Don Kelley - Nashville's Greatest Bandleader & Trainer to the Telecaster Titans - Ask Zac 133
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A short list of the veterans of Don Kelley's band includes Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert, Johnny Hiland, Guthrie Trapp, JD Simo, Daniel Donato, Porter McClister, and Luke McQueary. Kelley was bandleader and coach for these giants, helping each of them hone their playing and tone by playing 5-6 days of the week, 4 hours a night, under his watchful eye.
As important as these players and their stories are, today we get to hear Don's story of growing up in Texas, serving in Vietnam, moving to Nashville to play with Joe Stampley, and how he came to lead his band and guide the careers of some of the finest guitarists in the world.
#askzac #donkelleyband #telecaster
One of the things I really like about when Zac does an interview, he💯 listens to the person. Genuinely interested. Does not interrupt and try to hype up something that is not there.
So true…Zac is a wonderful interviewer and a great listener
Fully agree. Great job Zac.
I'll be honest...when I started watching the 2+ hour video I really didn't think I would finish it. I watched it from beginning to end. What a fascinating story and a towering achievement in live music. Thanks so much for bringing us this interview with Don Zac!
What a legend and a piece of Nashville history. Zac, once again you are a wizard at gracefully steering the conversation without ever cutting off the guest. Thanks for doing what you do.
I saw Don Kelley play in 2016, I think. I know I was late to the party, but I was a musician, on tour from the UK, and a friend thought I’d dig a night at Robert’s. Porter was his tele-man back then. Within no time flat I could see where the whole gig was at, and it was glorious - beer, honky tonking, Telecaster, the works. And not even a cover charge. The man is a 100-proof hero (see what I did there) and a rock god. Happy retirement, Don Kelley!
I can't believe that none of the big movie production companies have not told Don's story yet on the Big Screen. Hopefully this will soon change, so that everyone can enjoy it.
Amen.
First a book about his life to base the movie on?
Better yet, a proper documentary that includes all of the talented people that were in his band over the years
Completely agree. Absolute legend right here.
Of course, and I have to wonder how much the potential cost of licensing music to more properly convey the story, might play a significant part in something like that. What an absolutely outstanding musical legacy!
We miss you Don. Roberts was a go to for years to see you!
This was phenomenal, Zac. Thanks to you and everyone involved in making this interview happen.
Oh Great Show Z! Thank you, truly a wonderful opportunity to hear
This is pure gold, being able to hear all these fantastic stories from a living legend is
priceless, congratulations Zac and thank you!!!
This is one of the best interviews on this channel.
Don is such a legend. What a thoroughly enthralling story. Thank you SO much for putting this out there for us to enjoy.
This is brilliant, thanks for giving Don the opportunity to tell his story. He's a real life living legend.
This is the single best interview I have ever heard, Thanks Zac for making this available to the you tube world.
Thank you Mr. Kelley , your leadership has been a contribution to county music, thank you Zack you also are a 10+ interviewer
I've seen all these videos...this was going away the best. A Nashville treasure and a great interviewer that showed the professional patience to let this gentleman tell his story.✌️
Zac, thank you so much for this "history" lesson. Getting these accounts directly from Don was priceless! Love your channel!
Don Kelly is legendary, and the fact two of his last band's musicians are there to hear his story shows their respect for him.
Interesting interview, thank you!
This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen. Thanks Zac for letting Don tell his amazing story. I could listen to him recount those tales for many hours more! A true music icon.
Wow … thanks Zac and Don and the rest of the crew ! Honestly this was pure gold to hear Don tell the story of his life and Roberts and all guitar greats that have graced the stage with Don , absolutely loved his sense of humor and straightforward personality,what a showman ! Thanks again everyone 👍😎
thanks Zac for bring Don to us. Believe that the guitar player he saw with The Band in Nashville was Earl Cate and the drummer was Terry Cagle.
YES!
Very cool interview... thank you for sharing it :)
These interviews are just great. You learn so many of the details that shaped their careers. Really enjoyed hearing Don tell his life story.
This was the best interview ! I enjoyed it so much. A guy wonders where his heroes come from, and I stumbled upon this interview as part of my Tele-Quest! The aspect that struck me more than anything else was the underlying humility, respect and gratitude Don shows for WHO and where he came from! Thank you, AGAIN ZAK, for letting that come out in this Enthralling interview! I couldn't stop watching it!
Thank you for this Zac! Any musician that has visited, or worked in Nashville, has went to see this man and his band.....and if not, they don't know what they've missed!!!!
I will watch this video probably 20 times. I’m older than you Zac but younger than Don by a few years. I can’t begin to explain the experience you guys took me on. I’ve been playing since ‘64 so this is my era. Total inspiration for me… Best video ever Z ac
Thank you Zac. This was truly an incredible interview. Can't wait to see the guys when I come to Nashville for my son's birthday Oct 8-9.
Extremely important interview, thanks for this Zac. Don is a legend I unfortunately never got to see in Robert’s!
Your interviews are really essential listening for learning about country musicians.
Enormous fan of your engaging interview style and talent. You’re as much a part of it to give the guys a platform for these stories as these guys are for living the stories. Legend!
