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.

[@gtibruce]

Have you ever found out what nylon string acoustic he used? I believe some high end luthiers make the classical with a more narrow type neck is that correct?

[@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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤔

[@TPINSC]

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

[@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.

[@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...👍

[@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.

[@kennethbrown7411]

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

[@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

[@daveyvane]

and the Funk Brothers for Motown

[@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 !

[@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!

[@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.

[@donaldperrotta8514]

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

[@markmoscatello9461]

Absolutely. Hank Garland worked with Elvis alot.

[@vayabroder729]

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

[@tonydeaton1967]

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

[@SeeCSeesCC]

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

[@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,

[@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. 😉

[@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).

[@gtibruce]

@@duellingscarguevara What, using nylon strings there is surely some songs where a Spanish type classical guitar was try looking at one of the devil woman live songs and you can see!

[@duellingscarguevara]

@@gtibruce I love nylons, easier on the digits, and I get hooked on the tone. I have a nice student yamaha,(the back lifted off, in a fire, but it is salvagable). I need to get my workshop sorted out.

[@StringsandWings]

Great stuff, Otis. Thanks for what you do.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@tacmason]

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

[@Omando55]

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

[@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!!!

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@bobsmoot8454]

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

[@kylemoran4343]

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

[@mandymine4963]

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

[@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.

[@lakerat3]

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

[@thomasdaughton435]

Fantastic interview! Really appreciate this Otis and Chris!

[@jaymichaels5187]

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

[@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!

[@jswjanjan]

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

[@saginawdan]

You know it. 👍

[@billyhillk5726]

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

[@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.

[@friedrich1957]

Thank you again , Otis. I could listen to this content all day.

[@rylieriley]

Wow. That's some really good stuff. I could listen to these stories all day and still be wanting more.

[@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 .

[@bglrj]

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

[@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.

[@charliekucharski2079]

Fantastic information about Grady Martin. This man knows Country music and what he's talking about !

[@calvinbass1839]

Good stuff. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.

[@chetcalhoun613]

That was a really great interview Otis! Really informative. I love the guitar work on El Paso!Thanks for sharing!

[@martinluthierking]

I love seeing more of Scruggs on here…I will always watch/listen to them

[@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" ! 👍

[@sunnyhendry7144]

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

[@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.

[@joewhiting9038]

Otis, your interview selections are the best bar none ! Keep them coming !

[@davidamills]

Thank you for mentioning Dean Porter. He was a friend of our family. After finishing his run with Little Jimmy Dickens and Nashville, Dean moved to Portsmouth, Ohio. From Portsmouth, he drove 50 miles each weekend to play on WSAZ-TV's Saturday Night Jamboree from 1954 to 1965. My father, Harry Mills, was also a regular on the show. Dean was spectacular. I even had the honor, as a 9-year-old child, to have Dean back me up on a local telethon, as I sang the Buck Owens' song "Excuse me, I think I've got a heartache." I wish I had a tape of that broadcast, but I don't. I love this KZbin channel. Your stories are wonderful!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@patrickniedermeyer2112]

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

[@dustinlammmusic]

Otis; I could listen to this conversation all night. Well done, delightful.

[@Tonetwisters]

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

[@slimcoogan3277]

Ole Chris knows a tremendous amount of great info! as others have already noted in their comments. WOW!!😄 I'm very happy to be a subscriber to this wonderful channel!!👍

[@ricklynch8620]

FANTASTIC Video!! 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

[@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 .

[@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)".

[@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.

[@MrRustyFord]

Great! Thanks for posting.

[@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! ❤️❤️❤️

[@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 🙏🏻🤍💛

[@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.

[@blakerehfeld2928]

That was effing great! Otis, did you even have to ask a question? Amazingly good stuff here. MORE from this guy.

[@Ozmulki]

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

[@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

[@raysmusic49]

God bless KZbin for letting us watch this…LOVE this kind of music history.. thanks Otis!

[@seanmeisner3190]

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

[@georgecopeland5426]

Good God Otis this guy is a genius

[@mikeallmon6437]

Great deep dive on this! Thanks for the content.

[@sevenmileridgeband]

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

[@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.

[@buzzsmith8146]

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

[@billbeaumont168]

Thanks a lot for this video. I don’t play country because I’m in a pump band. But this is very educational and very interesting. Please give us some more of these videos so we can learn. Thanks again.

[@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.

[@billj4524]

Otis…you are a NATIONAL TREASURE for bringing us these incredible stories of the “all time greats”. Chris Scruggs is a human encyclopaedia of the guitar and the masters who played them…NONE greater or more recognisable than Grady Martin

[@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.

[@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.

[@devakikaren]

Fascinating info. Please do interview with expert stories on the Muscle Shoals sessions musicians also.

[@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.

[@leemandeville5570]

This guy sure knows how to tell a good story. Hope to see more

[@mikelinneman]

Grady Martins playing on Marty Robbins Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs album, especially on El Paso is so great that I never get tired of listening to it.

[@jkmsr3869]

Thanks bud, now for the next month I’ll be looking up every single thing I can about me Grady!.. lol really plz keep making these videos.. this is such a great channel and how can others not be talking about mr Grady for decades!?. He’s one if not the best at his job

[@petecarrollmusic]

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

[@stevemurray2737]

Historic stuff here. Love to hear about his Dad, Mom, Grandpa and Relatives.. His house must have been Crazy with Music all the time..

[@garydavidson1970]

Love these stories by Chris Scruggs.

[@bigearl33]

love this !!

[@donfraser3348]

Yeah let's have more of Chris!

[@graybailey6015]

My grandfather sings on one of Grady's records, Cecel Bailey.I miss him very much.

[@bjorntannberg1581]

Fantastic. What a source of knowledge and wisdom.

[@andyorr1597]

I’ve had the opportunity to meet Chris a few times (thanks Robert’s Western World and Rachael). I also own a couple of Grady’s solo instrumental albums. I know what I’m doing this evening.

[@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…

[@ish474]

The guitar player in Brent Cobbs band had a tele with the palm peddles and he let me try it. They were awesome.