I was at a Mayberry Days Festival in Mt Airy NC a few years back. I had just bought my 1st banjo about a week earlier. I was standing in line to buy a CD and get it autographed by Roni Stoneman,, While she was signing the CD I asked her for some tips for a beginner at playing banjo. She said, "If you'll hand me that thar banjer, I'll show ya "... I picked up the banjo behind her and handed it to her.. I noticed it was a lot heavier than the one I bought. She give me my very 1st and only banjo lesson right there on the spot for 20 minutes of more... She's GOOD PEOPLE!!!
What a shame the camera didn't stay more on her, but kept wandering to the one doing all the hopping and jumping instead. The banjo work in this is superb!
The Stonemans always knew how to put on a great show..the girls were so way ahead of their time... Thanks for posting this..it was fabulous! 5 Stars for sure!
This clip is from the movie "Road to Nashville" (1967). It was one of the movies Marty Robbins made as a side hobby. The whole movie is on hulu plus. It features Johnny Cash singing with the Carter Family at one of the lowest points in his life and many other great stars of the time such as Waylon, Porter, Kitty Wells etc. The Stoneman Family was at the top of their career around the time of this movie.
Thank you for that information. I’ll plan on watching that movie. I don’t remember it playing at the movie theater when I was a little kid, but I sure remember seeing Stoneman’s on TV.
Now I can understand why Roni Stone didn't smile while playing her banjo in this video (1967). Later when I saw her in numerous Hee Haw episodes (1969 and onwards), I saw the big gap in her front teeth. I guess that she was self concious of that at this filming, but became less self concious of it by the time she starred in Hee Haw. Anyway, she became one heck of good star of the Hee Haw comedy crew and remained as one helluva banjo picker! I also think that she might been a great voice character for cartoons with her no holds barred angry hillbilly woman voice!
These Girl`s were MY PIN-UP`s as a young man ! Every Sunday after Church on TV PURE HERITAGE MUSIC the whole Family could gather around like a Fire-place ! WE NEED MORe Real Music !! R&D Stoneman, I Will Always be in LOVE W/ You 2 @ HEART
When I lived in Nashville, my wife and I took Roni’s daughter to the movies to see Apollo 13. Roni gave my brother the bib overalls she used to wear on Hee Haw. I have drawn several portraits of members of the Stoneman family and given the drawings to Van, Donna, and Roni. One day Donna learned that my uncle Charlie in Pennsylvania was a huge fan of hers, so she telephoned him and talked with him for awhile. I still call Donna a couple of times a year to chat for a few minutes.
@@donaldewert2332 No sir, but I sent her a sympathy card immediately upon hearing of her sister’s passing. Donna never fails to send me a Christmas card every year, and I always call her on Christmas and on her birthday. Thank you for asking.
@@donaldewert2332 Donna no longer lives on Edmondson Pike. I will call her tomorrow to express my sympathy and she will probably tell me if she received my card. I do not think it would be prudent to send her address over Facebook for anybody and everybody to see, but if you could tell me a way that I could contact you only, I could send you her address .
Van is my uncle , he was married to my Aunt Helen, my dads sister.. love these songs on here but five little johnson girls will always be my favorite..
Used to come on at 1230 on Sunday. We'd watch them after we got home from church. Based on a biography I looked up, I didn't know that Donna, the one who has too much caffeine, is several years older than Ronnie, the banjo picker.
The most amusing thing about this clip is watching the contrast between Roni and her brothers & sisters. Roni, usually very energetic is a stoic banjo-picking machine, still as a statue. They rest of the family is in hyperdrive. That is really smart humor. Awesome song too!
Roni sometimes reminds me of Virginia O'Brien, the deadpan singer-comedienne of the 1940s who may be best remembered for her almost-rock version of "Rock-a-bye Baby" in the Marx Brothers' 1941 film "The Big Store."
Good Lord, how much energy did lovely Donna have as a little kid? Bet she never stood still. I watched them a lot on their TV show and really enjoyed them all.
I saw The Stoneman Family about 1961 in a bar in DC (by the OLD Greyhound and Trailways stations at 12th and NY Ave NW), and they were already doing the same playful schtick between the sad and happy sisters. But they were also great musicians!
Wow, this is great stuff..Roni Stoneman looks a whole lot my late mother..But damn, wish some of the modern country singers had this much class, and talent to boot..Great stuff, and these M's can sure flat out play..
When it comes to the banjo, Roni is a twelve-letter word beginning with the letter 'm'...and Donna is one of the all-time hottest women in country music.
This Group had more energy than any other group. They put everything they had in their performances. I don't think that they have received nearly as much recognition as they should!!
