How Charlie McCoy became a Top Session Musician and Dylan's Impact on the Nashville Music Scene
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- čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
- This interview was shot in 2005 with my good friend, Charlie McCoy. Charlie was a part of the Nashville A-Team. He played on the biggest country song of all time, He Stopped Loving Her Today. He's also recorded with people like Bob Dylan, Elvis, and more.
Charlie talks about how Nashville grew from a little cottage industry to what it is today.
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What a masterful player. Although I knew he was a multi-instrumentalist and always admired his work, as a guitar player myself I was just knocked out by his acoustic playing on Desolation Row. So one day I decided to write to him to express my admiration for his playing and I also asked him if there was any tab for his part on Desolation Row. Surprisingly enough he wrote me back and said there was no tab but he just played it like he thought Grady Martin would. What a player and such a humble guy. Thanks for your music Charlie.
Absolutely priceless stories. We're so lucky to get to hear this.
Thanks for watching Steve. I appreciate your kind comments too...Joe
Great interview with one of my musical heroes. I was 16 years old and learning to play electric bass. I went into a record store and found a new Bob Dylan album called "John Wesley Harding". I bought it and took it home. It was a revelation. I spent hours learning all Charlie's bass lines on that album, which I still listen to today with as much admiration as I ever did. He's a harmonica virtuoso in addition to his other instrumental talents, and I've admired his playing on so many albums with a huge list of great artists. Charlie is a true legend of the music industry, and a musician's musician without peer.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts Joe.....Joe
Legend. Played the Spanish guitar stuff on Desolation Row.
Thanks for sharing 1222112....Joe
Enjoyed listening to Charlie McCoy. Quite a talented musician . Interesting what Charlie said about Bob Dylan of all musicians opening the doors for so many other musicians & bringing new singers to Nashville. Thanks to Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum for capturing this.
This is pure gold. I really appreciate that you let the guest talk. In all of your interviews there is a common theme. These people love what they do and respect their peers. Thanks again Joe. God Bless
Thanks for watching Bob... best, Joe
A True pro musician ! Love the end quote about for those 4 hours the farmer who hawked his farm to record is as important as any star!
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts John.....Joe
Always thought of Charlie as a great harmonica player, now I know him as a lot more. Thanks Joe!
Thank you too Bill...Joe
Loved every minute of this interview with this wonderfully talented and unassuming gentleman. He detailed his ongoing life story with humility and candour, and heaped praise on his mentors, and fellow artist's, without stressing his own involvement too much.
Thanks again for watching Kenneth........Joe
Just watched a Leon Russell movie about recording in Nashville, a young Charlie McCoy was in that movie playing with Leon. It was called "A Poem is a Naked Person".
Great interview once again.
Thanks mrjodel........Joe
Nice to hear someone talk about the brilliant Grady Martin.... What a player!!
Thanks for watching Mickey...Joe
Keep them coming Joe ! For me this is the best entertainment out there. I rally do enjoy hearing all these marvelous stories they tell.
Thanks again Sarge.....Joe
Best comment on here for me is “I’m impressed by people who have talent whether they’re famous or not and I’m impressed by good people….very true
Seems it would be easier to list records Charlie did not played on. Thanks for sharing Joe, made my day!
Well put Chuck... thanks for watching...Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Charlie played a big part on my favorite Chet Atkins LP "Chet Atkins Picks On The Beatles". His contribution made it that much better. Thank you and bless you Charlie. Stay safe and be well.
Joe - you are doing a great service to the music and the wonderful musicians who create it with your interviews. It is fabulous to hear the stories of their careers and the “back stories”. I love hearing about their lives since I have enjoyed their music for many years. From Nova Scotia, Canada, Thanks for what you do, Joe.
Thank you Foxwood.... much appreciated....Joe
Love hearing someone who is grateful speak. Wonderful talented man.
Thanks for watching Jim....Joe
I first became aware of Charlie (by name) when he appeared on Dan Fogelberg's "High Country Snows" album, playing harmonica. After watching this interview, I realized that I've heard him play on so many other songs I've heard and loved over the years. Thank you for featuring him here...what an amazing talent, and incredible musical life/history! 🧡
Thanks Pam...Joe
This is another favorite and fascinating interview with legendary Charlie McCoy. Indeed Charlie is " The Real McCoy!" We are so blessed to have such gifted musicians who make Nashville what it is today! Great musicians and music live on! My sincere thanks to Joe and Charlie for this special interview!
Thanks John...Joe
The Real McCoy, that's the title of one of his albums, of course I own it.
Thank you for another interesting look behind the scenes in Nashville. It is truly fascinating to hear Charlie's stories and the list of artist he played with. Charlie is definitely a man with many talents. Many people never stop and consider the session players that make magic time and time again on albums. You are doing a good thing to get these people recognition from those not in the trade.
