I played with Thumbs in the house band at the Palomino in LA in the early 80s. What a player! When he was having an off night he would say, "Man I'm all fingers tonight".
I met Thumbs at an after hour club in Silver Springs Maryland in the late seventies. He was the guitarist for Roger Miller's band. Roger was also there. I played Chilli Con Carne written by Kenny Burrell. After I played, Thumbs played. I couldn't believe what I saw and heard! What an extremely talented and gifted musician, he could play it all.
Time moves and opinions and judgements might change, but, Thumbs was a sensational, original, unique performer with surprising taste, touch, technique, and so, is in a high place, growing always, as a guitarist to stand, teach, admire.
I am from Chattanooga, Thumbs was my friend. I will always miss his unreal playing, but more than that I will miss his great sense of humor and just getting to sit and talk with him. I loved him and I will always miss him.
Thumbs is one of America's Greatest musical talent and innovator ended up playing a Mall - whilst those blonde teeny idols without a single iota of brain cell nor talent make millions. American capitalism has no shame.
How would musicians be paid in a Socialist system? If all musicians make the same salary, should a third-rate musician be payed the same as a musician of Thumb's caliber? Thumbs Carlisle probably made good money in his prime working years. Maybe he's retired and working around town to keep his hand in the music. He might be inspiring some young person in the audience right here. The dream of wealth and fame produces some great music and musicians. Not everybody is driven by the pure desire to excel. American music is the music of the world because the reward can be beyond (or the realization of) your wildest dreams.
@@Birdlives247 He did tour with Roy Orbison. who did know and pay, great players like Thumbs. There is some justice, and if you are in the right place, at the right time, you can hear and see them, because many times, they aren't announced on the bill. Once again, worth of mouth among musicians is the telegraph system, that gets the word around. Still am astounded by anything Thumbs did.
Used to work with Thumbs on the old Ozark Jubilee. What a great guitarist. He was paired up with the great Curly Chalker on steel. They played some great stuff. RIP fellows.
Wow! What a wonderful discovery. Ran across this red hot talented gent while watch a Roger Miller video.. Ahh the joy of youtube and people taking the time
RIP THUMBS! After playing with him in Atlanta he invited me to his house and made me sign his kitchen table,wonderful wife of his and wonderful daughter Kathy! Love U all I told him that I wish I could play like You and his answer was : I wish I could play like U..8-)
all these years I never noticed how he really played. he was great. he did what he could do different and still get great sounds. he was beyond talent,,,fantastic.
Yeah! I remember when I was 17, my friend Kerry Creasy (Bass) recommended me for a gig in Riverton WY with Thumbs. It was the most valuable experience I could ever have. Such a gentleman. Excellent Musician. I agree with fretkillrlives, Thumbs was phenominal.
Thumbs is amazing! I knew Kerry and Wally Creasy when they moved to Arizona. I played some with Kerry. He played me some Thumbs Carlisle records and got me interested in Thumbs , who I had never heard of. I wonder how Kerry is doing. Is he still playing bass? The Creasy's were very talented musicians. Wally played violin as I recall.
@@chuckhenman6966 That is sad news, I didn't know he had passed away. I wish I had kept in touch with him. I moved to New England in 1994 and lost track of him. He was a really nice guy and amazing musician. Thanks for letting me know Chuck.
@@chuckhenman6966Will do. When I met Kerry, he was living in Chloride AZ. He and I shared a love for jazz. I think we were about the only jazz fans in that town.This was in the mid eighties I think. I play Chromatic harmonica , mostly jazz, and blues harp as well. Kerry and I did a little playing together. Best regards, John
I would like to correct the record on Thumb's passing. He was in fact at the home of steel guitarist Herbie Wallace in Chattanooga to work on Christmas tapes. On the evening of July 31,1987 he had a heart attack in Herbie's living room. Paramedics were called and they tried to revive him. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. At the time Thumb's was playing every Thursday night at a club called The Point in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta and every Sunday night at The Freight Room in Decatur. He had lived in Decatur, Ga. since Nov. of 1986 and had become quite a celebrity among local musicians who were fascinated by his musical talent and unusual technique.
Michael Harrelson Thank you, even the articles of his life and passing have so much misinformation. Even after talking to mama, they misquoted 1/2 of everything she told them. We felt blessed that so many were interested in telling daddy's story, but always hard when you read or hear incorrect representation.
When you look at this and think about it, I think this is probably how we ought to all play the guitar! Who was it that told us to hold it where we could only see and reach part of it???
@bshdad Buddy Emmons and Thumbs were best friends, He was at Buddys house the night he died, they had been in Australia with Scott Anderson doing a series of seminars on the relationship between steel/upright/and flat on your lap picking and the idea of transposing them. When they all got back they flew in and went to Buddys house, to tired to sleep they sat up and played cards for a few hours, finally Thumbs said he was going to bed and laid down in the guest room, he never woke up.