I don't mean to offend anyone and there are many fine singers and bands but in my opinion this family put more energy in their performances than anyone I have ever seen. I used to go see them in Printer's Alley back in the 60's and greatness just oozed out of all of them!!
Virginia O'Brien, singer-comedienne of the '40s, who sang completely deadpan. Watch her do "Rock-a-bye Baby" in the 1941 Marx Brothers picture "The Big Store".
Bluegrass legend Bill Monroe always said that Donna Stoneman was a better mandolin player than he was. That was high praise coming from Monroe because he was known for his ego. Donna was a shredder on that little thing! If you've ever tried playing a mandolin it's a lot harder than it looks. Tricky little instrument!
my name is robert i am roni stonemans youngest son.my uncle scott did not die in a car crash. antibuse and a form of alcohol killed him, he drowned in his own vomit! yes he was a great fiddler!
They do "Salty Dog". The only girl in the band I think at the time is Donna, whom Godfrey is immediately smitten with (like everyone else). She looked like a teenager at the time. I haven't watched it in a while, so I'm not sure. I'll have to dig it out and post it here.
Donna was 22 when they appeared on Godfrey's show; this was in 1956. That makes her 84 now; she and Roni are the only surviving members of the family as we remember them from the 1960s.
I have heard a story that winners on Arthur Godfrey's "Talent Scouts" got to appear for a week on his morning show. The Stonemans, aka the Blue Grass Champs, were no exceptions but Godfrey apparently (and I am paraphrasing here) suggested that he and Donna get to know each other better. At the time, Donna was married and wasn't going to violate her vows, and she let Godfrey know it. In what in retrospect seems unusually generous of Godfrey, who was always firing regulars on his show, the Blue Grass Champs stayed on the show for two weeks.
Have finally managed to post this video. It's under "Stoneman Family on Arthur Godfrey." Not good video quality--an old kinescope from a very old video tape. But better than nothing.
I was at a Mayberry Days Festival in Mt Airy NC a few years back. I had just bought my 1st banjo about a week earlier. I was standing in line to buy a CD and get it autographed by Roni Stoneman,, While she was signing the CD I asked her for some tips for a beginner at playing banjo. She said, "If you'll hand me that thar banjer, I'll show ya "... I picked up the banjo behind her and handed it to her.. I noticed it was a lot heavier than the one I bought. She give me my very 1st and only banjo lesson right there on the spot for 20 minutes of more... She's GOOD PEOPLE!!!
My Aunt Roni is the most amazing person on the Banjo..
She is some one I look up to..Luv
I’ve loved your Aunt since I can ever remember! One of the best
She has forgotten more about playing a banjo than a pile of these young banjo pickers will ever know.
What a shame the camera didn't stay more on her, but kept wandering to the one doing all the hopping and jumping instead. The banjo work in this is superb!
She is 👍
Donna Stoneman was not just beautiful and vivacious she was one of the all time great mandolin players.
Roni looks so beautiful here !
The Stonemans should be in the Country Music Hall Of Fame!! I know Pop is!
Roni standing like a statue while Donna danced was of the act.
The Stonemans always knew how to put on a great show..the girls were so way ahead of their time...
Thanks for posting this..it was fabulous! 5 Stars for sure!
one was ahead, the other was late
I was born in Arica. Hile and the Stonemans are my favorites for blues old times country music…
Roni sure tore up that banjo. One of my favorites.
This clip is from the movie "Road to Nashville" (1967). It was one of the movies Marty Robbins made as a side hobby. The whole movie is on hulu plus. It features Johnny Cash singing with the Carter Family at one of the lowest points in his life and many other great stars of the time such as Waylon, Porter, Kitty Wells etc.
The Stoneman Family was at the top of their career around the time of this movie.
Thank you for that information. I’ll plan on watching that movie. I don’t remember it playing at the movie theater when I was a little kid, but I sure remember seeing Stoneman’s on TV.
The Stonemans were the real deal. Now this bluegrass music at its finest!
The Stoneman sisters are amazing. Not a player in a million can tear up the banjo like that.
Let’s not get carried away Doug. A million?
I always liked the Stonemans. I loved those BOOTS! Brings back good memories.
I just saw Road To Nashville and was blown away by this performance! Yee-ha indeed!
My prayers and sympathy to all her family. She was very good. ❤
I seen some cute-ness is my 40 years, puppies, babies, clips on AFHV, ect.. But Donna, in this vid, takes the title with ease!!
Boy can Donna and Ronni tear it up. Donna is cute as a doll playing that mandolin while stomping up a storm in those go go boots!.
