All those banjo players -- including Martin -- are very professional and obviously talented. But Scruggs is the only one whose playing is so effortless he looks like he could play that song in his sleep. A legend.
It's funny, because I thought the same thing. In his second solo, a look washes over his face like he's thinking "Should I get the steak and potato for dinner, or a plate of chicken and corn on the cob?.....oh yeah, I gotta finish this solo first."
I worked as a sound tech and worked with Lester and Earl about a dozen times. They had an amazing ability to remember names and I never felt like a stranger at their shows.
Lester’s home in Sparta, Tennessee was only a few miles from my grandmother’s farm. She would take me over there on Saturday’s occasionally while they were breaking horses in his barn lot and someone was always making music. Lester always left early enough to make it to the Opry and we always had the radio on to hear the music! Those were the days!
i think your math ( or memory) may be off, the description box said it was posted to youtube 17 years ago 2023 - 17 = 2006 I don't think it was posted to youtube 6 years before it was performed on CBS
Although he's on stage with a legend, Steve Martin can hold his own. So many people forget just how damn good he is on the banjo. Saw him in Asheville, NC & he tore it UP!
I always tear up when I hear a bunch of musicians (or just 1) making music. I just think it is one of the noblest,beautiful things humans do: we make music and we share it. ♥️♥️♥️
I jammed a couple times in Mount Morris with some guitar/banjo/violin etc string players including my cousin Mar. I'm a professional classical flutist and singer/pianist. I was so totally outclassed by those fellows. Not by my cousin, though - she was using sheet music. Heh.
It's not hyperbolic to say Foggy Mountain Breakdown is one of the most influential and most enjoyed songs of the 20th Century. It's tough to find someone who's toes or fingers don't instinctively start tapping as soon as the opening notes are played. I was a working musician for a time and I came across a lot of people who liked and disliked a lot of styles of music, but I've never met anyone who doesn't like Foggy Mountain Breakdown.
Grew up on Bluegrass when lived in Ky. Everyone carried their instruments with them, Uncle and Aunt played banjo, Mom played guitar! We had no TV, didn't need one, live music was better!
Robert Michael, Yours isn't a bad analogy however it probably doesnt come from the perspective of a trumpet player. As a musician like Satchmo literally "sang" through his instrument. You can't do this on stringed instruments. The tone quality is always a product of the person or machines who made the guitar. Not the guitarist himself. Whereas Armstrong's trumpet sound was predominantly the production of his own feeling. The trumpet embouchure is very much like a human voice. And no one would compare the human voice to guitar or banjo. Much as I like Scruggs? Your comparison is lacking that element. The trumpet is a far more difficult instrument than the guitar. Or any other instrument for that matter. Esp in the upper register of which Pops was most fluent.
Right up until the end Earl played that banjo so effortlessly it was like he was mindlessly tapping his fingers on a table. Just a pure legend. What really made me smile though was watching Paul go get it here. Wasn't expecting that.
All fantastic musicians have that special gift, that says...ahhh. I can do that on my instrument too..Paul is one of those guys. There is a guy in the UK that loves to play piano in the mall(I think) that is a huge fan of "Boogie Woogie" & will rock the house when ever he plays. Brendan Kavanagh. Absolutely brilliant. Check him out.
You can tell David Letterman was impressed - he didn't even attempt a wisecrack when the group was finished, just congratulated them on their outstanding performance.
I have Steve Martin's album "The Crow" (which most of you probably have, too). I love that he is so completely serious here, focused on the music, no clowning around or distancing himself from how good this older music really is.
I heard an interview with him where he sort of off handedly said that his true love was the banjo and he got into comedy because it paid the bills. He did not imply at all that he wished he had been a banjo picker and not a comedian, but his heart is with his banjo. He is luck that he can do both. He also admits that his comedy has sort of run its course and he is glad that he can spend more serious time with the music.
You can't know what this means to me . My Dad and his brothers played every musical instrument known to man 👨 He had 7 brothers! Thanks so much for.the memories ♡♡♡♡♡
I am now a blubbering mess in tears because I love BANJO music sooo much. These gentlemen are treasures. Pity we can't clone them. JUST SO MUCH TALENT.
