One of the things I really like about when Zac does an interview, he💯 listens to the person. Genuinely interested. Does not interrupt and try to hype up something that is not there.
I'll be honest...when I started watching the 2+ hour video I really didn't think I would finish it. I watched it from beginning to end. What a fascinating story and a towering achievement in live music. Thanks so much for bringing us this interview with Don Zac!
This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen. Thanks Zac for letting Don tell his amazing story. I could listen to him recount those tales for many hours more! A true music icon.
What a legend and a piece of Nashville history. Zac, once again you are a wizard at gracefully steering the conversation without ever cutting off the guest. Thanks for doing what you do.
I saw Don Kelley play in 2016, I think. I know I was late to the party, but I was a musician, on tour from the UK, and a friend thought I’d dig a night at Robert’s. Porter was his tele-man back then. Within no time flat I could see where the whole gig was at, and it was glorious - beer, honky tonking, Telecaster, the works. And not even a cover charge. The man is a 100-proof hero (see what I did there) and a rock god. Happy retirement, Don Kelley!
I can't believe that none of the big movie production companies have not told Don's story yet on the Big Screen. Hopefully this will soon change, so that everyone can enjoy it.
Of course, and I have to wonder how much the potential cost of licensing music to more properly convey the story, might play a significant part in something like that. What an absolutely outstanding musical legacy!
Thanks for this. Always loved seeing the Don Kelly band at Roberts, and it’s amazing to hear his story. My favorite guitar player I saw him with was Porter McClister. Unbelievable player.
Finally getting caught up with my Ask Zac videos. I can’t remember when I enjoyed an interview more - Don Kelley is a treasure. I loved how Zac let Don go the first hour, then curated the interview to hit high after high in the second hour. And JD coming in as a surprise was just fantastic - loved that moment too. All in all, a fantastic trip with all the ups, downs, laughter and tears of a life well-lived, and a man who lived it still with us - what a gift he’s given us with this interview. I know I’m gushing but as Don would say “if you don’t like it - get over it!”
Zac we NEED a very short video with Don saying “WRONG” that’s all we need just those few seconds. Can you upload that for us? It would be the perfect retort for online skirmishes.
I've seen all these videos...this was going away the best. A Nashville treasure and a great interviewer that showed the professional patience to let this gentleman tell his story.✌️
Don Kelly is legendary, and the fact two of his last band's musicians are there to hear his story shows their respect for him. Interesting interview, thank you!
This was the best interview ! I enjoyed it so much. A guy wonders where his heroes come from, and I stumbled upon this interview as part of my Tele-Quest! The aspect that struck me more than anything else was the underlying humility, respect and gratitude Don shows for WHO and where he came from! Thank you, AGAIN ZAK, for letting that come out in this Enthralling interview! I couldn't stop watching it!
What a wonderful interview! Have heard so much of Mr Kelley from all the True Tone interviews you’ve conducted and I love how this pulls the history all together. Great interview, really loved this interview! Thank you Zac!
I will watch this video probably 20 times. I’m older than you Zac but younger than Don by a few years. I can’t begin to explain the experience you guys took me on. I’ve been playing since ‘64 so this is my era. Total inspiration for me… Best video ever Z ac
An amazing interview for an amazing story, these are the stories that should be told to keep the legacy. Thank you Zac (I just realised you're ask Zac, lol!)
Incredible interview, personality, & life story. I worked for a full bird Colonel, one time. He was from Texas, & was a retired Chaplain. Came and got me out of jail one time. Great guy!
Im from Panamá and a fan of Don youtube ‘s videos, saved money for 3 years to go to Nashville finally made it but Kelley ‘ s Heroes where the band at Roberts, Luke was very friendly and the guys at Robert’s too I will definitely be back to Nashville Great Documentary
This has been without a doubt my favourite episode . Don is hilarious . Stooped in country history, and he’s responsible for some of the greatest pickers who ever picked up an instrument Legend Thanks Zac I’ve enjoyed this so much
I'll never forget walking into Robert's right as Don and the band were starting Ghost RIders with JD Simo plugged straight into a blackface deluxe with no fx and getting my mind blown! It didn't take long after getting home to learn who the hotshot guitarist was and the legacy of killer players mentored by Don. What a real treat Zack - thanks for putting this great interview together!
