The Ballad of the Top Ten: The Ballad of Jed Clampett (#4)

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Sorry I’m late. Same reason as two weeks ago: had lunch with family. I didn’t forget you all, so here’s the next song on the list of songs with “the ballad of” in the title. And, boy, I hope you knew this one was coming!! #4: The Ballad of Jed Clampett - Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs But of course! The theme to the legendary TV series The Beverly Hillbillies was a massive hit for bluegrass legends Flatt & Scruggs. They actually recorded the song before the series aired, but the theme in the TV show was sung by Jerry Scoggins. Lester and Earl were proving the musical background, though. In fact, Flatt & Scruggs made a few appearances in the show, as friends of the Clampetts. Roy Clark appeared as Cousin Roy (and played Mother Myrtle in one episode). The series in the early 60s was sponsored by Kellogg’s, featuring commercials by Homer & Jethro. So it was pure country fun all the way around. This is one of the best-known TV theme songs of the 60s, thanks to the outstanding musicianship of the bluegrass icons. The Ballad of Jed Clampett Written by Paul Henning Recorded by Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs From Hard Travelin’, 1962 Jed, move away from there!