@@jkholtgreve Right!!! Ive seen Pete Seeger twice years back, and once in the 80s with Arlo Guthrie... Here's a good one for you... We saw John McKuen and the Nitty Gritty Dirt band last year on their 50th anniv. tour, they had a video montage playing in the background, with John McKuen, Steve Martin, and Jerry Garcia holding their banjos.... I spoke with John after the show. It turns out that John McKuen, Steve Martin, and Jerry Garcia had the same banjo teacher!!!!!!!
God had noting to do with it. Steve worked his ass off, endless hours of practice and then more practice. God had nothing to do with it. If god was involved, there would be nothing to admire about Steve. Good on ya' Steve. You deserve every bit of credit for your talent.
look up Steve Martin ... ( comedian ) playing banjo on far left . he began his career playing banjo - on the sidewlaks of San Franciso & when his fingers got tired he used to tell jokes.
Such a pleasure seeing EARL SCRUGGS, the MASTER! Steve Martin is close to catching up to Scruggs. I was shocked the first time I saw Steve Martin play his banjo. He's one of the few banjo players that's good enough to play with Earl Scruggs.
Well, this was right out of the blue for me! I've never heard such talented banjo playing before, and I didn't know that Steve Martin could even play a banjo! Earl Scruggs, of course, was his usual legendary self, too, and obviously the star of this show as well. What a video!
WONDERFUL! The greatest banjo player ever (Earl Scruggs) with other amazing pickers & Steve Martin picking right along & then having the class to thank each musician by name.
"Earl Scruggs And Friends - Foggy Mountain Breakdown" brought me here. I played that song over and over again, at least a dozen times this weekend on my way to my property out in the country. Steve Martin peaked my curiosity in that song. Thanks for posting this!
+Anna Ashley be proud no one looks at old people thinking they could tell a lot of stories in denmark the old people are not getting the respect as they deserve they are left to deal with subhuman from Eastern europe tricking and robbing like they are free prey and the police is only hunting fast cars to get Money sad sad
steve thomas I don't know, Earl is one of the most famous banjo players to ever live and a father of all bluegrass, I'm sure he's enough of his own draw.
Steve Martin had enough class to not draw unneeded attention to himself. He was just "a bandmate" at this point. Unlike in today's "attention whore" society where everyone needs to be Instagram famous and the center of attention.
When I was young I always dismissed this kind of music, but as I grew and studied musicians in many genres I feel more amazed and awed at the talent and skill with these musicians.
Insane talent all around that stage! Loved hearing Paul on keys! Can't recall ever hearing piano played during a performance of Foggy Mountain Breakdown, and I've heard that song countless times. Nearly unbelievable that he could keep time with the banjos!
This song "foggy mountain breakdown" has always been one of my favorites in bluegrass - where some folks in the rv lifestyle claim "on the road again" - this is the Kentucky road song!!❤❤❤
That was great. I first heard Steve Martin live when he helped a charity I worked with, The Starkey Hearing Foundation. He was a lot of fun. Even more so with his Steep Canyon Rangers!
I love Steve Martin in a way I can't quite articulate. I get this sense of warmth and familiarity from him, that I've somehow known him forever. Maybe because I grew up on his movies, but I strongly feel that he is almost like a father figure to me. It's wierd I know, but I can't help but love him and I always have and will.
Read his excellent memoir, especially the part that he writes without self pity about having a father who was jealous because his own show business dreams didn't come true. The man was envious of Steve's every talent, his happiness, every success he had. A small, small man with a son who was multi-talented, loved and a genius but suffered having that man for a father.
"Maybe because I grew up on his movies" Not 'maybe'. Get real. You're a simp. Just like the simps, who joined the Air Force after watching Top Gun. :'D
Steve Martin, amazing to see him play the banjo here. When you see great actors/actresses humbly show other talents, the inspiration they give is a real blessing. Jeff Goldblum's jazz piano, Dudley Moore another great jazz pianist, et al. Too many actresses who can sing as well. We're lucky they share all their talents to keep us inspired - love Steve Martin's playing in this clip...