Point of interest, the Misfits guitarist Don mentions, Carl Flick, traded his sunburst 335 for a cherry 335 at McCarty’s music store in Wichita Falls . His old sunburst 335 was bought by Don Bennett, who later moved to Austin and played with Jimmy Vaughn then for about 40 years with Marcia Ball. Don traded it in at South Austin Music where it was purchased by Stephen Bruton. It remained his main guitar until the gold PRS. Great interview, thanks!
Cool info. I heard Stephen Bruton play at a festival many years ago. That 335 through his Dumble amp was absolutely magical. I believe it may be the best live tone I’ve ever heard. I became an instant fan.
I'll never be able to count the times I was there with friends to see his band. Many times, I'd just go down myself to enjoy the energy and the playing.
Thank you for this Zac! Any musician that has visited, or worked in Nashville, has went to see this man and his band.....and if not, they don't know what they've missed!!!!
Also Matheus Canteri.. I caught Don several times when visiting Nashvilles Roberts Western World. Very personable guy. Great showman and a true Gentleman!
It was really interesting to hear Don tell the story of his musical life. Thanks Zac for being an excellent interviewer. I recently saw a video of a full set of the Don Kelley band. Don is an excellent guitar player: telecaster and acoustic.
So incredible! I was in Nashville, with my band, for the first time in early Dec. 2022 and got a recommendation to stop into Robert's. We came in thru the back door and knew right away that the band was something special - later to find out it was Kelley's Heroes. Since then I've seen about every RUclips of these guys as imaginable. And then to find this interview, and the one recently with just Luke - wow! Blown away by the stories and the music!
Don was so gracious and great to me when i first moved to nasville, im from okc and his friend and guitarist ronnie martin told me to look don up, so when i told don 'ronnie sent me', i was accepted.. boy , im glad i got to nashville when don kelly was still playin every night.... man alive!
Hi Zac, I lived in Nashville, well actually Goodlettsville from June of 1992 to July 1994. I went to the Stagecoach many times to hear Don Kelley's band. Do you happen to know who was playing guitar for him then? Thanks for your time!
Just passed thru Nashville and walked their strip. There was country rock and classic rock pouring out of all the clubs, all but one. We walked to the river and headed back to Robert's Western World. Glad we did. In 2023, Don Kelley had already retired but Kelley's Heroes were a great band. Worth hearing at least once, and if I'm ever in Nashville again, I hope to hear them again. Country music isn’t my favorite kind of music, but any kind of music played with fire and feel is a joy. New fan.
Word cannot express how amazing this was, i've watched in twice already. Thanks to everyone and especially Zak for being persistent and Don for finally doing this interview, If you read the comments sir it was great to hear about your life, I would buy the book if it ever comes out. Thanks again to all involved this was a true rare gem of an interview, absolutely fantastic.
Amazing Amazing!!!!! One of the best things I've seen on youtube, had me laughing out load and a few lumps in the throat, what a life story. thank you xx
Extremely important interview, thanks for this Zac. Don is a legend I unfortunately never got to see in Robert’s! Your interviews are really essential listening for learning about country musicians. Enormous fan of your engaging interview style and talent. You’re as much a part of it to give the guys a platform for these stories as these guys are for living the stories. Legend!
Probably one of the best interviews I've watched. It took me four sittings to get thru it all and I'm thinking of watching it again. I found myself backing up and replaying parts of it just to catch some of the lines. Never got to see Don's band during my various trips to Nashville and I'll live to regret that I'm sure. Seems like a no BS kind of guy. That story about Redd and the look on Don's face was just great.
Excellent interview Zak. What a great insight into the world of Nashville music. Joining the dots of the amazing talents of Brent Mason, Guthrie Trapp and Luke MQueary. It feels like the plot of Whiplash in parts. Your interview with Luke was outstanding and I would love for you to interview Guthrie Trapp in the same style. Thank you Zak for opening a window into the Nashville music scene.
