Marty Robins, El Paso. It is some of the most ingenious notes I have every heard in a song. I love listening to that song primarily because of the music that brings the story to life.

[@kylemoran4343]

Man, do I enjoy listening to Professor Chris's history lessons. Thanks fellas !

[@halbertking2683]

I saw Willie Nelson way back in the early 80s , in Boston at a Concert On The Commons . There was an older guy playing a black Les Paul Custom and sounding pretty jazzy for a country gig . Now I know it was Grady Martin . Just goes to show you really great musicians are often bigger than a genre that others try to put them in . There was a Louis Armstrong interview " There's two kinds of music , good and bad ." The interviewer asks Louis , what's good music ? Louis replied " If it makes me tap my foot . " Great interview , thanks .

[@jswjanjan]

Pretty sure we could listen to Chris talk music all day...☆♡

[@saginawdan]

You know it. 👍

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Scruggs, thats a huge name in country and bluegrass music.

[@MrRustyFord]

Chris is the grandson of Earl Scruggs, one of the best ever banjo pickers (I think he was the best).

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

@@MrRustyFord I figured that he was related. But I didn't want to ask.

[@philipearlmcg3964]

Grady Martin Jr. was in my little sister's 1st grade class in West Meade back in the mid sixties. Grady wound up traveling with Willie Nelson in his later years.

[@rogeralleyne9257]

The premiere players are usually the most obscure because the job of session players is to highlight the singer & tell the story (musically) which usually means no unnecessary notes & overdone drum fills🤔🤔🤔

[@lynnoliphant7618]

Bud Isaacs, Tommy Jackson and Grady Martin were the core of a group called the "Crossroads Gang" that played a radio show out of Springfield, Mo for Red Foley. It was a 15 minute show back in the early 50's.

[@JerryFla2000]

I hear a lot of Hank Garland when I listen to music from the 50's

[@SuperBeachbum74]

Tommy Tedesco, Teenie Hodges, Cornel Dupree, Pete Carr, among great guitarists !

[@sammccue500]

I worked with Tommy Tedesco on sessions out in Los Angeles, and to say he could do it all, it would be be an understatement. Also, one my favorite Grady Martin's guitar is on the Everly Brothers' "Don't Blame Me."

[@rosssoutherland8118]

My dear old buddy Walter Haynes was on the A-Team for a while, until he started producing records for Owen Bradley. There’s video of him on KZbin playing with Grady on the Jimmy Dean show. Walt also played with Patsy,Little Jimmy,Hawkshaw & many many many more. He got producer of the yr for Country Bumpkin & Satin sheets. Oh & he wrote the song Girl on a billboard. I was so proud to play beside Walt in a band all thru the 90’s. We played one month with Johnny Paycheck. I still pull out the videos. R.I.P. Grady was the man! ❤️❤️❤️

[@tacmason]

Thanks again Otis ! , Good to see you are still bringing it Chris-Many good blessings to you both !!

[@2packs4sure]

Webb Pierce used to joke that Grady Martin designed his swimming pool..

[@georgecopeland5426]

Good God Otis this guy is a genius

[@Ozmulki]

These are unsung heroes.. the A Team. You never hear of them in the credits but without them the song would be nothing!

[@MrTomanderson76]

Sounds to me like this group was The Wrecking Crew of country music.

[@ronaldcarlson7661]

Hank Garland was the best session guitarist by far.

[@joebikeguy6669]

Sounds like the Tommy Tedesco of country!

[@blucheer8743]

Martin originated a guitar sound and style that was unique. It’s an acoustic guitar sound that’s best described as “tex-mex” basically the sound of the southwest… listen Jim reeves or Marty robins. the song Texas El Paso or the song the “the blizzard” both just awesome and unique.

[@andreegross]

❤

[@arongreen1540]

The Nashville equivalent of the Wrecking Crew.

[@saginawdan]

The licks in El Paso are sweet as sweet can be. 👍

[@kentbeery4941]

Waylon stopped that useing the session guy's.... Outlaw

[@thomasrusso4506]

Sounds like the country version of “the wrecking crew”

[@sunnyhendry7144]

Saw a I love Otis bumper sticker out here in San Jose CA. Honked at driver and gave thumbs up.

[@sevenmileridgeband]

This is so informative. Incredible. Thanks so much for this!!! The "palm pedal" ??? whoa.... so cool.

[@davidscher4303]

His work with Don Gibson is superb.

[@CapstoneTider]

I went down the metal hot chops Rabbit Hole growing up. Has taken me 30 years to truly appreciate the awesome Talent in country music.

[@SuperBeachbum74]

Grady is great but I prefer Reggie Young !

[@lakerat3]

Keep it coming Otis your work just keeps getting better. It's always been great..but MAN you know who to talk to !