Paul schaffer is pretty dang good on them keys ... notice how steve ensured the lesser known people got top billing and he and Scruggs got bottom so the others would be known ... and he didnt hesitate he slammed it in before any words could be exchanged
@billymac23454 couldn't disagree more. the level of talent and respect that paul shaffer brought to the musical guests were always a highlight of the show. so many genres and yet he always sounded like he had played with each artist/group for years. i mean, listen to his solo; he starts out with some kind of honky-tonk/jazz/ragtime/fusion thing that was totally original, then transfers seamlessly to the same melody as the banjos for the last half. genius combined with a class act. kudos (eh).
A note for all those commenters here who are complaining about Paul Shaffer's participation and how he "ruined it". Here is a quote from Pete Wernick, one of the members of the group (standing next to Steve Martin), about that performance: "A fair number of people seemed to think Paul Shaffer somehow “horned in on” our band. In fact, Paul was invited by Earl upon our arrival at the Late Show studios. Paul had played on Earl's recent Grammy-winning cut of the same song, and showed some great speed-hand technique during the rehearsals and the taping." GRAMMY WINNING. THE SAME SONG. So get over yourselves. You might dislike someone, but try not to do it out of ignorance.
Paul Shaefer is a great musician!! Check him out playing Runaway in 1987 on Letterman... Also, Pete Wernick (Dr. Banjo) is great!!! Been listening to Pete and (Waldo) since the late 70s with Hot Rize and Red Knuckles!!!!!!!!!
There is a REASON Paul Schaffer is known as Mr. Entertainment...(aka Bikes Brothers) ..He.has a talented and love of music. Seriously....point to ANYONE who can rip a 4bar piano bluegrass like that? Priceless....
Martin Short had described his friend Steve Martin this way - "It's all fun and games until the banjos come out."
Love 💕 it! Thanks 🙏
Talented in so many different ways. Steve Martin.
That's great! May I use it?
No shit😮😮 He is amazing. They all are.
AWESOME 😎 Steve martin and Earl Scruggs... Best of Banjos
Earl just stands there like he's waiting for a bus! No sweat, no thought whatsoever....it's beyond second nature to that national treasure of a man!
Steve Martin. Does stand up. Acts. Sings. Plays banjo. Collects fine art.
Is there anything this man can't do?
And author!
He has also written some wonderful books
A true renaissance man!
Pick up American foxes while wearing tight pants that show off his bulges.
Get out of the vacuum cleaner.
All those banjo players -- including Martin -- are very professional and obviously talented. But Scruggs is the only one whose playing is so effortless he looks like he could play that song in his sleep. A legend.
He probably could!
It's funny, because I thought the same thing. In his second solo, a look washes over his face like he's thinking "Should I get the steak and potato for dinner, or a plate of chicken and corn on the cob?.....oh yeah, I gotta finish this solo first."
it's probably the 10,000th time he's played it
Scruggs should know it, he wrote it!
In his defense, he's played it basically every night for 50 years
I worked as a sound tech and worked with Lester and Earl about a dozen times. They had an amazing ability to remember names and I never felt like a stranger at their shows.
I am listening to "foggy mtn. brkdown.they r very good.
Lester’s home in Sparta, Tennessee was only a few miles from my grandmother’s farm. She would take me over there on Saturday’s occasionally while they were breaking horses in his barn lot and someone was always making music. Lester always left early enough to make it to the Opry and we always had the radio on to hear the music! Those were the days!
LEGENDS! I grew up going to bluegrass festivals that my late uncle played at and met several of the biggies. I wish I 'd pad attention back then.
I taught them how to play. True story.
@@randomchaos9359😂😂😂❤❤😅
Life hack: Playing this while driving in any car adds 49 horsepower.
wrt Paul Shaefer- can we get him and Satriani on stage together?
Oop
did you jump the bridge and outrun Boss Hogg ?
YEEE HAWWW !
I can attest to this fact
So cool that Steve Martin introduced the other banjo players at the end. They could easily have been overlooked with Earl Scruggs on the stage.
I thought so too
I totally agree with you on that!
He showed them deserved respect.
Nice touch.
He introduced everybody INCLUDING Earl Scruggs!
I remember watching this when it aired (in 2006.) It was exhilarating. We lost Earl Scruggs in 2012. RIP maestro 🙏😢
i think your math ( or memory) may be off, the description box said it was posted to youtube 17 years ago 2023 - 17 = 2006 I don't think it was posted to youtube 6 years before it was performed on CBS
@@stevevernon1978 2006 is the correct date, just Googled it. Thanks for the heads up-just revised and corrected orig comment-Cheers! 👍
@@michaelfontanelli2450 glad to be of service. (on the other hand, I don't know when it was aired, only when it went on to CZcams.)