I found this interview quite interesting. I never met Don Kelley but I worked next door to Robert's for 6 years. When I came to Nashville in '91 I started busking on Lower Broadway and 2nd Ave, teamed up with some other buskers, and one day Robert Moore stopped by and offered us the house gig at the new bar/club that he just bought next door to Robert's. It was called The Bluegrass Inn which is now Layla's. So I ended up playing with 2 different house bands in that bar, first band played 6-10 and second band was 10-2, so I was playing 8 hours a night for 5 nights a week. But Robert didn't allow the band to take a break, so the band had to keep playing even if somebody had to go use the bathroom. The music never stopped, that was the rule. So it was very rare that I could go listen to Don Kelley's band but once in awhile I heard part of a song. I knew Dave Roe as an electric bassist in other gigs and sessions. But for Don he was playing upright and slapping it. I remember when Johnny Hiland started playing in Don's band and sometimes I got to listen from outside on the sidewalk, but then I'd have to get back on stage for my gig. I have to admit that playing 8 hours a night without break is not for everybody but I loved it and at the time my chops were the best ever. To this day, I don't like playing with a band that takes breaks. Seems lazy to me. Maybe a short break would be okay, but 15 minutes out of every hour is too much and a waste of my time. I am there to play, not schmooze with the customers. Anyway, it was a good time. Now I haven't been downtown in 20 years. I don't like it anymore, but the 90's were awesome to me.
My gawd, I’m only 35 minutes into this and it’s an absolute delight. This man is everything I thought he’d be and more. What a treasure. I just regret never making it to one of his gigs.
The Arkansas Tele picker playing with the Band that Don mentioned was Earle Cates of the Cates Bros. Their drummer was Levons cousin. They opened for and played with Band many times. They are from Fayetteville.Ar. so Im sure they go back to the Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks days. They had a hit with the song Union Man available on YT. Bass player Ron E. also played with Delbert.
I only discovered Don Kelley a few days ago. I didn’t even think I would find this interesting. Wrong! This was one of the best interviews I have ever heard and your knowledge of the Nashville scene and history is impressive. I remember JD talking about how he was going to be homeless the next day if he didn’t get a gig and someone passing by as he was busking hooked him up with Don and changed his destiny. Dons parting line for JD telling him not to play over the lyrics reminded me of a Justin Ostrander video where he was reviewing a bands performance and he made the observation that the guitar player was soloing over the lyrics. I was was not aware of this before Justin said it and Don reinforced it with his admonition of JD. Don is like six degrees of separation between a bunch of really good musicians.
the Don Kelley episode is priceless lol.. ive watched it front to back at leat 2x. i've been a gibson/marshall guy forever. im a mechanical engineer by trade, sharing my time in the aviation & motorcycle trade. 2 yrs ago i bought a baja tele that needed neck work. i'd been buying set-up, fret & nut slotting tools & my thought process was: "im not gonna paractice/learn how to do thia on my precious gibsons, ill buy a klunker ( see baja tele) & learn on that. Worst case scenario? i eff up a fender neck & buy a new one etc.. it took me a minute to develop some techniques conducive to good playability but i turned this baja tele into a keeper. & now i love this thing... so down the tele/ youtube rabbit hole i went lol... Its that rabbit hole that turned me onto "ask zac", 5wattworld, kenny vaughan/superlatives (saw them live this winter in NH) trapp, jd, hiland etc. & here i am. thanks for all of it, especially the don kelley episode,( new rabbit hole) it was both educational & hysterical ( humbuckers??...WRONG) & "said he had a tele but showed up w this G&L thing!).. lol. thanks again! -jon
That upright bassist in the peanut gallery is Joe Fick, of The Dempseys, now disbanded, but legendary down in Memphis, TN. Their showmanship, humor and stage antics were incredible (Joe was like a crazed Jim Carey acrobat on that bass, standing on it, laying on it, spinning it, and he and the guitarist would throw each other their instruments to play or twine together and play each others instruments on the necks while their other hands did the strumming or picking still on their native instrument, etc.). I saw him/them perform at the Elvis Presley Club on Beale Street twice, The Dempseys were great to hear and watch, really nailing the Elvis era Rockabilly. Too bad that club closed, The Dempseys and the Club were very cool and classy together. Talked to Joe later at a local Memphis music store (I think it may have been Martin's Music, can't remember for sure), and he is a genuinely nice guy with a good sense of humor. He is a class act. Any band would be fortunate to have him, no doubt. Watch some of the old The Dempseys videos for an idea of them, but I can tell you their videos don't do them justice at all. In person, they blew your mind, ha. Joe is a great musician.
