# I never knew they were \*that\* good - artists with under reported skills **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [July 27, 2022, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663 "2022-07-27T18:32:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/1 "2022-07-27T18:32:51Z")
I stumbled down a Youtube rabbit hole and started watching some Roy Clark videos. I knew he played guitar and banjo, both pretty well, but knew him mainly from his good ol’ boy _Hee Haw_ persona. Clearly Roy Clark was an amazing guitar player in a variety of different styles and genres. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/lxDQQDF6j0Y/hqdefault.jpg "Roy Clark - Malaguena") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxDQQDF6j0Y) [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/b7Gp6xntoF4/hqdefault.jpg "Roy Clark. Two minutes of absolute guitar fire.") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Gp6xntoF4) I’m looking for artists that are well known, but not necessarily for their technical skill at an instrument. I have a few others that I’ll reply with soon. ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/2 "2022-07-27T18:35:41Z")
This may not be what you’re looking for, but … In addition to Roy Clark, another artist many guitar players refer to in reverent tones is one you might not suspect: Glen Campbell. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/3 "2022-07-27T18:39:40Z")
> [@Sauron](#): > > This may not be what you’re looking for, but … > > In addition to Roy Clark, another artist many guitar players refer to in reverent tones is one you might not suspect: Glen Campbell. - [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/GUBhE00h9U0/maxresdefault.jpg "Glen Campbell - William Tell Overture (smokin' instrumental)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUBhE00h9U0) The two legends together [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/v_kbgjsuCec/hqdefault.jpg "Glen Campbell & Roy Clark Play "Ghost Riders in the Sky"") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_kbgjsuCec) ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/4 "2022-07-27T18:43:52Z")
Steve Martin is an excellent banjo player. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Ww73Ny7KXHg/maxresdefault.jpg "Music: "Banjo sky" ‖ Steve Martin (2020.04.16)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww73Ny7KXHg) ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/5 "2022-07-27T18:43:53Z")
Glen was next on my list. 🙂 His time with the Wrecking Crew would have also been enough. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/6 "2022-07-27T18:44:13Z")
> [@Sauron](#): > > … another artist many guitar players refer to in reverent tones is one you might not suspect: Glen Campbell. I’ve heard of this. Once on the Dope too I think. I knew he was skilled guitarist but didn’t realize how good a guitarist he was considered by his peers, which is the best way to measure such a thing. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/7 "2022-07-27T18:48:31Z")
Keeping in line with some of good ol’ boy comedy types, I give you Jim Stafford. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/TU_a5ObBXzA/hqdefault.jpg "Jim Stafford Plays Classical Gas Branson, MO") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU_a5ObBXzA) ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/8 "2022-07-27T18:50:13Z")
Look at Roy Clark anticipating what Glen is going to do it the Ghost Riders clip. He knows it is going to be awesome. Glen is playing a 12 string and uses them all. Glen was a session musician for a long time before he broke through on his own with Witchita Lineman. Campbell played on recordings by [the Beach Boys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beach_Boys), [Bobby Darin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Darin), [Frank Sinatra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Sinatra), [Ricky Nelson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Nelson), [Dean Martin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Martin), [Nat King Cole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_King_Cole), [the Monkees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monkees), [Nancy Sinatra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Sinatra), [Merle Haggard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merle_Haggard), [Jan and Dean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_and_Dean),[[19]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Campbell#cite_note-laurel_canyon-19) [Bing Crosby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bing_Crosby), [Phil Spector](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Spector), [Sammy Davis Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sammy_Davis_Jr.), [Doris Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Day), [Bobby Vee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Vee), [The Everly Brothers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Everly_Brothers), [Shelley Fabares](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelley_Fabares), [The Cascades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cascades_(band)), [Paul Revere & the Raiders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Revere_%26_the_Raiders), [Wayne Newton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Newton), [The First Edition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Rogers_and_The_First_Edition), [The Kingston Trio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kingston_Trio), [Roger Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Miller), [Gene Clark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Clark), [Lou Rawls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Rawls), [Claude King](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_King), [Lorne Greene](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorne_Greene), [Ronnie Dove](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_Dove) and [Elvis Presley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley).[[23]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Campbell#cite_note-23)[[20]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Campbell#cite_note-hartman-wrecking-crew-20) He befriended Presley when he helped record the soundtrack for _[Viva Las Vegas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viva_Las_Vegas)_ in 1964. He later said, "Elvis and I were brought up the same humble way – picking cotton and looking at the south end of a north-bou [Glen Campbell - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Campbell) ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/9 "2022-07-27T19:01:07Z")