Sept. 24 fell on a Saturday back in 2005.
Great stuff…who are the other banjoists?
Although he's on stage with a legend, Steve Martin can hold his own. So many people forget just how damn good he is on the banjo. Saw him in Asheville, NC & he tore it UP!
Actually Steve IS a legendary banjo player in his own right.
@@jkrolak7978 I'd have to agree with you on that one. I think the best testament to just how good they are, is just how easy they make it look.
Steve born in Waco, TX. Explains banjo and comedy style.
I live in Asheville. Does he still live here?
@@darthnihilus511 As far as I know, he does still have a house here, but idk how much time he's in town...
I always tear up when I hear a bunch of musicians (or just 1) making music. I just think it is one of the noblest,beautiful things humans do: we make music and we share it. ♥️♥️♥️
Absolutely true!
It can be a transcendent experience to play with others who you’re in sync with. Magical when that happens.
I thought it was only me who has such sentimental thoughts. Stirring music.
Wait until we get to Heaven. The music there will blow you away.
I jammed a couple times in Mount Morris with some guitar/banjo/violin etc string players including my cousin Mar. I'm a professional classical flutist and singer/pianist. I was so totally outclassed by those fellows. Not by my cousin, though - she was using sheet music. Heh.
I'm so thankful that I was born at a time that allows me to appreciate the pure genius of their talent .
It's not hyperbolic to say Foggy Mountain Breakdown is one of the most influential and most enjoyed songs of the 20th Century. It's tough to find someone who's toes or fingers don't instinctively start tapping as soon as the opening notes are played. I was a working musician for a time and I came across a lot of people who liked and disliked a lot of styles of music, but I've never met anyone who doesn't like Foggy Mountain Breakdown.
Literally sitting here tapping away w my foot lol!
Earl Scruggs was to Bluegrass, same as Louis Armstrong was to Jazz.... Legendary.
Grew up on Bluegrass when lived in Ky. Everyone carried their instruments with them, Uncle and Aunt played banjo, Mom played guitar! We had no TV, didn't need one, live music was better!
Earl would never have gotten his rep without Lester.
@@jammur01 And a guy named Snuffy Jenkins helped originate the three-fingered style of Earl Scruggs. He was from Columbia, S.C. I met him once.
Absolutely!!!!!
Robert Michael,
Yours isn't a bad analogy however it probably doesnt come from the perspective of a trumpet player.
As a musician like Satchmo literally "sang" through his instrument.
You can't do this on stringed instruments. The tone quality is always a product of the person or machines who made the guitar. Not the guitarist himself.
Whereas Armstrong's trumpet sound was predominantly the production of his own feeling. The trumpet embouchure is very much like a human voice. And no one would compare the human voice to guitar or banjo. Much as I like Scruggs? Your comparison is lacking that element.
The trumpet is a far more difficult instrument than the guitar. Or any other instrument for that matter. Esp in the upper register of which Pops was most fluent.
is there anything steve martin cannot do....what an amazing talent he is and seemingly a perfect gentleman. a once in a lifetime talent
He'll still be a "wild and crazy guy" in my eyes!! Pure talent!
Actually twice in a lifetime, if you count me.
Well....to start with, he cant act he cant sing and his comedy sucks
@@seauke1 Tens of millions would disagree
Absolutely!!!
DAYUM!!
Too bad I can only smash the LIKE button once in my lifetime for this.
#ceasefirenow
@@danirial6487 I agree. The Palestinians should cease fire, since they started it.....5,000 years ago.
Found this 15 years after it aired..ABSOLUTELY AWESOME STEVE MARTIN...I THINK THAT YOU ARE STILL "A WILD & CRAZY GUY"
Right up until the end Earl played that banjo so effortlessly it was like he was mindlessly tapping his fingers on a table. Just a pure legend. What really made me smile though was watching Paul go get it here. Wasn't expecting that.
Only The real couple could have their own theme music!
BBonnie& Clyde!!