The EP Club had some really good food at decent prices too. Loved their BBQ baby back ribs, would order the half-rack meal, a true taste sensation in your mouth. Then The Dempseys were down on the stage or in front of you (a multi-level classy place), just blowing it up, ha.
I recall Joe saying at the music store, he was going to Nashville more or something like that. I was thinking, dang, Memphis is losing a treasure! 🙂 Of course, Nashville was/is the place to go, for the bigger opportunities, no doubt.
Thanks Zac, this is such a great interview. Your channel has opened my eyes and ears to so much great music and amazing musicians. Growing up in England, I didn't hear much country. I discovered Albert Lee but not much else! Learning about all the guys you revere has been mind blowing. Thanks
Started with the tearful emotion when he picked up the Uke and said my mother took 9 dollars from the weekly shopping budget to buy him one. I guess I wished my mother loved me as much..Tra La
One of the best ever....miss seeing Don. Seen so many good players over the years. We were fortunate enough to see the JD Simon era lineup play our wedding reception. A treasure we'll never forget.
I first started watching Don and his band when Guthrie was there. I always made sure I went to Roberts when I went to Nashville to watch Don. I was there the first night JD played and was blown away. He looked out of place with his long curly hair, rhinestone jacket and DR Z amp but my goodness he lit the place up. I was sad when I went back and learned Don had retired. Lots of great memories there watching and listening to great country music.
One of the things I really like about when Zac does an interview, he💯 listens to the person. Genuinely interested. Does not interrupt and try to hype up something that is not there.
So true…Zac is a wonderful interviewer and a great listener
Fully agree. Great job Zac.
I'll be honest...when I started watching the 2+ hour video I really didn't think I would finish it. I watched it from beginning to end. What a fascinating story and a towering achievement in live music. Thanks so much for bringing us this interview with Don Zac!
This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen. Thanks Zac for letting Don tell his amazing story. I could listen to him recount those tales for many hours more! A true music icon.
What a legend and a piece of Nashville history. Zac, once again you are a wizard at gracefully steering the conversation without ever cutting off the guest. Thanks for doing what you do.
Oh, Zac, that was phenomenal! Thank you so much for what you do at Truetone Lounge and at Ask Zac
This is one of the best interviews on this channel.
I saw Don Kelley play in 2016, I think. I know I was late to the party, but I was a musician, on tour from the UK, and a friend thought I’d dig a night at Robert’s. Porter was his tele-man back then. Within no time flat I could see where the whole gig was at, and it was glorious - beer, honky tonking, Telecaster, the works. And not even a cover charge. The man is a 100-proof hero (see what I did there) and a rock god. Happy retirement, Don Kelley!
I think I will be watching this about every 6 months or so. I now have a lot of musicians to look up. Great interview
Zac, thank you so much for this "history" lesson. Getting these accounts directly from Don was priceless! Love your channel!
Very cool interview... thank you for sharing it :)
I can't believe that none of the big movie production companies have not told Don's story yet on the Big Screen. Hopefully this will soon change, so that everyone can enjoy it.
Amen.
First a book about his life to base the movie on?
Better yet, a proper documentary that includes all of the talented people that were in his band over the years
Completely agree. Absolute legend right here.
Of course, and I have to wonder how much the potential cost of licensing music to more properly convey the story, might play a significant part in something like that. What an absolutely outstanding musical legacy!
thanks Zac for bring Don to us. Believe that the guitar player he saw with The Band in Nashville was Earl Cate and the drummer was Terry Cagle.
YES!
This is brilliant, thanks for giving Don the opportunity to tell his story. He's a real life living legend.
Thanks for this. Always loved seeing the Don Kelly band at Roberts, and it’s amazing to hear his story. My favorite guitar player I saw him with was Porter McClister. Unbelievable player.
