I remember well the first time I saw Roy Clark perform in person. It was in the early 1970s, and a fellow by the name of Buck Trent had just begun to perform with Clark after a long tenure with Porter Wagoner and the Wagon Masters.

Of all the musicians I’ve ever seen or been around, these two guys were the best. I was saddened to hear of Clark’s passing two weeks ago. He truly was one of the most gifted musicians of our time. He could play most anything. But his guitar and banjo playing were unbelievable.

Clark could literally make these instruments talk to you. I remember vividly watching him play that first time and noticing how effortlessly his hands glided over the strings, and the coy little smile he would exert during his many instrumental breaks.

He was also a gifted singer, with hits that included “Yesterday, When I Was Young” and “Thank God and Greyhound.” But he is perhaps best known for hosting the country music show “Hee Haw” for nearly 30 years. Many of those years were spent co-hosting with Buck Owens. Their “Pickin’ and Grinnin’” segments on the show became quite famous.

Clark had a country charm about him that endeared him to fans all around the world. He often performed in Las Vegas, stood in as guest host for Johnny Carson on many occasions and was one of the first major country music performers to open a theater in Branson, Mo.

In addition to his musical talents, Clark was quite a comedian, appearing on many television shows over the years in addition to his stint on “Hee Haw.” He normally combined his comedic talents and musical prowess during his live shows.

Trent was a wonderful addition when he began to play with Clark, since his musical talent was on par with the Grand Ole Opry member and his use of comedy during his performances blended well with Clark’s.

The two released a couple banjo albums, A Pair of Fives (Banjos That Is) and Banjo Bandits in the ’70s that are truly two of the best instrumental albums I’ve ever heard. And if you want a real thrill, the two performed a version of “Dueling Banjos” on “Hee Haw” you can still see on the Internet, that will absolutely blow your mind.

Many performers were inspired by Clark throughout his career, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

There are just some performers who are one-of-a-kind, and Roy Clark was one. There will never be another, and the musical world is much better because he was in it. Trent said it best on his Facebook page after Roy’s passing: “Rest in Peace, Old Pal! We sure had us some fun!”

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of music. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.