Back in the day very few fiddlers came close to Dick's precision, clarity, and rock solid rhythm. His distinct, singular style was and is instantly recognizable. My appreciation for his playing has only increased over the years and I still marvel at his technique. Dick was one of a kind.
Mr. Levine! Honored to have you stop by the Joy of Fiddling channel to give us some historical background on the original production. And folks… Rich would know... Because he was there. He is the guest guitarist who comes in to pick guitar on this video when Aaron picks up his fiddle on and "Sunbonnet Sue". Thanks Rich! If you've got any more fun facts, stories, or anecdotes from your experience with these videos, please feel free to share.
I learned to play guitar in that environment 1961-1971 Many fond memories of backing fiddlers and mandolin players, as well as many lead guitar songs. Thanks for posting
Glad you found the video(s), Exegete77, and that they bring good memories for you. You were learning guitar during an incredible time for this music. The videos make me reminisce as well...remind me how lucky I am to have been around fiddlers like Benny and Dick when I was a kid...and how much I miss them.
Glad to hear you are enjoying them, Frank. Since first starting this channel my intent was to only upload content that was created by me. But because video footage of these two artists is next to nonexistent, I thought it was important that this particular program be shared. Not only for folks who remember Benny and Dick, but for the young fiddlers of today who may know little if anything about these two men. From a personal standpoint, I was lucky enough to be around both Benny and Dick at many fiddle contests when I was a kid. I have very vivid memories of their personalities: Dick's larger than life laugh. Benny's generosity. The videos are worth sharing not just for the fiddling but for the priceless moments of humorous banter and behind-the-music stories.
Me too, peacebeing. Video footage of Benny and Dick is next to non-existent. And to see them together talking and playing together side by side is pretty special.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this and love every minute of this. Who was Dick referring to? I feel like it could’ve been Major Franklin but that’s just a complete guess haha
@cajunfiddler2400, I think your guess is a good one. Major was a huge influence in Dick's formative years and Dick never stopped referencing Major's impact on him late in life.
I believe that was on my buddy Dan Stewart's channel? 1977 would absolutely makes sense to me and I'm only going by the write up on the back of the VHS from which these videos were digitized.
Joy of Fiddling do you know Les Tucker he says he has 100s of hours of tapes of Benny Thomasson. he said he was going to convert them to CD but recently I heard he's in a assisted living facility.
I do know Les, as a matter of fact, and he has mentioned having fiddle related audio and video, but never mentioned anything about Benny specifically. I will reach out to Mr. Tucker and ask him about it. Thanks for the tip, John.
It's never too late someone said ! I'm just discovering Benny Thomasson! HE is one of the best fiddler i ever heard. Many thanks for scaring.
Just getting started playing fiddle myself. This is like finding gold
Welcome to the Fiddle Family, Jed. And you are right...it is gold...glad you found it.
It is I remember who Dick Barrett was but forgot till just now that trill lick that Benny does is famous in guitar contests
It's the best fiddlin
Dick Barretts playing is beautifully clean and precise. Love it !!
Back in the day very few fiddlers came close to Dick's precision, clarity, and rock solid rhythm. His distinct, singular style was and is instantly recognizable. My appreciation for his playing has only increased over the years and I still marvel at his technique. Dick was one of a kind.
What great fiddlers thank for technology so the ain't forgotten I used to play benny's cotton patch in guitar contests
This was done at the KUOW studios (University of Washington) in 1977. There was a DVD release on Shanachie Records some time after a tape release.
Mr. Levine! Honored to have you stop by the Joy of Fiddling channel to give us some historical background on the original production. And folks… Rich would know... Because he was there. He is the guest guitarist who comes in to pick guitar on this video when Aaron picks up his fiddle on and "Sunbonnet Sue". Thanks Rich! If you've got any more fun facts, stories, or anecdotes from your experience with these videos, please feel free to share.
I learned to play guitar in that environment 1961-1971 Many fond memories of backing fiddlers and mandolin players, as well as many lead guitar songs.
Thanks for posting
Glad you found the video(s), Exegete77, and that they bring good memories for you. You were learning guitar during an incredible time for this music. The videos make me reminisce as well...remind me how lucky I am to have been around fiddlers like Benny and Dick when I was a kid...and how much I miss them.
I loved them very great musicians
These clips are wonderful!
Glad to hear you are enjoying them, Frank. Since first starting this channel my intent was to only upload content that was created by me. But because video footage of these two artists is next to nonexistent, I thought it was important that this particular program be shared. Not only for folks who remember Benny and Dick, but for the young fiddlers of today who may know little if anything about these two men. From a personal standpoint, I was lucky enough to be around both Benny and Dick at many fiddle contests when I was a kid. I have very vivid memories of their personalities: Dick's larger than life laugh. Benny's generosity. The videos are worth sharing not just for the fiddling but for the priceless moments of humorous banter and behind-the-music stories.
I love them talking about Major Franklin! Lol...
@fiddlefolk, well observed!
Gives me chills!
Me too, peacebeing. Video footage of Benny and Dick is next to non-existent. And to see them together talking and playing together side by side is pretty special.
Great music!
great music...thank you
Thanks for watching, Kenny.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this and love every minute of this. Who was Dick referring to? I feel like it could’ve been Major Franklin but that’s just a complete guess haha
@cajunfiddler2400, I think your guess is a good one. Major was a huge influence in Dick's formative years and Dick never stopped referencing Major's impact on him late in life.
Goodoldays ... bet mark misses those days ...
Yep. Special time. Literal legends.
what year were these clips filmed?
Hey there, John. Wish I could give you an exact date of when this program was produced, but I'm afraid the best I can do is say "early 1970's".
saw a different person posted the whole 38 minute set and said it was 1977
I believe that was on my buddy Dan Stewart's channel? 1977 would absolutely makes sense to me and I'm only going by the write up on the back of the VHS from which these videos were digitized.
Joy of Fiddling do you know Les Tucker he says he has 100s of hours of tapes of Benny Thomasson. he said he was going to convert them to CD but recently I heard he's in a assisted living facility.
I do know Les, as a matter of fact, and he has mentioned having fiddle related audio and video, but never mentioned anything about Benny specifically. I will reach out to Mr. Tucker and ask him about it. Thanks for the tip, John.
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