Thanks James for watching our videos...Joe
What an incredible career. Thanks, Joe!!
Thank you Roger...Joe
Charlie played most of the 25 years of Hee Haw. He became musical director 1978-1991. On one Buck Owens tune, Charlie played lead guitar on one of Bucks songs. He really hit the spot. Plus played bass on many tunes by various singers. Amazing musician. Still seen on Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville shows.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments 60.....Joe
Marvellous interviewer interview I could listen with eyes open for hours all night in fact, to hear all about this history I call it, is priceless I tell ya for sure can you imagine Elvis Dylan Roy George almost every famous singer an actor, I know Dean even Frank would have been involved unbelievable really, to think Charlie is still around playing gigs in 2021 he's in his early to mid 80s now !..
Thanks again, Joe. Could listen to guys like Charlie all day.
Thanks Jason.....Joe
Fantastic Joe. I was aware of his great harmonica playing, didn't know he was a muti-instrumentalist. Now I know what that wonderful sound was on "The Boxer".
I can’t believe this knucklehead, me, missed this. Just finished to other. This interview could be 200 hours long and it still wouldn’t be long enough.
Joe, God Bless you for what you do! We ALL appreciate your time and effort!
Thank you Robert… Merry Christmas…Joe
Joe, this is another golden interview. Thanks!
Nu7kk4uw6k, thank you for your kind words & support of the channel! My dad, Joe, would have been very appreciative & so am I.
Hope you can visit the museum sometime.
All the best,
Britt
Wow, I am absolutely blown away with this interview Joe, I have always admired Charlie McCoy's work being a harp player myself but my God I had no idea of all the instruments he played or all the albums & people he has played with. I just have to watch this again to actually absorb it all. It is absolutely stunning the diversity of music & skills Charlie brings to the table & I am certainly going to pay more attention to his work & career. Great work with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bringing out all the behind-the-scenes stories & studio players who created all that music we have grown to love rounding out mine & every musician's education on what we do not see behind the veil. Charlie's recall is amazing I will have to watch several times myself to catch it all. Thank U Charlie & thank U Joe.
Hi harpguy... thanks for sharing your thoughts... one thing... we are “not” the Rock and Roll HOF... we are the Musicians Hall Of Fame and Museum located in Nashville Tn. Best, Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thanks Joe, point taken.
No worries... just making sure you knew incase you ever get the chance to visit. We have people visit our museum and credit the Country Music Hall. Not sure how you walk in a building and not know where you are but it happens:).... thanks again for watching... sincerely, Joe
I stood next to a stage at Charlie's feet in 1962 and listened to him play Moon RIver on a Old Standby harmonica. That moment changed my life.
You keep capturing these great interviews, Joe. His closing comment really hits home and such a testament to the spirit of Nashville session players. Really enjoyed this, thanks.
Thanks Ed..... by the way... I felt the same way about his closing statement. I’ve seen it in person many times. Engineers too.... give one hundred percent to everyone... best, Joe
Awesome interview Joe , wow, what Charlie doesn't know about music hasn't been invented yet ..!
Thanks again for watching Andrew....Joe
this is so.......
i can’t find words
growing up with all the music he mentioned and now hearing those inside stuff
thank you for doing what you’re doing so well 🙏
Thanks Mario7.....Best.....Joe
Fantastic stories
Thanks Charlie for the music
Thanks for the interview. Nice to listen to musicians that aren’t self absorbed or promoting something other than good will and hard work.
Thanks for watching Robert...Best, Joe
Fantastic interview. I'm amazed at his recall.
Thanks ashort....Joe
As a session musician, Charlie knows so much about the whole process. His comment about Bob Johnston getting credit for Dylan going to Nashville is important. We tend only to see the stars. Another quick comment he made speaks a lot, too. Ringo is a nice guy. He kind of just dropped that in, but he didn’t have to say it. Ringo’s personality obviously made an impression on Charlie.
That was just great. Thanks.
Thanks Carman........Joe
Love your interviews with these great but often unknown musicians
Thanks again for watching Mickey....Joe
Fascinating. Thanks for re-posting.
Thanks Mark...Joe
These interviews are absolutely priceless Joe. Capturing history from the source like this is so valuable and is very much appreciated. Thank you, please keep up the good work!
Thank you Shaun.....Joe
Gosh, just another fantastic interview. What a very lucky and blessed life Charlie has had. He is everything I've ever wanted to be, and no less the nicer for it.
By the way, "Elvis' Pickles" would make a good band name!
Hi Paul... thanks for watching... yes ... Elvis’ Pickles is a great band name. Best, Joe
What a nice guy. What a nice interview.
Thanks again for watching Buzz......Joe
His harmonica lick on Five Believers is the most!