All fantastic musicians have that special gift, that says...ahhh. I can do that on my instrument too..Paul is one of those guys. There is a guy in the UK that loves to play piano in the mall(I think) that is a huge fan of "Boogie Woogie" & will rock the house when ever he plays. Brendan Kavanagh. Absolutely brilliant. Check him out.
Absolute fun to Behold!! True talent.
Paul likely improvised the solo ..his style mastery and playing are impressive
I'm so glad Steve got Earl out to play for the "mainstream" before he passed.
Seeing Steve Martin play with a legend like Scruggs is awesome. I knew he played banjo but that’s great.
I never get tired of listening to Foggy Mountain Breakdown especially when Earl Scruggs or Steve Martin is playing it!
Bonnie & Clyde brought me here years ago…I can see the car chases now lol!
RIP Earl Scruggs, Roy Clark, and Jimmy Henley..the 3 greatest banjo players who ever lived
*cough* Stringbean *cough*
@@genericfighter RIP Stringbean and Estelle also
Sonny Osborne right up there
The thing about Roy Clark is he could play just about anything well
@@genericfighter beat me to it
You can tell David Letterman was impressed - he didn't even attempt a wisecrack when the group was finished, just congratulated them on their outstanding performance.
and shook every hand
He knew he was in the presence of true greatness.
Steve Martin put this history together, thank you sir!
Amazing!! Love the banjo and Steve Martin is humbled by the surrounding greatness. He's pretty good also!
I’ve heard before that, if he had his druthers, he’d be known as “world-famous banjo player Steve Martin, and hey, have you heard he’s funny, too?”
Steve Martin has won 5 Grammy Awards. 2 for comedy & 3 for his banjo.
And, just a great guy.!
What goddamn legend. I love him so much
I've only known him for his weird comedies and "King Tut". It's great to see he's a banjo picker too. What talent!
Just to be included in this group says Steve is a hell of a banjo player. Great video!
So he's a better picker then a comedian
Great music never gets old.
I’ve never heard that song before, and I’m blown away. I knew there was music like that, but never actually listened before… wow! I want more
I have Steve Martin's album "The Crow" (which most of you probably have, too). I love that he is so completely serious here, focused on the music, no clowning around or distancing himself from how good this older music really is.
I heard an interview with him where he sort of off handedly said that his true love was the banjo and he got into comedy because it paid the bills. He did not imply at all that he wished he had been a banjo picker and not a comedian, but his heart is with his banjo. He is luck that he can do both. He also admits that his comedy has sort of run its course and he is glad that he can spend more serious time with the music.
He found his special purpose.
I played this in my car and a chase scene broke out on a dirt road.
Lol. Best comment
i know .. i was there .
Best. Comment. Ever.
U go boy 💪
My Dad says you have a "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" when you got the shits 😂😂😂
Letterman's booking person: "Look, you can't ALL play banjos at the same time..."
Everyone in Earl Scruggs' band: "Oh, yeah?"
did that really happen? LOL
Hold my Beer..🙂
Well, there IS a mandolin
There's definitely at least 1 guitar in there too. And somebody playing the bass notes.
Hold my beer!
You can't know what this means to me . My Dad and his brothers played every musical instrument known to man 👨 He had 7 brothers! Thanks so much for.the memories ♡♡♡♡♡
Martin holds his own pretty well.Scruggs is the master.
I remember Steve doing Nixon, saying "I'll tell you where the tapes are, but first, here's 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown.'"
I am now a blubbering mess in tears because I love BANJO music sooo much. These gentlemen are treasures. Pity we can't clone them. JUST SO MUCH TALENT.
Amazing! One of the world's greatest comedians is also one of the world's greatest banjo players. I mean this most sincerely. God Bless you Steve!
He isn’t, but Earl Scruggs certainly is. That’s not to say Steve Martin is not accomplished - he is.
Everybody's missing Pete Wernick, of Hot Rize... They call him Dr. Banjo... And he's been teaching and playing for over 40 years
@@thomasfoss9963 As an educator Pete Seeger was no slouch either. Wouldn’t be shocked if Steve worked off his books/records when he was a kid.