Finally getting caught up with my Ask Zac videos. I can’t remember when I enjoyed an interview more - Don Kelley is a treasure. I loved how Zac let Don go the first hour, then curated the interview to hit high after high in the second hour. And JD coming in as a surprise was just fantastic - loved that moment too. All in all, a fantastic trip with all the ups, downs, laughter and tears of a life well-lived, and a man who lived it still with us - what a gift he’s given us with this interview. I know I’m gushing but as Don would say “if you don’t like it - get over it!”
When I got the chance to see the great Don Kelly band, damn drummer fell back thru the damn window. Fun night.
Mentioned in the interview
I was there a couple nights later and the window was still not fixed yet. Good old days.
This was phenomenal, Zac. Thanks to you and everyone involved in making this interview happen.
This is pure gold, being able to hear all these fantastic stories from a living legend is
priceless, congratulations Zac and thank you!!!
Zac we NEED a very short video with Don saying “WRONG” that’s all we need just those few seconds. Can you upload that for us? It would be the perfect retort for online skirmishes.
I've seen all these videos...this was going away the best. A Nashville treasure and a great interviewer that showed the professional patience to let this gentleman tell his story.✌️
We miss you Don. Roberts was a go to for years to see you!
Don Kelly is legendary, and the fact two of his last band's musicians are there to hear his story shows their respect for him.
Interesting interview, thank you!
Great show! It was wonderful to hear Don tell his story. Thank you Don for finally agreeing to do this interview, it was worth the wait!
Thanks for listening
Don is such a legend. What a thoroughly enthralling story. Thank you SO much for putting this out there for us to enjoy.
This was the best interview ! I enjoyed it so much. A guy wonders where his heroes come from, and I stumbled upon this interview as part of my Tele-Quest! The aspect that struck me more than anything else was the underlying humility, respect and gratitude Don shows for WHO and where he came from! Thank you, AGAIN ZAK, for letting that come out in this Enthralling interview! I couldn't stop watching it!
Thank you Mr. Kelley , your leadership has been a contribution to county music, thank you Zack you also are a 10+ interviewer
This is the single best interview I have ever heard, Thanks Zac for making this available to the you tube world.
Great interview! Was lucky enough to see many of those great players over the years at Roberts...brought back great memories...
What a wonderful interview! Have heard so much of Mr Kelley from all the True Tone interviews you’ve conducted and I love how this pulls the history all together. Great interview, really loved this interview! Thank you Zac!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was just going to say that I hope this goes on for at least three hours. This might be the best Zac interview ever.
I will watch this video probably 20 times. I’m older than you Zac but younger than Don by a few years. I can’t begin to explain the experience you guys took me on. I’ve been playing since ‘64 so this is my era. Total inspiration for me… Best video ever Z ac
This was one of the most enjoyable interviews ever. Learned a lot.
An amazing interview for an amazing story, these are the stories that should be told to keep the legacy. Thank you Zac (I just realised you're ask Zac, lol!)
Thanks for listening
These interviews are just great. You learn so many of the details that shaped their careers. Really enjoyed hearing Don tell his life story.
You've had some great shows, but this one tops them all! Thank you all.
Glad you like them!
You really should make some 10 min clips... at least 10 great ones here, but hard to find in the long form
Incredible interview, personality, & life story. I worked for a full bird Colonel, one time. He was from Texas, & was a retired Chaplain. Came and got me out of jail one time. Great guy!
Great interview Zac. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Jason.
Im from Panamá and a fan of Don youtube ‘s videos, saved money for 3 years to go to Nashville finally made it but Kelley ‘ s Heroes where the band at Roberts, Luke was very friendly and the guys at Robert’s too
I will definitely be back to Nashville
Great Documentary
This was such a great watch; thanks Zac!
You are welcome, Bart
Oh Great Show Z! Thank you, truly a wonderful opportunity to hear
This has been without a doubt my favourite episode . Don is hilarious . Stooped in country history, and he’s responsible for some of the greatest pickers who ever picked up an instrument
Legend
Thanks Zac I’ve enjoyed this so much
I'll never forget walking into Robert's right as Don and the band were starting Ghost RIders with JD Simo plugged straight into a blackface deluxe with no fx and getting my mind blown! It didn't take long after getting home to learn who the hotshot guitarist was and the legacy of killer players mentored by Don. What a real treat Zack - thanks for putting this great interview together!
