Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Here Are Some Facts About Roy Clark, One Of The Most Important Figures In Country Music

Roy Clark Facts
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

For seven decades, Roy Clark made use of his musical gift and entertaining personality to bring country music into millions of homes all over the world. Roy Clark songs introduced listeners to the genre’s gift, beauty, and humor. 

While he is perhaps best known as co-host of the long-running Hee Haw TV series, there is so much more you need to know about the man who has helped popularize country music. Check out these facts about Roy Clark.

1. He’s a native of Meherrin, Virginia.

Born on April 15, 1933, Clark was the eldest of five children. He spent his childhood in Staten Island, New York, and his teenage years in Washington D.C. – where his father progressed from being a cotton picker to becoming a computer programmer.

2. He grew up in a musical family.

Clark’s father was a competent musician who played guitar, banjo, and fiddle, while his mother played the piano. By the time he was fourteen, his father would tag him along to play guitar at local dances. 

3. He won the prestigious banjo competition at the National Country Music Championships.

Clark was only fifteen when he won National Banjo Championships, which led to his guest appearance at Grand Ole Opry two years later. 

4. He also pursued a sports career as a baseball player and a boxer.

However, with his ever-growing reputation as a versatile musician, Clark dedicated himself solely to his music.

5. He was fired for his habitual tardiness.

In 1954, Clark joined Jimmy Dean‘s band despite being a successful bandleader on his own. However, Dean, who valued punctuality, fired Clark – who’s regularly late to the gigs. “You’re the most talented person I’ve ever fired,” Dean said to Clark.

6. He has been married twice.

Clark married his first wife when he was only seventeen – however, the marriage ended in divorce. In 1957, Clark married Barbara Joyce Rupard, whom he credited for his success in music. Clark revealed in an interview how Barbara would drive him from one gig to another during the early stages of his career. “We were on the road for 347 days that first year,” he said. The two had five children and made their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

7. He’s one of the most recognizable TV personalities in country music.

Clark first appeared on the CBS television sitcom Beverly Hillbillies. However, most people know him as the face of the variety show Hee-Haw alongside Buck Owens. For decades, Clark helped the show not only be a ratings-grabber but as well as an instant sensation among its viewers.

8. He is the first country artist to tour the Soviet Union.

In 1976, Clark played to jam-packed houses during his tour in Riga, Moscow, and Leningrad, which took twenty-one days.

Truly, Roy Clark is one of country music’s most beloved entertainers. 

Latest Stories

Split image of Zach Bryan performing live on stage with guitar and John Moreland playing guitar in a studio; reflects their public feud following a canceled collaboration.

Folk Musician John Moreland Says Zach Bryan Was Rude, a D*head, and Not Who You Think

Well, the gloves are off in Oklahoma. What started as a cryptic shot from Americana singer-songwriter John Moreland has now turned into a full-blown fallout with country megastar Zach Bryan, ...

Carrie Underwood appears as a judge on American Idol, amid speculation she may not return next season—not because of backlash, but because she knows she belongs on the stage, not behind the desk.

American Idol Was Renewed but Carrie Underwood Might Not Return for the Right Reasons

Carrie Underwood isn’t the problem with American Idol. In fact, she may have been the best thing that happened to the show this season. But if the rumors are true ...

Garth Brooks' Mississippi lawsuit was dismissed but the California case continues.

Garth Brooks’ Mississippi Lawsuit Is Over, But the California Case Is Just Getting Started

A Mississippi judge has dismissed Garth Brooks’ lawsuit against his former hairdresser as “moot,” ending one chapter of an ongoing legal battle. But don’t let that ruling fool you. The ...

George Strait, seen performing with his signature black cowboy hat and guitar, recently revealed he may only have five years left on the road

George Strait Says He Has “Maybe Five Good Years” Left to Tour and That Sound You Hear Is a Million Hearts Breaking

You never want to imagine a world where George Strait isn’t somewhere on a stage, guitar slung over his shoulder, letting the steel ring through the rafters while the crowd ...

Carrie Underwood speaks passionately as a guest judge on American Idol, wearing a floral purple outfit, while fans react online to her controversial critique.

Carrie Underwood Faces Idol Backlash After Fans Call Her Critique Rude and Unfair

Carrie Underwood knows a thing or two about American Idol pressure, but some viewers think she brought the wrong kind of heat this week. After Sunday and Monday’s Top 5 ...

Vince Gill smiles while playing guitar onstage at the Grand Ole Opry as his granddaughter Everly and daughter Jenny Gill join him, creating a touching three-generation family moment.

Vince Gill’s Granddaughter Everly Steals the Show with Surprise Grand Ole Opry Debut

There’s legacy, and then there’s bloodline. And when you’re Vince Gill’s granddaughter, stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage isn’t just a “moment”, it’s a birthright. On Saturday, May 3, ...

George Strait pays tribute to Johnny Rodriguez following the late singer’s passing.

George Strait Honors Late Country Legend Johnny Rodriguez With a Heartfelt Tribute

Country music legend Johnny Rodriguez, one of the genre’s most groundbreaking voices and its first major Mexican American star, died Friday, May 9, in San Antonio at 73. His daughter, ...

John Foster performs Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe” on American Idol as his emotional mom watches from the audience with a supportive sign on Mother’s Day.

John Foster Sings Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe” for His Mom and Brings Her to Tears in the Audience

It takes guts to sing a Brooks & Dunn song on national TV, especially one like “Believe.” But it takes something even heavier to pull it off on Mother’s Day, ...

Chris Stapleton and Keith Urban side by side as fans debate Stapleton's powerful ACM performance of "Blue Ain't Your Color" and whether it outshined the original.

Chris Stapleton Took On Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” but Who Sang It Better

Keith Urban may have recorded it first, but Chris Stapleton just might’ve claimed it for good. When Stapleton took the stage at the 2025 ACM Awards and delivered a smoldering ...

Maren Morris appears in a recent interview, attempting to clarify her stance on country music after previously signaling a departure from the genre.

Maren Morris Now Claims She Never Said She Was Leaving Country Music

Maren Morris wants you to know she never said she was leaving country music. Apparently, all that talk about burning it down was just a misunderstanding. In a new interview ...