Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Roy Clark death: Country music star and 'Hee Haw' host dies, aged 85

The American singer and songwriter died on Thursday at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Clémence Michallon
New York
Thursday 15 November 2018 15:30 EST
Comments
Roy Clark on Hee Haw

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Country music legend Roy Clark has died at the age of 85.

The musician and TV host passed away on Thursday at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, due to complications from pneumonia, Variety reports.

Clark's publicist confirmed the singer's death to the AP news agency.

A native of Virginia, Clark was best known for his work as the host of Hee Haw, a variety show dedicated to country featuring music performances and sketches, which debuted in 1969 on CBS.

Clark initially co-hosted the show with Buck Owens from Nashville, Tennessee.

A veteran of Nashville's famed Grand Ole Opry, Clark was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

Clark also acted as a guest host on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and became one of the first country musicians to go on tour in the Soviet Union.

By the age of 20, the musician already had several professional credits under his belt, according to his Country Music Hall of Fame profile.

Musician Roy Clark performs onstage during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on 29 April, 2012 in Indio, California. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images for Stagecoach)
Musician Roy Clark performs onstage during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival held at the Empire Polo Field on 29 April, 2012 in Indio, California. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images for Stagecoach) ((Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images for Stagecoach))

He went on to sign with Capitol Records in 1960. Over the course of his career, Clark released more than 30 studio albums and dozens of singles.

Clark won seven Country Music Awards, including the 1973 Entertainer of the Year gong.

In February 1983, he collected the Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance.

Clark is survived by his wife of 61 years Barbara and their four children.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in