I like some of Rick Beato’s music appreciation videos. One of them was called ‘the greatest guitar solo you can’t hear’ and concerns a solo performed by Christopher Cross that’s heard (barely) near the end of the song “Fly Like the Wind.” Christopher Cross isn’t particularly known for being a skilled guitar technician, but when you listen to the guitar solo with all the other tracks turned down it becomes clear that he’s shredding. You can hear the enhanced track starting around 4:50 [The Greatest Guitar Solo You Can’t HEAR! - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8VwP5iEr1g) ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/10 "2022-07-27T19:09:07Z")
I will posit Karen Carpenter. One of the best drummers in the biz until her family forced her to be the frontwoman and then resented her for overshadowing her brother Dick. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/11 "2022-07-27T19:26:42Z")
Dudley Moore was an excellent jazz pianist and scored several films. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/A2t4ZDFoigM/hqdefault.jpg "DUDLEY MOORE - Jazz Piano") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2t4ZDFoigM) ---
**Author:** ![Dropo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce7236/32.png) [@Dropo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dropo)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/12 "2022-07-27T19:26:54Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/2Df4UlXs5iY/hqdefault.jpg "Brian Setzer: guitar rag") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Df4UlXs5iY) ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/13 "2022-07-27T19:37:30Z")
Jerry Reed is probably better known for his acting in Smokey and the Bandit and the song Eastbound and Down but he could rip on the guitar. Another one of the good ol’ boys, but extremely influential and respected. Here’s Jerry with some more Glen Campbell for good measure. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/1zonRM6pQsw/hqdefault.jpg "Jerry Reed & Glen Campbell ~ "Pick that thing, son!"") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zonRM6pQsw) One more Glen Campbell. Look how all the amazing musicians around him are watching his guitar playing. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ETkzK9pXMio/maxresdefault.jpg "Glen Campbell - Gentle on My Mind (terrific guitar break)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETkzK9pXMio) ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/14 "2022-07-27T19:44:31Z")
Fred Rogers was an accomplished pianist, and wrote the music that was featured on his famous children’s show. The music was performed (and arranged) by jazz pianist, Johnny Costa. [Mr. Rogers’ Music Was Way More Intricate Than You Remember - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z40SZ77CHK0) ---
**Author:** ![mcgato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@mcgato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcgato)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/15 "2022-07-27T19:49:45Z")
Charo on flamenco guitar. I really only knew her as the coochie coochie sexpot. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/I5niviXZhok/hqdefault.jpg "Charo Live 1977 - Flamenco Guitar") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5niviXZhok) ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/16 "2022-07-27T20:11:40Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > I will posit Karen Carpenter. One of the best drummers in the biz until her family forced her to be the frontwoman and then resented her for overshadowing her brother Dick. Mickey Dolenz was also a lead singer and drummer for the Monkees. He was considered by some to be the most talented member of the band. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/17 "2022-07-27T20:14:06Z")
> [@mcgato](#): > > Charo on flamenco guitar. I really only knew her as the coochie coochie sexpot. She studied with Andre Segovia a well known and highly regard classical guitarist. She was no slouch on the strings. She’s like a Spanish Dolly Parton. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/18 "2022-07-27T21:40:23Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > I will posit Karen Carpenter. One of the best drummers in the biz until her family forced her to be the frontwoman and then resented her for overshadowing her brother Dick. Err, I know she was a competent drummer, but one of the _best in the business_? mmm ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/19 "2022-07-27T21:54:56Z")
From her [wiki article.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Carpenter) > Her drumming has been praised by fellow musicians [Hal Blaine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Blaine), [Cubby O’Brien](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubby_O%27Brien) and [Buddy Rich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Rich)[[96]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Carpenter#cite_note-FOOTNOTESchmidt20121945%E2%80%931946-100) and by _[Modern Drummer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Drummer)_ magazine. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663/20 "2022-07-27T22:11:21Z")
More Roy Clark: the Orange Blossom Special [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/xunOH7haPK4/hqdefault.jpg "Roy Clark performs The Orange Blossom Special 1987 Live") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xunOH7haPK4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-never-knew-they-were-that-good-artists-with-under-reported-skills/968663.md?page=2)