Now I can understand why Roni Stone didn't smile while playing her banjo in this video (1967). Later when I saw her in numerous Hee Haw episodes (1969 and onwards), I saw the big gap in her front teeth. I guess that she was self concious of that at this filming, but became less self concious of it by the time she starred in Hee Haw. Anyway, she became one heck of good star of the Hee Haw comedy crew and remained as one helluva banjo picker! I also think that she might been a great voice character for cartoons with her no holds barred angry hillbilly woman voice!
That may not be true, she sang on all the other early videos I saw. I think the solemn look was part of the act.
@@amadeusamwater You're probably right.
Thanks for posting, I can't stop watching this incredible performance! Brilliant and hilarious, I love it!
These Girl`s were MY PIN-UP`s as a young man ! Every Sunday after Church on TV PURE HERITAGE MUSIC the whole Family could gather around like a Fire-place ! WE NEED MORe Real Music !! R&D Stoneman, I Will Always be in LOVE W/ You 2 @ HEART
That brings back memories of dancing along with Donna on tv as just a toddler practically. Love it!
When I lived in Nashville, my wife and I took Roni’s daughter to the movies to see Apollo 13. Roni gave my brother the bib overalls she used to wear on Hee Haw. I have drawn several portraits of members of the Stoneman family and given the drawings to Van, Donna, and Roni. One day Donna learned that my uncle Charlie in Pennsylvania was a huge fan of hers, so she telephoned him and talked with him for awhile. I still call Donna a couple of times a year to chat for a few minutes.
Have you talked with Donna since Roni passed??
@@donaldewert2332 No sir, but I sent her a sympathy card immediately upon hearing of her sister’s passing. Donna never fails to send me a Christmas card every year, and I always call her on Christmas and on her birthday. Thank you for asking.
@@stevecline5102 I had wrote her in the past. Is she still at Edmondson address? She sent me Patsy's obituary. Thanks for your answer.
@@donaldewert2332 Donna no longer lives on Edmondson Pike. I will call her tomorrow to express my sympathy and she will probably tell me if she received my card. I do not think it would be prudent to send her address over Facebook for anybody and everybody to see, but if you could tell me a way that I could contact you only, I could send you her address .
I
Love the stonemans
I cant stop watching this
Van is my uncle , he was married to my Aunt Helen, my dads sister.. love these songs on here but five little johnson girls will always be my favorite..
Used to come on at 1230 on Sunday. We'd watch them after we got home from church. Based on a biography I looked up, I didn't know that Donna, the one who has too much caffeine, is several years older than Ronnie, the banjo picker.
Donna is hot!
The most amusing thing about this clip is watching the contrast between Roni and her brothers & sisters. Roni, usually very energetic is a stoic banjo-picking machine, still as a statue. They rest of the family is in hyperdrive. That is really smart humor. Awesome song too!
Roni sometimes reminds me of Virginia O'Brien, the deadpan singer-comedienne of the 1940s who may be best remembered for her almost-rock version of "Rock-a-bye Baby" in the Marx Brothers' 1941 film "The Big Store."
Good Lord, how much energy did lovely Donna have as a little kid? Bet she never stood still. I watched them a lot on their TV show and really enjoyed them all.
I loved the Stonemans TV show I wish they would put those out on DVD
I saw The Stoneman Family about 1961 in a bar in DC (by the OLD Greyhound and Trailways stations at 12th and NY Ave NW), and they were already doing the same playful schtick between the sad and happy sisters. But they were also great musicians!
Was that the old "Benny's Rocket Room"?
Roni is not only talented but pretty as well.
Sexy too!
RIP Roni. I was surprised how much your passing made my heart ache. You were one of a kind.
No more Caffeine for donna lol
LOVE IT!
ooh did Roni move her leg? lol!! she is incredible!
Wow, this is great stuff..Roni Stoneman looks a whole lot my late mother..But damn, wish some of the modern country singers had this much class, and talent to boot..Great stuff, and these M's can sure flat out play..
OUTSTANDING!!!!! And YEP (lol) about Miss Donna ...She is an AWESOME person!!!
R.I.P. Roni ...
Rest in Peace Roni
'usta have their own TV show back in 67. I watched them when I was at
Ft Campbell. Moved North, and never saw them again till TH-cam :o)
I just love to watch this video. it is great!!!!!
Awesome 👍
When it comes to the banjo, Roni is a twelve-letter word beginning with the letter 'm'...and Donna is one of the all-time hottest women in country music.
somethin special. thanks for postin this
Wow my dad talked about growing up with them and Roy clark
i love this song me and my family get together and sing and to bluegrass its fun
No props,no flashing lights etc just great music
This Group had more energy than any other group. They put everything they had in their performances. I don't think that they have received nearly as much recognition as they should!!
Roni is so pretty as well as talented.