Charlie lives in Fort Myers in the winter. Not far from me. I sure would like to meet him someday. Great interview Joe 👍🏻😎
Thanks for watching David...Joe
Congrats Joe another great interview
It's amazing how young all these musicians were when they started achieving such success in the industry. I don't know all the names. But I'm watching every post you have and I'm learning. These unsung heroes need to be recognized. All of these stories are fascinating!
Joe, you bring out the best nuggets of knowledge and insights of everyone you interview. Not only are you a great player and a legend in Nashville and the music business, you are a fantastic interviewer. Funny that Charlie McCoy mentions Mel Tillis. I have a program of Mel's funeral service.
Thanks Michael.... I appreciate the nice comments.... I wish I was a great player:)... Best, Joe
One of the best episodes yet! Thanks always for this incredible resource Joe.
Thanks Danny.....Joe
Love all these interviews. Thanks Joe for having the foresight to put this all together for musicians not just pop, r&b, soul, blues and country stars, but Musicians!
Thanks for watching too Fred....Joe
Charlie McCoy is such an amazing session musician. I love his work, such as with Bob Dylan. Thanks for sharing this. Cheers!
Hi Dwayne... thanks for watching too... best, Joe
Another great interview for the time capsule great questions too 👍 😀
Thanks John....Joe
Great interview Joe! I’d love to hear his stories from his days with Hee Haw! As always, thanks for all you do!💫
Thanks again Larry... I appreciate you too...Joe... if I do a new interview with Charlie we’ll talk about Hee Haw... Joe
Great interview! Charlie McCoy is a wonderful artist. I have enjoyed his spice to the mix for a lot of years.
Thanks David... nice analogy about Charlie... best, Joe
I also got my first harmonica when I was eight years old. The rest is history.
Thanks for watching Del...Joe
If you listen you learn! Great interview.
Thanks for watching Diana….Joe
What amazes me about many of these stories is how one opportunity leads to another, and the next thing you know you’ve spent an entire career contributing to the best music of all time. What a time and place to be alive!
Hi G A.... very true statement you said. Six degrees of separation is true. The music business is actually very small. Of you meet someone in the business the odds of them knowing someone else in the business is pretty good. Thanks for watching...Joe
Beautiful thanks so much Joe had Easter Holiday this just tops it Biggest comment following I've seen with you yet Great Interview
Thanks again Nelly........Joe
I never knew he recorded his own albums - 31 of them! That's a lot of listening I need to catch up on 🙂
Hi Mairi… thanks for watching… the 31 albums was about 17 years ago. I don’t know how many more he’s recorded since this interview. Best, Joe
This is such a great channel. Thank you for all the interviews and hard work that goes into making these videos. Forever grateful.
Thank you very much Malina.....Joe
Charlie McCoy is a distant relative of mine. I'm a ninth generation McCoy. 😊
Another great interview Joe! I was a teenager in 1972 when my oldest brother puts “The Real McCoy” LP on the turntable. I couldn’t believe how someone could play harmonica like that, which I learned later was a fraction of his talent. And that was my intro to Charlie McCoy.
Thanks for what you do Joe.👍🏽👍🏽
Thanks Mrsournotes..... Joe
I too own that album. Greetings from Norway.
Thanks Joe! Dylan recently sold his publishing catalogue for $400,000,000...hope Charlie got some of that. :)
Thanks E L.....Nice thought but I doubt he shared it with the pickers.... Joe
I spent many hours trying to steal Charlie’s harp licks. I wore out some Hohners in the process too!
Truly Legendary
Thanks for watching Pete....Joe
Great interview Joe! I throughly enjoyed it! Thanks for all these gems you bring before us!
You’re welcome Wayne... thank you too for watching....Joe
Wow! Charlie McCoy Is An Amazing Talent... Sweet Work W Ween... Great Interview. Peace
Thanks for watching Spike......Joe
Great interview!!!!!!
Thanks again Jim...joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum I just love this stuff! I really want to get down to the museum soon!
I hope you can visit us soon... best, Joe
Man, the legends that these guys really are. How we would know all this if you weren’t bringing it to the world Joe? I think it’s them, and maybe you Joe who need a statue in Nashville.
Thanks Patrick... very kind. Best, Joe
Great Interview...... Thank you!
Thanks Michael...Joe
LOVE Sweet Nothings love the drummer LOVED Charlies bass on Mohair Sam
Thanks for watching Jennifur....Joe
I'm a great reader of album credits so I know my musicians...Charlie played on Andy Fairweather Low's 1974 solo album "Spider Jiving", produced by Elliott Mazer where he played harmonica on a few tracks and bass harmonica on my favourite track "Dancing In The Dark", along with "Mellow Down" and "Reggae Tune" (AFL's own compositions) and so many other album tracks with his own invaluable contributions.
Thanks for watching Lynda.....Joe
RIP....sad December without you Joe.
Thanks Jeff, hope your having a happy New Year.