You've had some great shows, but this one tops them all! Thank you all.
Glad you like them!
I was just going to say that I hope this goes on for at least three hours. This might be the best Zac interview ever.
The stories!! Loved this one. Its been long coming on your channel such a great conversation
It was a longtime coming. Thanks!
What a wonderful interview! Have heard so much of Mr Kelley from all the True Tone interviews you’ve conducted and I love how this pulls the history all together. Great interview, really loved this interview! Thank you Zac!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great interview! Brought back a lot of memories from MY time in Nashville.
Finally getting caught up with my Ask Zac videos. I can’t remember when I enjoyed an interview more - Don Kelley is a treasure. I loved how Zac let Don go the first hour, then curated the interview to hit high after high in the second hour. And JD coming in as a surprise was just fantastic - loved that moment too. All in all, a fantastic trip with all the ups, downs, laughter and tears of a life well-lived, and a man who lived it still with us - what a gift he’s given us with this interview. I know I’m gushing but as Don would say “if you don’t like it - get over it!”
My gawd, I’m only 35 minutes into this and it’s an absolute delight. This man is everything I thought he’d be and more. What a treasure. I just regret never making it to one of his gigs.
This has been without a doubt my favourite episode . Don is hilarious . Stooped in country history, and he’s responsible for some of the greatest pickers who ever picked up an instrument
Legend
Thanks Zac I’ve enjoyed this so much
Great interview Zac . So many great stories from Don . Hilarious anecdotes.
Great show! It was wonderful to hear Don tell his story. Thank you Don for finally agreeing to do this interview, it was worth the wait!
Thanks for listening
Thanks for this. Always loved seeing the Don Kelly band at Roberts, and it’s amazing to hear his story. My favorite guitar player I saw him with was Porter McClister. Unbelievable player.
Great interview! Was lucky enough to see many of those great players over the years at Roberts...brought back great memories...
Amazing interview, a job well done with Don talking about my most favorite guitarist Brent,Redd &Johnny❤️
Thanks for sharing 👍😎
Absolute legend. Thank you for doing this interview!
Amazing Amazing!!!!! One of the best things I've seen on youtube, had me laughing out load and a few lumps in the throat, what a life story. thank you xx
This was one of the most enjoyable interviews ever. Learned a lot.
Word cannot express how amazing this was, i've watched in twice already. Thanks to everyone and especially Zak for being persistent and Don for finally doing this interview, If you read the comments sir it was great to hear about your life, I would buy the book if it ever comes out. Thanks again to all involved this was a true rare gem of an interview, absolutely fantastic.
Wow, thank you!
Thanks so much for getting him to do this. I enjoyed this immensely.
Our pleasure!
I'll never forget walking into Robert's right as Don and the band were starting Ghost RIders with JD Simo plugged straight into a blackface deluxe with no fx and getting my mind blown! It didn't take long after getting home to learn who the hotshot guitarist was and the legacy of killer players mentored by Don. What a real treat Zack - thanks for putting this great interview together!
A brilliant interview Zac, thanks for this
I’ve watched dozens of your videos, enjoyed them all, and this one is my favorite.
Wow, thanks!
This was absolutely priceless. I enjoyed every second of it!
Point of interest, the Misfits guitarist Don mentions, Carl Flick, traded his sunburst 335 for a cherry 335 at McCarty’s music store in Wichita Falls . His old sunburst 335 was bought by Don Bennett, who later moved to Austin and played with Jimmy Vaughn then for about 40 years with Marcia Ball. Don traded it in at South Austin Music where it was purchased by Stephen Bruton. It remained his main guitar until the gold PRS. Great interview, thanks!
Cool info. I heard Stephen Bruton play at a festival many years ago. That 335 through his Dumble amp was absolutely magical. I believe it may be the best live tone I’ve ever heard.
I became an instant fan.
Such an amazing man. A true legend. When I think of Nashville he is what I think of! Thanks for all the memories!
What a kick! What a treasure.... Thanks for this, Zac and Don and everyone!
Wow, great job with the interview, Zac; what a great story from a musical icon, really enjoyed that
Glad you enjoyed it!
It was really interesting to hear Don tell the story of his musical life. Thanks Zac for being an excellent interviewer. I recently saw a video of a full set of the Don Kelley band. Don is an excellent guitar player: telecaster and acoustic.
Zac I enjoyed every minute of this. Great job !!!!
Loved every minute of this! Thank you Zac!
Thanks Zac, this is such a great interview. Your channel has opened my eyes and ears to so much great music and amazing musicians. Growing up in England, I didn't hear much country. I discovered Albert Lee but not much else! Learning about all the guys you revere has been mind blowing. Thanks
My pleasure!
Legendary! Thanks for this, enjoyed every minute.
When I got the chance to see the great Don Kelly band, damn drummer fell back thru the damn window. Fun night.
Mentioned in the interview
I was there a couple nights later and the window was still not fixed yet. Good old days.
Great interview. A Nashville legend. I'm fortunate to have seen Don and his band play at Roberts a couple of times.