+Swordfish848 That's life in the music business. If you make your living with music, you go wherever someone will hire you. He had been working some bar in Montana for about a year before Roger Miller hired him.
Probably made $100 doing that mall gig.Actually a pro stage for the time.Monitors,everything mic'd,etc..Better than busking for quarters on the street though 🤔
The man was a genius, but I don't think he was much appreciated later on. He used to play with Bob Wills! I heard of Thumbs when he played on a public radio show in Atlanta. He'd show up every week and play a few tunes, and reminisce. I saw him in a small bar one night. I don't think he had that many options later in life - which is friggin insane! After he died, the show host stopped doing the show. It was sad. At least we got to see the second act!
It has nothing to do with capitalism, it has to do with numbers. Kids for the most part listen to their idols which are other kids. If it wasn't for capitalism the guitar and amp would have never been invented. Leo Fender and Les Paul were both capitalists meaning they marketed what they made to become successful.
I played with Thumbs in the house band at the Palomino in LA in the early 80s. What a player!
When he was having an off night he would say, "Man I'm all fingers tonight".
I met Thumbs at an after hour club in Silver Springs Maryland in the late seventies. He was the guitarist for Roger Miller's band. Roger was also there.
I played Chilli Con Carne written by Kenny Burrell. After I played, Thumbs played. I couldn't believe what I saw and heard!
What an extremely talented and gifted musician, he could play it all.
Time moves and opinions and judgements might change, but, Thumbs was a sensational, original, unique performer with surprising taste, touch, technique, and so, is in a high place, growing always, as a guitarist to stand, teach, admire.
I am from Chattanooga, Thumbs was my friend. I will always miss his unreal playing, but more than that I will miss his great sense of humor and just getting to sit and talk with him. I loved him and I will always miss him.
One of his last performances. RIP Thumbs.
Thumbs is one of America's Greatest musical talent and innovator ended up playing a Mall - whilst those blonde teeny idols without a single iota of brain cell nor talent make millions. American capitalism has no shame.
How would musicians be paid in a Socialist system? If all musicians make the same salary, should a third-rate musician be payed the same as a musician of Thumb's caliber? Thumbs Carlisle probably made good money in his prime working years. Maybe he's retired and working around town to keep his hand in the music. He might be inspiring some young person in the audience right here.
The dream of wealth and fame produces some great music and musicians. Not everybody is driven by the pure desire to excel. American music is the music of the world because the reward can be beyond (or the realization of) your wildest dreams.
@@Birdlives247 He did tour with Roy Orbison. who did know and pay, great players like Thumbs. There is some justice, and if you are in the right place, at the right time, you can hear and see them, because many times, they aren't announced on the bill. Once again, worth of mouth among musicians is the telegraph system, that gets the word around. Still am astounded by anything Thumbs did.
When Roger Miller had his prime time TV show in the mid 60s, Thumbs Carlisle was his guitarist, and he always was featured.
@@Birdlives247 Your post kicked the shit out of his. Good job
Used to work with Thumbs on the old Ozark Jubilee. What a great guitarist. He was paired up with the great Curly Chalker on steel. They played some great stuff. RIP fellows.
Wow! What a wonderful discovery. Ran across this red hot talented gent while watch a Roger Miller video.. Ahh the joy of youtube and people taking the time
Wow - what a great groove and jazz sense. An unsung hero!!!!!!!
RIP THUMBS! After playing with him in Atlanta he invited me to his house and made me sign his kitchen table,wonderful wife of his and wonderful daughter Kathy! Love U all I told him that I wish I could play like You and his answer was : I wish I could play like U..8-)
all these years I never noticed how he really played. he was great. he did what he could do different and still get great sounds. he was beyond talent,,,fantastic.
Thumbs died July 31, 1987. This video seems to have been recorded on July 4, 1987 -- less than 4 weeks before he died.
Yeah! I remember when I was 17, my friend Kerry Creasy (Bass) recommended me for a gig in Riverton WY with Thumbs.
It was the most valuable experience I could ever have. Such a gentleman. Excellent Musician. I agree with fretkillrlives, Thumbs was phenominal.
Thumbs is amazing! I knew Kerry and Wally Creasy when they moved to Arizona. I played some with Kerry. He played me some Thumbs Carlisle records and got me interested in Thumbs , who I had never heard of. I wonder how Kerry is doing. Is he still playing bass? The Creasy's were very talented musicians. Wally played violin as I recall.
@@johndelamontaigne7711 John, Kerry Creasy passed away on December 5th, 2008. I don't know if you knew this or not. Sorry to let you know.
@@chuckhenman6966 That is sad news, I didn't know he had passed away. I wish I had kept in touch with him. I moved to New England in 1994 and lost track of him. He was a really nice guy and amazing musician. Thanks for letting me know Chuck.