I’ve watched dozens of your videos, enjoyed them all, and this one is my favorite.
Wow, thanks!
Point of interest, the Misfits guitarist Don mentions, Carl Flick, traded his sunburst 335 for a cherry 335 at McCarty’s music store in Wichita Falls . His old sunburst 335 was bought by Don Bennett, who later moved to Austin and played with Jimmy Vaughn then for about 40 years with Marcia Ball. Don traded it in at South Austin Music where it was purchased by Stephen Bruton. It remained his main guitar until the gold PRS. Great interview, thanks!
Cool info. I heard Stephen Bruton play at a festival many years ago. That 335 through his Dumble amp was absolutely magical. I believe it may be the best live tone I’ve ever heard.
I became an instant fan.
A lovely man.
The story is incredible. I’m glad Zac got to be the one to get Don’s story documented!
Great interview. A Nashville legend. I'm fortunate to have seen Don and his band play at Roberts a couple of times.
I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed any interview as much as this one here, ever, what a gem man thanks Zac ❤
Wow, thank you!
I'll never be able to count the times I was there with friends to see his band. Many times, I'd just go down myself to enjoy the energy and the playing.
This has been the best two hours I have spent in a long time.
Thank you for this Zac! Any musician that has visited, or worked in Nashville, has went to see this man and his band.....and if not, they don't know what they've missed!!!!
Also Matheus Canteri.. I caught Don several times when visiting Nashvilles Roberts Western World. Very personable guy. Great showman and a true Gentleman!
It was really interesting to hear Don tell the story of his musical life. Thanks Zac for being an excellent interviewer. I recently saw a video of a full set of the Don Kelley band. Don is an excellent guitar player: telecaster and acoustic.
So incredible! I was in Nashville, with my band, for the first time in early Dec. 2022 and got a recommendation to stop into Robert's. We came in thru the back door and knew right away that the band was something special - later to find out it was Kelley's Heroes. Since then I've seen about every RUclips of these guys as imaginable. And then to find this interview, and the one recently with just Luke - wow! Blown away by the stories and the music!
Outstanding gentleman, thanks Zack
Don was so gracious and great to me when i first moved to nasville, im from okc and his friend and guitarist ronnie martin told me to look don up, so when i told don 'ronnie sent me', i was accepted.. boy , im glad i got to nashville when don kelly was still playin every night.... man alive!
Hi Zac, I lived in Nashville, well actually Goodlettsville from June of 1992 to July 1994. I went to the Stagecoach many times to hear Don Kelley's band. Do you happen to know who was playing guitar for him then? Thanks for your time!
Stumbled into Robert's Western World in 2019 Holiday from England, & was blown away with this guys talent! Luke Mqueary was on guitar..Wow!
I've stumbled out of there more than once
Just passed thru Nashville and walked their strip. There was country rock and classic rock pouring out of all the clubs, all but one. We walked to the river and headed back to Robert's Western World. Glad we did. In 2023, Don Kelley had already retired but Kelley's Heroes were a great band. Worth hearing at least once, and if I'm ever in Nashville again, I hope to hear them again. Country music isn’t my favorite kind of music, but any kind of music played with fire and feel is a joy. New fan.
Word cannot express how amazing this was, i've watched in twice already. Thanks to everyone and especially Zak for being persistent and Don for finally doing this interview, If you read the comments sir it was great to hear about your life, I would buy the book if it ever comes out. Thanks again to all involved this was a true rare gem of an interview, absolutely fantastic.
Wow, thank you!
Wowie… Fascinating, and a lot of fun to watch! Thanks for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Heartwarming Zac.....my youth flickered before my eyes.
Another great interview! Thanks, Zac
Thanks for listening
Thanks so much for getting him to do this. I enjoyed this immensely.
Our pleasure!
Great interview! Brought back a lot of memories from MY time in Nashville.
Volkaert and Hiland live nearby in central VA.
Amazing Amazing!!!!! One of the best things I've seen on youtube, had me laughing out load and a few lumps in the throat, what a life story. thank you xx
Extremely important interview, thanks for this Zac. Don is a legend I unfortunately never got to see in Robert’s!
