Country Singer Roy Clark Dies at 85

Country star Roy Clark, who is known for headlining musical variety series “Hee Haw” for nearly a quarter century, died to complications from pneumonia. He was 85. Clark was the “Hee Haw” host or co-host for its entire 24-year run, with Buck Owens his best-known co-host. The country music and comedy show’s last episode aired in 1993.

From CNN: Raised in Washington D.C., Clark began his musical career as a young teen. He made his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry at age 17. Band gigs led to television appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “American Bandstand.”

In 1969, Clark and Buck Owens were tapped to co-host “Hee Haw.” The country music and comedy show aired in syndication for more than two decades, with Clark as host or co-host its entire run. With hits like “The Tips of My Fingers” and “Yesterday, When I Was Young,” Clark was one of the first cross-over artists to land singles on both the country and pop charts. In 1982, Clark won a Grammy for best country instrumental performance for “Alabama Jubilee.” He was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.

He is survived by extensive family and his wife of 61 years, Barbara.