Roy Clark died on Nov. 15 at the age of 85 due to complications from pneumonia at his home in Tulsa, Okla. If anyone in the country realm could be termed “multimedia star,” the amiable singer/guitarist fit that bill. He won the CMA Entertainer of the Year honor in 1973, copped Grammy awards for his instrumental prowess and co-hosted the long-running Hee Haw variety show from 1969 to 1992. Roy became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1987. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
Many country stars shared their remembrances of Roy on social media, and we’ve included some of them below.
My first CMA memory is sitting on my living room floor watching Roy Clark tear it up. Sending my love and respect to him and his family for all he did. – KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) November 15, 2018
Roy Clark shaped my path. My Papaw introduced me to his music as a toddler. Every Saturday we’d watch Hee Haw. My first guitar book was a Roy Clark guitar method. I practiced his style, then practiced making his facial expressions. He was a hero. And so many have the same story.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 15, 2018
Right before this moment I was standing by Roy in the dark. I put my arm around him & told him I loved him. We both teared up. Then the lights came on & we delivered that iconic Hee Haw opening line at the CMA 50th. We will miss you so much Roy. pic.twitter.com/zKMOdMehcg
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 15, 2018
My story is not unique. How many guitar players started with a Roy Clark guitar method book? How many guitars were sold to people wanting to play because of him? How many lives were made better because of his wit and joy? I’m one of so many. pic.twitter.com/jxE20oEW0S
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 15, 2018
When the Nashville floods wiped out most of my guitars, Roy heard about it & showed up at a show and gave me one of his. This is who this man was. Constantly giving. I owe him so much. Go say hi to my Papaw for me Roy. You left the world a much better place. #royclark pic.twitter.com/Aus1110BsU
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 15, 2018
Very sad to hear about the passing of a fellow Okie and country music artist Roy Clark. Roy was one of the first country artist I ever saw on TV. Prayers for his family.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 15, 2018
Roy Clark sure inspired me more than once with his quick wit, immense musical skills and ever smiling persona! Time for some #Heehaw on repeat. He will be missed by many. #RIPRoyClark https://t.co/aagHvnsf36
— Big Kenny Alphin (@BigKennyTV) November 15, 2018
Roy Clark was one of the true nice guys in our business. I am blessed that he was part of my life. I grew up watching him on Hee Haw and was then invited to join the @opry by him in 2007. #fullcircle He will surely be missed.✝️🎶🙏🏼
— Josh Turner (@joshturnermusic) November 15, 2018
Roy Clark is gone and the world of music has lost a treasure. I remember watching episodes of Hee Haw with my grandparents as a kid and thinking how talented he was. That feeling only grew as I did… he will be greatly missed
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) November 15, 2018
#RipRoyClark We lost a pioneer and a talent unmeasured today. I never missed a HeeHaw episode as a kid! U will be missed and ur legacy will live forever! pic.twitter.com/JIQY8VeeBW
— Gary Levox (@GaryLevox) November 15, 2018
Roy Clark was a consummate entertainer that we’ll all miss. He was such a great friend of my dad’s that I greatly admired. pic.twitter.com/XDf11AFGW6
— Pam Tillis (@PamTillis) November 15, 2018
“Today many of us have heard about the passing of Roy Clark, realizing another of the patriarchs of country music has gone on. Roy Clark brought laughter as well as his music to the true sense of entertainment. He will truly be missed.”
-Marty Raybon/Shenandoah pic.twitter.com/TesGDRrgu4— Shenandoah (@Shenandoahband) November 15, 2018
Rest In Peace: Roy Clark, pic.twitter.com/vrBhUnQ6rc
— Bellamy Brothers (@BellamyBrothers) November 15, 2018
For #ThrowbackThursday I say goodbye to #RoyClark … Until the day brother… until the day… pic.twitter.com/GEPcauAKcV
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) November 15, 2018
I was saddened to hear the news that Roy Clark has passed away. His guitar and banjo picking was such an inspiration to me. #RIPRoyClark https://t.co/fP0a4vAfvb
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) November 15, 2018
Roy Clark what can I say one of the greatest guitar players greatest entertainers one of the funniest actors in the world I remember growing up watching him on hee haw he influenced no telling how many entertainers!!! Love u Roy u will be missed!!!
— Eddie Montgomery (@LuckymanEddie) November 15, 2018
Rest In Peace friend, brother, mentor …. Roy Clark … via @2911co https://t.co/J6a19a13ev
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) November 15, 2018
Just got word that Roy Clark has passed.
I’ve known him for 60 years and he was a fine musician and entertainer
Rest In Peace Buddy, you will be remembered— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) November 15, 2018
Roy Clark was an amazing musician and entertainer. He made pickin’ look fun to all of us young kids. I loved Roy Clark and he loved me. I’ll really miss him but he will not miss me where he’s at. There’s no missing in Heaven.
– Ricky Skaggs pic.twitter.com/ao4Rz481w3— Ricky Skaggs (@RickySkaggs) November 15, 2018
photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com