@@jkholtgreve Right!!! Ive seen Pete Seeger twice years back, and once in the 80s with Arlo Guthrie... Here's a good one for you... We saw John McKuen and the Nitty Gritty Dirt band last year on their 50th anniv. tour, they had a video montage playing in the background, with John McKuen, Steve Martin, and Jerry Garcia holding their banjos.... I spoke with John after the show. It turns out that John McKuen, Steve Martin, and Jerry Garcia had the same banjo teacher!!!!!!!
God had noting to do with it. Steve worked his ass off, endless hours of practice and then more practice. God had nothing to do with it. If god was involved, there would be nothing to admire about Steve. Good on ya' Steve. You deserve every bit of credit for your talent.
Earl Scruggs gave me Blue grass fever 60 years ago, every time I start to get better, Steve Martin re infects me. Love this arrangement.
Can't watch anything with Steve Martin without liking it, he's a multi-talented legend. Loved him on SNL.
Glorious music from wonderful musicians I would loved to have known. Dressed well, no foul language and representative of a world we have no longer.
look up Steve Martin ... ( comedian ) playing banjo on far left .
he began his career playing banjo - on the sidewlaks of San Franciso & when his fingers got tired he used to tell jokes.
Watch Mike Huckabee's show -- there are plenty of performers today you'd love to see.
Man, that banjo excellence. Martin shows true love and skill at this as he has followed the path for 50yrs.
I don’t think anybody’s cool enough to have foggy Mountain breakdown on the talk show today in 2020
Today's all we got is a bunch of yuppies
They all suck nowadays.
No, too busy trying to trash President Trump
@@amlafrance1918 so you can get some communism with biden?
There's nobody even cool enough anymore to have a talk show.
Impossible to watch without smiling.
When the world was normal ahhh
Such a pleasure seeing EARL SCRUGGS, the MASTER!
Steve Martin is close to catching up to Scruggs. I was shocked the first time I saw Steve Martin play his banjo. He's one of the few banjo players that's good enough to play with Earl Scruggs.
Fingers dancing like flames, hot and nimble! Absolutely beautiful.
Love this collection of true history then & now !!! ❤👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
how in the world could anyone thumb down this?????? Fabulous!!!!
This is why I have always appreciated Steve Martin as an actor - he's also an outstanding musician!
Scruggs just cool and relaxed as always.. he just always seems so so comfortable.. the banjo is just an extension of his body and moves so naturally
I don't think I seen that many banjos played at one time. Love it!
Well, this was right out of the blue for me! I've never heard such talented banjo playing before, and I didn't know that Steve Martin could even play a banjo! Earl Scruggs, of course, was his usual legendary self, too, and obviously the star of this show as well. What a video!
Steve Martin ... began his career playing banjo - on the sidewlaks of San Franciso & when his fingers got tired he used to tell jokes.
WONDERFUL! The greatest banjo player ever (Earl Scruggs) with other amazing pickers & Steve Martin picking right along & then having the class to thank each musician by name.
I love banjo Music & I'm always impressed by how fast their nimble fingers fly over the strings!
i just absolutely love Foggy Mountain Breakdown, and i love this live version!
Whos watching in 2020?
I am!
Just as good as ever
Me.
Me! It's an evergreen and enjoyable music
Do you just spend all day cruising CZcams saying that? Get a job! Do something with your life.
R.I.P. Earl Scruggs, we'll never forget you !
"Earl Scruggs And Friends - Foggy Mountain Breakdown" brought me here. I played that song over and over again, at least a dozen times this weekend on my way to my property out in the country. Steve Martin peaked my curiosity in that song. Thanks for posting this!
Love this king of music and add Steve Martin and Earl Scruggs, banjo music doesn’t get any better.
Missing Lester Flatt.
"It's all fun and games until the banjos come out." - Martin Short
This is my fave banjo instrumental of all. Steve Martin is so good, I was surpised to know he played professionally.
Hello friend, how are you doing today
Wow!! These guys are the greatest at banjo playing. Steve deserves to be there. Good job Steve.
This was our "break away" song when I was onboard the USS Barney DDG-6, when we replenished at sea. Early to mid 70's
earl Scruggs is my great grandpa 😊😊😊
+Anna Ashley be proud no one looks at old people thinking they could tell a lot of stories in denmark the old people are not getting the respect as they deserve they are left to deal with subhuman from Eastern europe tricking and robbing like they are free prey and the police is only hunting fast cars to get Money sad sad
Great
+Anna Ashley LMAO! Yeah okay.