Your interviews are really essential listening for learning about country musicians.
Enormous fan of your engaging interview style and talent. You’re as much a part of it to give the guys a platform for these stories as these guys are for living the stories. Legend!
Probably one of the best interviews I've watched. It took me four sittings to get thru it all and I'm thinking of watching it again. I found myself backing up and replaying parts of it just to catch some of the lines. Never got to see Don's band during my various trips to Nashville and I'll live to regret that I'm sure. Seems like a no BS kind of guy. That story about Redd and the look on Don's face was just great.
Such an amazing man. A true legend. When I think of Nashville he is what I think of! Thanks for all the memories!
Excellent interview Zak. What a great insight into the world of Nashville music. Joining the dots of the amazing talents of Brent Mason, Guthrie Trapp and Luke MQueary.
It feels like the plot of Whiplash in parts. Your interview with Luke was outstanding and I would love for you to interview Guthrie Trapp in the same style.
Thank you Zak for opening a window into the Nashville music scene.
I found this interview quite interesting. I never met Don Kelley but I worked next door to Robert's for 6 years. When I came to Nashville in '91 I started busking on Lower Broadway and 2nd Ave, teamed up with some other buskers, and one day Robert Moore stopped by and offered us the house gig at the new bar/club that he just bought next door to Robert's. It was called The Bluegrass Inn which is now Layla's. So I ended up playing with 2 different house bands in that bar, first band played 6-10 and second band was 10-2, so I was playing 8 hours a night for 5 nights a week. But Robert didn't allow the band to take a break, so the band had to keep playing even if somebody had to go use the bathroom. The music never stopped, that was the rule. So it was very rare that I could go listen to Don Kelley's band but once in awhile I heard part of a song. I knew Dave Roe as an electric bassist in other gigs and sessions. But for Don he was playing upright and slapping it. I remember when Johnny Hiland started playing in Don's band and sometimes I got to listen from outside on the sidewalk, but then I'd have to get back on stage for my gig.
I have to admit that playing 8 hours a night without break is not for everybody but I loved it and at the time my chops were the best ever. To this day, I don't like playing with a band that takes breaks. Seems lazy to me. Maybe a short break would be okay, but 15 minutes out of every hour is too much and a waste of my time. I am there to play, not schmooze with the customers. Anyway, it was a good time. Now I haven't been downtown in 20 years. I don't like it anymore, but the 90's were awesome to me.
This guy changed my life. There is so much more to his story and his legacy that people will never understand.
BEST SHOW YET IMHO!!!!!!!!! I go back to Brent and Red days at the Stagecoach Big. Great Music!!!!!1
I love Tele players and these stories are really good to hear. Thank you!
My gawd, I’m only 35 minutes into this and it’s an absolute delight. This man is everything I thought he’d be and more. What a treasure. I just regret never making it to one of his gigs.
Absolute legend. Thank you for doing this interview!
Great interview Zac . So many great stories from Don . Hilarious anecdotes.
Loved the interview,
What a great segment and true, he’s like the John Mayall of Nashville. What a hoot and great storyteller. Thanks for sharing this with us Don and Zac.
Wow, the only thing wrong with the interview is it's not twice as long-I could listen to his stories all night-great interview!
The Arkansas Tele picker playing with the Band that Don mentioned was Earle Cates of the Cates Bros. Their drummer was Levons cousin. They opened for and played with Band many times. They are from Fayetteville.Ar. so Im sure they go back to the Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks days. They had a hit with the song Union Man available on YT. Bass player Ron E. also played with Delbert.
I only discovered Don Kelley a few days ago. I didn’t even think I would find this interesting. Wrong! This was one of the best interviews I have ever heard and your knowledge of the Nashville scene and history is impressive. I remember JD talking about how he was going to be homeless the next day if he didn’t get a gig and someone passing by as he was busking hooked him up with Don and changed his destiny. Dons parting line for JD telling him not to play over the lyrics reminded me of a Justin Ostrander video where he was reviewing a bands performance and he made the observation that the guitar player was soloing over the lyrics. I was was not aware of this before Justin said it and Don reinforced it with his admonition of JD. Don is like six degrees of separation between a bunch of really good musicians.