@@johndelamontaigne7711 Your welcome John, feel free to stay in touch.
@@chuckhenman6966Will do. When I met Kerry, he was living in Chloride AZ. He and I shared a love for jazz. I think we were about the only jazz fans in that town.This was in the mid eighties I think. I play Chromatic harmonica , mostly jazz, and blues harp as well. Kerry and I did a little playing together. Best regards, John
Thumbs was an undiscovered genius--a quintessential studio pro, but not a 'front- person' type entertainer/singer.
His playing is unbelievable...
Thumbs could do more playing guitar on his lap than I could ever do playing it the regular way!!
Thumbs is one of the best he left us way to soon.
WONDERFUL VERY ORIGINAL PLAYER!! THUMBS AND GATTON TOGETHER WITH ROGER MILLER MUST HAVE BEEN AWESOME!!!
There are two Austin City Limits Shows with Danny. One solo and one with Roger.
I would like to correct the record on Thumb's passing. He was in fact at the home of steel guitarist Herbie Wallace in Chattanooga to work on Christmas tapes. On the evening of July 31,1987 he had a heart attack in Herbie's living room. Paramedics were called and they tried to revive him. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. At the time Thumb's was playing every Thursday night at a club called The Point in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta and every Sunday night at The Freight Room in Decatur. He had lived in Decatur, Ga. since Nov. of 1986 and had become quite a celebrity among local musicians who were fascinated by his musical talent and unusual technique.
Michael Harrelson Thank you, even the articles of his life and passing have so much misinformation. Even after talking to mama, they misquoted 1/2 of everything she told them. We felt blessed that so many were interested in telling daddy's story, but always hard when you read or hear incorrect representation.
Saw him Decatur a couple of times
"thumbs" an ace with heart...
nothin' but class!!!!
He should play, "Mall The Things You Are."
Royce Campbell Or maybe “Mall of Me” Thumbs was a treasure.
@@TN-D18 And "Mall Blues." I don't think Miles would mind.
Thumbs always inspires me. The guy can swing like no other!
A Crying shame the worlds greatest guitarist playing in a mall.
What opened to the drummer and the Bass player, they were fine!
Christ Almighty.. One of the best guitarists ever and they have him in a fuckin mall.. :(
And it was his last performance before passing away !
Great!
Wish there was more stuff of Thumbs! So cool,
there is and ive got it
When you look at this and think about it, I think this is probably how we ought to all play the guitar! Who was it that told us to hold it where we could only see and reach part of it???
@bshdad Buddy Emmons and Thumbs were best friends, He was at Buddys house the night he died, they had been in Australia with Scott Anderson doing a series of seminars on the relationship between steel/upright/and flat on your lap picking and the idea of transposing them. When they all got back they flew in and went to Buddys house, to tired to sleep they sat up and played cards for a few hours, finally Thumbs said he was going to bed and laid down in the guest room, he never woke up.
Dan Snyder He was at Herbie Wallace's house in Chattanooga, Tn.
mr.thumbs is class musician, but the video is so hilarous
Thumbs up!
wow, did he make instructional videos? I'm a fan. rip.
special!
If you think it was bad in 1987 for genius' with talent, imagine what it is like today.
Dheep' P pretty good since we have this thing your using called the internet
Oh yeah. He'd make a fortune with free You Tube videos. At least he got paid for the mall gig.
Ya, big money there
What a horrible venue for such an important guitar player.
+Swordfish848 That's life in the music business. If you make your living with music, you go wherever someone will hire you. He had been working some bar in Montana for about a year before Roger Miller hired him.
Probably made $100 doing that
mall gig.Actually a pro stage for the time.Monitors,everything mic'd,etc..Better than busking for quarters on the street though 🤔
Perimeter Mall I think.
The man was a genius, but I don't think he was much appreciated later on. He used to play with Bob Wills! I heard of Thumbs when he played on a public radio show in Atlanta. He'd show up every week and play a few tunes, and reminisce.
I saw him in a small bar one night. I don't think he had that many options later in life - which is friggin insane!
After he died, the show host stopped doing the show. It was sad. At least we got to see the second act!
Jazz in a mall. Ugh. Poor Thumbs. And the bass player definitely deserves points for his glasses!
Sorry, but - what the FUCK does shit like that mean ? WHAT ? And also - WHY ?
Some say Thumbs tuned his guitar to an E9th tuning rather than the standard guitar tuning. Can anyone verify that?
He told me back in 1970 but I can't remember now. Wasn't nothing exotic. Something simple like C6th?
it doesent get better than thumbs..
What mall is that?...and where is it?...Thanks!..
Rowlandph in Atlanta
It has nothing to do with capitalism, it has to do with numbers. Kids for the most part listen to their idols which are other kids. If it wasn't for capitalism the guitar and amp would have never been invented. Leo Fender and Les Paul were both capitalists meaning they marketed what they made to become successful.