+Anna Ashley
My grandad is President of the United States.
+Anna Ashley So do you know how to play?
Steve Martin was certainly the draw for many on this but hopefully some will recognize the talent on display. Incredible!
steve thomas I don't know, Earl is one of the most famous banjo players to ever live and a father of all bluegrass, I'm sure he's enough of his own draw.
🤣🤣🤣🤣 Earl Scruggs was always the draw. Martin was a bonus feature
Steve Martin had enough class to not draw unneeded attention to himself. He was just "a bandmate" at this point. Unlike in today's "attention whore" society where everyone needs to be Instagram famous and the center of attention.
@@pikehunter23750 Well said
They're all so stoic! Not cracking a smile until the very end. That's a show, without showboating! What musicians.
THIS IS AMERICANA! Can we also give credit to Paul Schafer for being one of the most amazing musicians in the planet? The man is unreal!
Always brings a smile to my face to see and hear these guys plaging Bluegrass at it's best.
When I was young I always dismissed this kind of music, but as I grew and studied musicians in many genres I feel more amazed and awed at the talent and skill with these musicians.
Insane talent all around that stage!
Loved hearing Paul on keys! Can't recall ever hearing piano played during a performance of Foggy Mountain Breakdown, and I've heard that song countless times. Nearly unbelievable that he could keep time with the banjos!
You get a solo, YOU get a solo. Everyone gets a solo!!! Awesome!
But that's the definition of Bluegrass!😎
What I particularly love about this beautiful take? That they ALL adhere to full two-verse phrasing, in this song.
Charles Wood's solo from 1:52 on is the bomb. Look what he's doing. Unbelievable. Like a clockwork. I've seen it a thousand times.
He is the ChatGPT of banjo players: all technician and no soul.
@@intentionalhyperbole James Galway said the same about a group of classically trained Japanese musicians he was conducting.
This song "foggy mountain breakdown" has always been one of my favorites in bluegrass - where some folks in the rv lifestyle claim "on the road again" - this is the Kentucky road song!!❤❤❤
Got to see Earl Scruggs many years ago in New York's Central Park. He was phenomenal.
I get chills everytime I watch this.. Incredible music!!
@Hello Michael how are you doing
As if the world needed more reasons to love Steve. God bless you, man.
That was great. I first heard Steve Martin live when he helped a charity I worked with, The Starkey Hearing Foundation. He was a lot of fun. Even more so with his Steep Canyon Rangers!
Just makes me smile! How gracious Steve Martin is amongst all that talent makes me smile even more.
I absolutely love to watch the fingers of Banjo pickers! Move so fast, amazing!
THANK YOU GENTLEMEN. yOU PLAYED YOUR HEARTS OUT AND I LOVED EVERY NOTE OF IT.
Everyone looks like they are working so hard and then Earl Scruggs takes his turn and he just makes it look effortless.
"They didn't start chasing us until you put on that getaway music!"
Thank you :) Was looking for this comment
@@johnnynorrisjr.39 The Simpson's, right?
I love Steve Martin in a way I can't quite articulate. I get this sense of warmth and familiarity from him, that I've somehow known him forever. Maybe because I grew up on his movies, but I strongly feel that he is almost like a father figure to me. It's wierd I know, but I can't help but love him and I always have and will.
Read his excellent memoir, especially the part that he writes without self pity about having a father who was jealous because his own show business dreams didn't come true. The man was envious of Steve's every talent, his happiness, every success he had. A small, small man with a son who was multi-talented, loved and a genius but suffered having that man for a father.
And his novels are excellent, also, of course!
"Maybe because I grew up on his movies"
Not 'maybe'. Get real. You're a simp. Just like the simps, who joined the Air Force after watching Top Gun. :'D
Steve Martin, amazing to see him play the banjo here. When you see great actors/actresses humbly show other talents, the inspiration they give is a real blessing. Jeff Goldblum's jazz piano, Dudley Moore another great jazz pianist, et al. Too many actresses who can sing as well. We're lucky they share all their talents to keep us inspired - love Steve Martin's playing in this clip...
What a talent Steve Martin is!! That being said, the Highlight of this sing is the INSANE PIANO SOLO!! UNREAL!!