That would be in the top five of my favorite interviews. Period.
the Don Kelley episode is priceless lol.. ive watched it front to back at leat 2x. i've been a gibson/marshall guy forever. im a mechanical engineer by trade, sharing my time in the aviation & motorcycle trade. 2 yrs ago i bought a baja tele that needed neck work. i'd been buying set-up, fret & nut slotting tools & my thought process was: "im not gonna paractice/learn how to do thia on my precious gibsons, ill buy a klunker ( see baja tele) & learn on that. Worst case scenario? i eff up a fender neck & buy a new one etc.. it took me a minute to develop some techniques conducive to good playability but i turned this baja tele into a keeper. & now i love this thing... so down the tele/ youtube rabbit hole i went lol... Its that rabbit hole that turned me onto "ask zac", 5wattworld, kenny vaughan/superlatives (saw them live this winter in NH) trapp, jd, hiland etc. & here i am. thanks for all of it, especially the don kelley episode,( new rabbit hole) it was both educational & hysterical ( humbuckers??...WRONG) & "said he had a tele but showed up w this G&L thing!).. lol.
thanks again!
-jon
What an awesome interview thank you !
Thanks for listening
JD, Red, Guthrie, Brent, Johnny. Soo many smokin guys from his band.
Wow, great job with the interview, Zac; what a great story from a musical icon, really enjoyed that
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was absolutely priceless. I enjoyed every second of it!
EPIC! I have to watch it twice on AskZac and Truetone.
That upright bassist in the peanut gallery is Joe Fick, of The Dempseys, now disbanded, but legendary down in Memphis, TN. Their showmanship, humor and stage antics were incredible (Joe was like a crazed Jim Carey acrobat on that bass, standing on it, laying on it, spinning it, and he and the guitarist would throw each other their instruments to play or twine together and play each others instruments on the necks while their other hands did the strumming or picking still on their native instrument, etc.). I saw him/them perform at the Elvis Presley Club on Beale Street twice, The Dempseys were great to hear and watch, really nailing the Elvis era Rockabilly. Too bad that club closed, The Dempseys and the Club were very cool and classy together. Talked to Joe later at a local Memphis music store (I think it may have been Martin's Music, can't remember for sure), and he is a genuinely nice guy with a good sense of humor. He is a class act. Any band would be fortunate to have him, no doubt. Watch some of the old The Dempseys videos for an idea of them, but I can tell you their videos don't do them justice at all. In person, they blew your mind, ha. Joe is a great musician.
The EP Club had some really good food at decent prices too. Loved their BBQ baby back ribs, would order the half-rack meal, a true taste sensation in your mouth. Then The Dempseys were down on the stage or in front of you (a multi-level classy place), just blowing it up, ha.
I recall Joe saying at the music store, he was going to Nashville more or something like that. I was thinking, dang, Memphis is losing a treasure! 🙂 Of course, Nashville was/is the place to go, for the bigger opportunities, no doubt.
What a great interview with a true Cat! Don Kelley is truly an institution, with a legacy that'll live on and on!
Thanks Zac, this is such a great interview. Your channel has opened my eyes and ears to so much great music and amazing musicians. Growing up in England, I didn't hear much country. I discovered Albert Lee but not much else! Learning about all the guys you revere has been mind blowing. Thanks
My pleasure!
This was just plain delightful.
Started with the tearful emotion when he picked up the Uke and said my mother took 9 dollars from the weekly shopping budget to buy him one. I guess I wished my mother loved me as much..Tra La
One of the best ever....miss seeing Don. Seen so many good players over the years. We were fortunate enough to see the JD Simon era lineup play our wedding reception. A treasure we'll never forget.
I first started watching Don and his band when Guthrie was there. I always made sure I went to Roberts when I went to Nashville to watch Don. I was there the first night JD played and was blown away. He looked out of place with his long curly hair, rhinestone jacket and DR Z amp but my goodness he lit the place up. I was sad when I went back and learned Don had retired. Lots of great memories there watching and listening to great country music.
Great interview Zac!
Best thing I’ve watched in a long time. Thanks
Glad to hear it!
Awesome interview😃