The Inimitable John Duffey

Video clips from a mid-80's festival in Lexington, KY.

[@donclemons7637]

I had the privilege of seeing the great John Duffey many times. He was always phenomenal. Incredible energy and stage presence. A remarkable musician and singer. RIP 🙏❤️

[@marqy007]

January 2021...love John Duffey...met him once...large tall guy...saw him live twice...Long Live John!!

[@msfowle]

Thanks so much for posting this! Huge Duffey fan and love seeing this old footage!

[@scotthead3699]

Me too brother

[@tippimail1]

I've seen the SS many times but never heard Duffey play the guitar until i clicked on this video.He could give Merle Travis a run for his money.John,the Genial Hawaiian Barber was the best.R.I.P. Mike &John.

[@coralreefer23]

I want to see the whole show.

[@elijahriggins5660]

Wish I could have seen him live one time

[@devans52]

Just read book “John Duffey’s Bluegrass Life” and enjoyed getting to actually see and hear his antics with the Country Gentlemen.

[@als1023]

Thank you for posting, will look for it.

[@dasspunk]

I don't like this, I LOVE this!

[@doubleotwentyone]

Yeah nice...

[@twocandycains]

He did play it and it was Awesome....Whats the matter with you? The Hawaiian Barber what the heck it that? Pink pick? Just what are you sayin about John??

[@mandolin8297]

sorry but this is just a mindless unimaginative self-indulgent narcissistic mess -- if you want to hear something truly inventive and memorable try Andy Statman or Frank Wakefield.

[@twocandycains]

You don't know nuthing!

[@billhanse9108]

he was not disposable, built to endure, what a blessing

[@CharlesCornettFL]

John Duffey's snarky comedy and flamboyant playing were huge contributors to the success of the Seldom Scene (and our lifelong festival business). This video is a compilation of those moments, but leaves out his incredible soaring vocals. While mercurial at times, he was truly beloved by his friends and fans. I would guess you never got to see him live.

[@JLatzMD]

Memories of The Birchmere in the late 70s and early 80s and John's amazing skills - with Mike on Dobro and John Starling/Phil Rosenthal on guitar/lead vocals and the ever present Ben on banjo and Tom on bass - Man! Those were the days!

[@dawgman1968]

John marched to a different drummer, or mandolin in this case......always had something to say to enhance things....Once saw the Scene at Bluegrass Kickoff in Va Beach...just about the time they finished Little Ga Rose, Bill Monroe was walking from his bus to the back of the stage.....John said to Bill, "How did you like that version?" Bill just brushed John off with a wave of his hand....Later when Bill was on stage, he said "My voice is a little off because of a cold, so I might have to bring John Duffey up here to help me sing"....Then Bill said "small stage, though, may need to get a girdle for John" ...John was heavy then....Later John did join Bill and they sang Blue Moon of Kentucky....Great memories!......Sad that both are gone.....

[@ApplelandProductions]

Nice group of clips! What a character he was, and how much I miss this band. Current lineup is great, but this group, and with John Starling were my favs. I would love to see more clips from this performance! Please upload if possible. Thanks!

[@chrisbowers7870]

He's awsome wait a minute song was the best

[@wandagray754]

These guys. Are they don’t come any better.

[@ThomasLjung]

The one and only!

[@Sean-Ray-Studios]

Classic Duffey!!!

[@craftsmans2279]

When he died we all cried

[@MrAcousticalroller]

@vcp430 Heart attack on or around December 10th 1996.

[@1scenefan]

Thank You! I loved and still love John Duffey!

[@dllavid]

Really, Duffy was a bit of a hacker.. But he could sure give that mando the buisness. He was one of a kind and I sure do miss him.

[@bigmrclean]

@markbyrum Yeah No JOKE! Duffey was the man! Gettin your nails into the quick is terrible!

[@vcp430]

I'm so sorry for asking this, but how did he pass away?

[@pttibg]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Duffey... He was so good & so important & so beloved, he has his own Wikipedia page, but I just wish we still had him.

[@mikehiggins5233]

Nice 👌

[@VtIrish1]

I'd love to know what tune John was playing guitar on. He was moving to the mike so I'm guessing it was a Sunday performance of a gospel tune. Anyone know?

[@dougmacrae551]

Happy Birthday John !

[@craftsmans2279]

Lord i miss them love the 2023 version but duffy was 😅

[@ron1457]

anyone have any idea where this was recorded?

[@stuartmoulton1262]

It looks a lot like Indian Springs

[@kittyblue591]

The dude who uploaded it said it was from a mid-80's festival in Lexington, KY.

[@CharlesCornettFL]

This was at the Festival of the Bluegrass, around 1983.