THE FOLLOWING IS AN ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
Hee Haw made its debut on this date in 1969. It was country’s answer to Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, but with an extra helping of stupidity.
Although the program only ran for two years, it was a huge hit in syndication and continued on the air until 1992. Actually, it was something of a hit in its original run—in the Top 20, but CBS decided the show’s “hick” country focus was not doing the network’s image any good.
Hosted by Roy Clark and Buck Owens, the show featured stupid humor, stupid pranks and low-brow EVERYTHING, but the musical guests on the program were surprisingly good-and the talent of even the show’s regular clowns (like Grandpa) was evident when showcased. I have yet to know what Junior Sample’s talent was-other than being a bit SLOW mentally-and having that become the essential theme of bits involving him. Junior always seemed bewildered as to why people were laughing.
There is much to be said for “escapism” with our entertainment-and TV has plenty that falls into that category. Seldom is the escape this ridiculous. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to witness both the silliness—and some of the talent—as Grandpa plays the banjo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljZQyJQwHn8
Here’s a quick clips of outtakes from Hee Haw featuring Grandpa and Junior Samples:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiMFWeI3qCA&feature=related
If you have a problem with this blog, a complaint line has been set up at: BR 549 (You Hee Haw fans will “get” this one)
Seriously, if you’d like my blog in your box, send me an e-mail to : tim.moore@citcomm.com
See y’all later, ya heah?
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