That was one solemn banjo player!! Fast as lightning, though!😂
Wow. That was pretty awesome!
Great music.What a natural comic Roni is.
Wow.... how have I never heard of or seen these folkes... this is unreal
I don't mean to offend anyone and there are many fine singers and bands but in my opinion this family put more energy in their performances than anyone I have ever seen. I used to go see them in Printer's Alley back in the 60's and greatness just oozed out of all of them!!
I love it!
love that banjo
I would have loved to have seen them live.
donna is a force .. she's the irresistible force.. on multi levels.. Roni just shoots lightning from her banjo ...
Roni Stoneman's facial expression playing the banjo makes me think of Robert Fripp when he plays guitar...
reminds me of Luther Perkins :)
Virginia O'Brien, singer-comedienne of the '40s, who sang completely deadpan. Watch her do "Rock-a-bye Baby" in the 1941 Marx Brothers picture "The Big Store".
this is wonderful
Dancing Donna was considered by the experts to be the best mandolin player in the business.
listen to that old banjo ring! who can play like that today?
SHREDDIN'!
Bluegrass legend Bill Monroe always said that Donna Stoneman was a better mandolin player than he was. That was high praise coming from Monroe because he was known for his ego. Donna was a shredder on that little thing! If you've ever tried playing a mandolin it's a lot harder than it looks. Tricky little instrument!
Yeah man they're too small for my chunky ass fingers haha, can only strum them and badly at that.
I've had a crush on her for years!
Ronny from hee haw love this
Excellent !! From the film 'The road 2 Nashville'
I LOVE it!!!
Love that Donna
I must say I love Roni performance on this.
Little Dancing Donna!
She's so cute and sexy!
1st time l've heard/seen this. Not use to Roni not moving,smiling or making a sound. So use to watching her on Hee Haw. This was great.
donna stoneman was quite the looker.
I remember this from the 60s and I was a little girl. I always wondered why one sister was happy and the other one sad.
Hahahaha! It's sooooooo good AND funny :)
Great and absurd. Loved it.
This is the way they played it as the introduction to their tv show in the 1960s. Slow to start, but hang on.
Roni was going John Entwistle on that one.
I just ordered the book about The Stonemans also an album off ebay.
You all should read Roni Stonemans autobiography. It is great.
Look up the Jim Walter Jubilee. Scotty is playing the Orange Blossom Special with the fiddle in absolutely insane positions.
Guess who had the extra shot of coffee !!
I felt my hair stand up!
The stare at the end tho
Summed up perfect friend!
DAY-um!
Patsy Stoneman (1925 - July 23 2015)
+Johnnralph I didn't know. Thanks. RIP.
Beautiful group.
I would love to meet her again someday/
Roni Stoneman (banjo) later had a long run on Hee Haw
Heavens to Betsy!
I 'spect the fire marshal required somebody to be standin' by with an extinguisher, just in case! 8-)
That’s some great music right there. Thanks for the cut. Would you know what program this was?
I know why the guys liked Donna.. She's great in this .. So pretty and firey
Ronnie is on Banjo ,Donna on Mandolin
wow ......fast picking!!!
They were some cuties back then
It is fun to play this song that slow
Good pickin sweetie ❤
roni is so focused..
Molly Tuttle.. Is a blue grass lady.. Like them she's pretty and plays like fire
my name is robert i am roni stonemans youngest son.my uncle scott did not die in a car crash. antibuse and a form of alcohol killed him, he drowned in his own vomit! yes he was a great fiddler!
Scotty was great in the Stoneman Family band! May he rest in peace. He blessed us all with his music!
They do "Salty Dog". The only girl in the band I think at the time is Donna, whom Godfrey is immediately smitten with (like everyone else). She looked like a teenager at the time. I haven't watched it in a while, so I'm not sure. I'll have to dig it out and post it here.
Donna was 22 when they appeared on Godfrey's show; this was in 1956. That makes her 84 now; she and Roni are the only surviving members of the family as we remember them from the 1960s.
I have heard a story that winners on Arthur Godfrey's "Talent Scouts" got to appear for a week on his morning show. The Stonemans, aka the Blue Grass Champs, were no exceptions but Godfrey apparently (and I am paraphrasing here) suggested that he and Donna get to know each other better. At the time, Donna was married and wasn't going to violate her vows, and she let Godfrey know it. In what in retrospect seems unusually generous of Godfrey, who was always firing regulars on his show, the Blue Grass Champs stayed on the show for two weeks.
Everyone else is getting into it except for the banjo player.
Have finally managed to post this video. It's under "Stoneman Family on Arthur Godfrey." Not good video quality--an old kinescope from a very old video tape. But better than nothing.