The Hee Haw show regularly featured gospel singers who perform gospel songs and church song standards. One notable group was the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet. The members of the band included musicians, Buck Owens, Grandpa Jones, Kenny Price, and Roy Clark.
In one memorable episode of the show back in 1973, Roy Clark and Grandpa Jones from the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet performed a collaboration with David ‘Stringbean’ Akeman and Tennessee Ernie Ford to sing the classic gospel song, “I’ll Fly Away.”
The backdrop is a barnyard scene, complete with wagon wheels and hay bales. The musicians are all dressed hill country style, with many of them in dungarees, hats, and boots, while the youngest member of the line-up is sporting some enviable sideburns. Three of the singers are playing banjos with back-up from guitars and percussion.
When the beat gets going the men start singing, you can’t help but admire the skillful fingers flying over those banjo strings and the unique banjo twang delivering the lively melody.
The four gents deliver a rousing rendition of the gospel favorite, with their voices blending well, just as if they had been singing together forever.
In the middle of the song, there was a brief banjo solo piece which stirs the soul. This song is one of the most popular of all gospel songs judging by how often it is played at church services, funerals and even many a bluegrass jam session. It was written by Albert Brumley in 1929.
If you were entertained by the lively rendition of this gospel classic by this Hee Haw foursome, share their video with your friends for some country fun and memories.