Paul schaffer is pretty dang good on them keys ... notice how steve ensured the lesser known people got top billing and he and Scruggs got bottom so the others would be known ... and he didnt hesitate he slammed it in before any words could be exchanged
thought the piano break detracted from the overall tune, it was almost like it was a gatecrasher at a party.
@@billymac23454agree!! Unnecessary.
@billymac23454 couldn't disagree more. the level of talent and respect that paul shaffer brought to the musical guests were always a highlight of the show. so many genres and yet he always sounded like he had played with each artist/group for years. i mean, listen to his solo; he starts out with some kind of honky-tonk/jazz/ragtime/fusion thing that was totally original, then transfers seamlessly to the same melody as the banjos for the last half. genius combined with a class act. kudos (eh).
I loved the piano part. Incredible.
nothing closer to the gates of haven than a man with a banjo, Thank you so much for sharing your talents with all of us
Absolutely the best fun!
Yep. He was standing close to the gates of heaven with one foot on a banana peel.
So awesome to see masters of the banjo in historic action!!
Doesn’t get any better than this!
Dude on piano is sick!
I've watched this probably a hundred times over the last ten years and never grow tired of it. Play on guys.
God Bless Mr. Earl Scruggs, the pioneer of 3-finger picking Banjo technique ~ Rest in Peace Sir and many Thanks.
Just WOW ! Thank you all for sharing your musical talents with us.
My wife and I saw Steve Martin on his music tour playing banjo with the Deep Canyon Rangers. Amazing and wonderful.
A thousand years of musicianship brilliantly blended!
A note for all those commenters here who are complaining about Paul Shaffer's participation and how he "ruined it". Here is a quote from Pete Wernick, one of the members of the group (standing next to Steve Martin), about that performance:
"A fair number of people seemed to think Paul Shaffer somehow “horned in on” our band. In fact, Paul was invited by Earl upon our arrival at the Late Show studios. Paul had played on Earl's recent Grammy-winning cut of the same song, and showed some great speed-hand technique during the rehearsals and the taping."
GRAMMY WINNING. THE SAME SONG. So get over yourselves. You might dislike someone, but try not to do it out of ignorance.
Paul Shaefer is a great musician!! Check him out playing Runaway in 1987 on Letterman... Also, Pete Wernick (Dr. Banjo) is great!!! Been listening to Pete and (Waldo) since the late 70s with Hot Rize and Red Knuckles!!!!!!!!!
I thought he nailed it. Love hearing Paul play anything.
There is a REASON Paul Schaffer is known as Mr. Entertainment...(aka Bikes Brothers)
..He.has a talented and love of music. Seriously....point to ANYONE who can rip a 4bar piano bluegrass like that?
Priceless....
Sorry... BLUES Brothers!
@@gduanerollinsjr3693 He also wiggled in to the Beatles Hall of Fame induction-- and kind of directed all the other musicians that were there!!!!!!
One of my favorite bluegrass pieces. Steve Martin is a wild and crazy guy!
I love to hear Steve play.......HE'S GOOD!! A very talented man.........
Wish I could have been in the audience for this, truly epic talent.
Wonderful America music!! thank you Steve Martin, Earl Scruggs, Keith Warnick, Tony Allen, Chuckie Wood and Jim Beam! !!
Ineluctable Smith That's Pete Wernick of "Hot Rize"--His wife is the guitar player in the background----
Peter Wernick known as Dr. Banjo for his science education and for being one of the great banjo educators and teachers
5 strings, 3 fingers, and more notes to the bar than I can count; the music has moved me for most of my life, just wish I could play.
I had a coworker who used to play this on his banjo almost every night 15 minutes before quitting time
And it *looks* like nothing is happening, but your ears say different...
I honestly believe Earl Scruggs could've played banjo in his sleep. The King of Banjo pickers!!!!
ABSOLUTELY THE KING,AND SOOOO HUMBLE ABOUT HIS OWN GREATEST!!Dr.BRYANT LANE…..
If you listen to this, and your foot doesn’t start tapping, you must be dead.
I agree!
My foot was tapping as I read this. I found that quite comical.
None of their feet were tapping...
So true
Now that right there is probably by far THE dumbest thing anyone could have said, bar none.