GREAT interview. Still watching. Love it!
This guy changed my life. There is so much more to his story and his legacy that people will never understand.
What a great segment and true, he’s like the John Mayall of Nashville. What a hoot and great storyteller. Thanks for sharing this with us Don and Zac.
Another great interview! Thanks, Zac
Thanks for listening
Loved the interview,
Wow. Congrats Zac. Fantastic job! What a legend Don is, great to hear those stories!
Incredible interview!
Thank you for sharing....
👍
Thanks for listening
I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed any interview as much as this one here, ever, what a gem man thanks Zac ❤
Wow, thank you!
Probably one of the best interviews I've watched. It took me four sittings to get thru it all and I'm thinking of watching it again. I found myself backing up and replaying parts of it just to catch some of the lines. Never got to see Don's band during my various trips to Nashville and I'll live to regret that I'm sure. Seems like a no BS kind of guy. That story about Redd and the look on Don's face was just great.
Zac, Thanks for making this come together. It was great, I was LMAO . I'll have to get my Mo & Joe album out. Loved the last line' "JD, don't play over the vocals. Thanks again !!!! P.S. I would love to see a video of you an J..D. playing.
So incredible! I was in Nashville, with my band, for the first time in early Dec. 2022 and got a recommendation to stop into Robert's. We came in thru the back door and knew right away that the band was something special - later to find out it was Kelley's Heroes. Since then I've seen about every CZcams of these guys as imaginable. And then to find this interview, and the one recently with just Luke - wow! Blown away by the stories and the music!
Best thing I’ve watched in a long time. Thanks
Glad to hear it!
What a great interview Zac!!!!
There's a lot of people I enjoy watching on YT. But you're at the top of the list Zack. Not only for bringing us outright amazing interviews like this. But also for just being one of the nicest humans alive. Thanks for doing what you do, and being who you are! 🙌
Appreciate that
Wowie… Fascinating, and a lot of fun to watch! Thanks for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic interview!
Zac..for what it,s worth..love what you,ve done for the guitar business thru the power of your interviews, but this Don Kelley conversation topped it off. What a wealth of information about the great players of strat and telecaster guitars and when and where they came from!...thanks so much!...Jerry S.
One of the best ever....miss seeing Don. Seen so many good players over the years. We were fortunate enough to see the JD Simon era lineup play our wedding reception. A treasure we'll never forget.
Incredible interview, personality, & life story. I worked for a full bird Colonel, one time. He was from Texas, & was a retired Chaplain. Came and got me out of jail one time. Great guy!
I had the best time watching this. Reminds me of how my dad would tell us what to do. Lol. Thanks Zak, and all involved
This has been the best two hours I have spent in a long time.
Great interview Zac. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Jason.
Now this is the one I've been waiting for. Discovered Don around the same time JD started.
Heartwarming Zac.....my youth flickered before my eyes.
Any tele player worth his weight will love this interview. Most excellent, Zac...thanks!
This is the best ever interview dealing with music that has ever been done i am concerned ❤
What an awesome interview thank you !
Thanks for listening
What a great interview with a true Cat! Don Kelley is truly an institution, with a legacy that'll live on and on!
I'll never be able to count the times I was there with friends to see his band. Many times, I'd just go down myself to enjoy the energy and the playing.
Now I can see why Don Kelley is a legend! Great show Zac!
Awesome interview😃
EPIC! I have to watch it twice on AskZac and Truetone.
This is gold thank you!
This is amazing. I love hearing about his love for The Band and Danko. The band definitely ignited my passion for music and as bass player Danko is also one of my heroes. So glad I got to catch Don and the crew before his retirement from Roberts. What a special interview! Thanks for sharing
Our pleasure!
One of the best interviews ever...can't add anything that hasn't already been said. Enjoyed every minute.
Just a side note: I was a bit miffed about getting uninvited to a (private) gig you played at here (NV) last year. You did explain and apologized and I now forgive you. It was an honest error. Again, GREAT interview!
Im from Panamá and a fan of Don youtube ‘s videos, saved money for 3 years to go to Nashville finally made it but Kelley ‘ s Heroes where the band at Roberts, Luke was very friendly and the guys at Robert’s too
I will definitely be back to Nashville
Great Documentary
Wow Zac amazing. I was lucky enough to see Don with JD and Daniel. Killer showman, the band was just amazing.
Great interview Zac!
Wow! Great interview as always Zac I’ve seen them all. Crazy small world as I played with Mike Smith the singing drummer Don speaks of last night and again tonght. Mike says Don was on his best behavior only slipped up once … during the interview lol. Thanks for all your content Zac it is very well done and super informative.
I missed Don's playing days, but see Kelley's Heroes every time I get to Nashville. AWESOME! Big Z, thanks for bringing this to us!!
Excellent interview Zak. What a great insight into the world of Nashville music. Joining the dots of the amazing talents of Brent Mason, Guthrie Trapp and Luke MQueary.
It feels like the plot of Whiplash in parts. Your interview with Luke was outstanding and I would love for you to interview Guthrie Trapp in the same style.
Thank you Zak for opening a window into the Nashville music scene.