Best,
Britt
Charlie plays harmonica on Ween's ' 12 country greats ' album. and, Chet Atkins ' picks on the beatles ' 1966
Thanks for watching Jay....Joe
This channel is pure gold. Every upload is amazing.
Thanks SA.. Joe
This guy can play anything! I really love his "harp" or harmonica!
Thanks for watching Bruce...Joe
Go listen to desolation row. Charlie is the 2nd guitar, august 4th 1965, Columbia studio, NYC. CHARLIE was just introduced to Bob dylan that same day. Bob asked Charlie if he would like to sit in on a song he was about to record. It was an 11 minute song. Bob said, there is another guitar over there. Charlie picked it up. Bob Johnston started recording.
Awesome!
Thanks E B.....Joe
Wow, this was really great. Thank you!
Thanks M....Joe
Another great and informative interview Joe!
Thanks fitz....Joe
The "salvation army kind of sound." The track wasn't mentioned but is that a ref to "Everybody Must Get Stone?"
Thanks for watching Del... yes Charlie was talking about Rainy Day Women... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum >Thanx Joe, your title for the track of course is right I guess mine was a Freudian slip! Actually for years I called it Bob Dylan's New Orleans Funeral March Dixie song! The intro sure sounds like a parade-down-the-street-funeral procession New Orleans style. Thanx again.
We all call it by the same two titles... Everybody Must Get Stoned is better in my opinion:)... Joe
Unreal Charlie is one of the greats.
Thanks for watching R.....Joe
Joe another fun interview i never knew he could play so many instruments love his harmonica wish you could have done one of my favorite drummers the late Buddy Harmon did he ever play with Hal Blaine?
Jennifur....Hal was one of my best friends. Yes there are a number of interviews on our channel I did with Hal. I will be putting up my interview with with Buddy soon. Unfortunately I did it late in his life but it’s still good. Thanks again for watching...Joe
Joe, I alwatshit the like button before I even watch...every interview is killer...not one dissapointment...
P.S. hope it stops raining down there!
Thanks Vic... its dry again:)... Joe
Cool guy
Thanks Jerry....Joe
My dad produced some records in Nashville back in the late 70s and told me about working with Pig Robbins and a harmonica player who loved baseball and had the game going in one ear while recording and listening to tracks in the other ear. I think that was Charlie McCoy, but please correct me if I'm wrong. My dad had only great things to say about the talents of the studio musicians on those sessions. I got to listen to some sessions in LA as a kid, but really wish I'd been able to be at the Nashville sessions.
Hi Darrell…. Charlie is a sports fan….. especially hockey but I can’t imagine him doing anything but give his full attention to the session he was playing on. Maybe in between songs but not during. Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas…Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Hi Joe, I'm sure you're right that Charlie wasn't actually listening to a game while recording. The story was told to me as an example of how good the session players were that they could play amazing parts, then go right back to the game. I'm probably misremembering the details and didn't mean to suggest Charlie would ever give less than 100% on a session. His brilliant work on thousands of records speaks for itself in that regard. Merry Christmas and thanks for all you do with this channel.
I understand what you meant but I just wanted those who are unfamiliar with session players etc. wouldn’t take it literally. Merry Christmas to you and family… thanks for sharing your memories and supporting our channel… Joe
Another great interview Joe. Thanks for preserving these tapes! Such history! Any thoughts about follow up interviews with these who you have interviewed who are still alive? (I think you’ve done a couple?)
Maybe Charlie... I’ll ask him... thanks Mike.... best......Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum I ordered and received my retro HOF shirt today. Reminds me of some of the clothes I wore in the late 60s/early 70s. Cool shirt!
Hi Mike.... glad you like it. I gave our Photogapher and designer ,Royce Degree, a list of colors and just said come up with some cool retro 60’s designs and that t-shirt was what he came up with. It looks like surfing, Summer and beach to me. Just what I wanted. Thanks again Mike for all your support! .... best, Joe
WOW !!!
Charlie is Mr. Underrated
Thanks for watching Greg....Joe
Underrated? He's world famous.
His final words symbolizes the session players ...
Thanks for watching Joe... Joe
Pig is the man fo sure🎯
Can someone tell me if Charlie McCoy reads music
Hi Honey… I would have to say yes since he was the musical director of Hee Haw and many other things. Best, Joe
First
Thanks 6816.... Joe
That one down vote must have been a Nazi! lol
Thanks Fred:).... Joe
I like what Joni Mitchell said about Bob Dylan: “Musically, Dylan’s not very gifted,” she said. “He’s borrowed his voice from old hillbillies. He’s got a lot of borrowed things. He’s not a great guitar player. He’s invented a character to deliver his songs … it’s a mask of sorts.”
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 70....Joe
Ummm, jealous, Joni, much?
..that was always hit....kinda reads funny when theres not a space...sorry...my bad