growing up in front of our new curtis -mathis tv was soooo nice especially when it was hew haw night.......you didnt even think of turning that knob with me directly in front of it.
May the good Lord keep those hew haw has lost in his kingdom .Thank you for the moments I'd almost bust a gut .I have a question Grandpa........Whats for supper?
Stringbean was once the banjo player for Bill Monroe. What happened to his replacement, Earl Scruggs? How come there were no clips of Stringbean as the Scarecrow? Hee Haw's cast came together twice a year to tape their episodes. Stringbean's distrust of banks and habit of showing his money played roles in his tragic death. The killers were still completely in the wrong. His stash was discovered many years later. Hee Haw would lose many more cast members during their long run.
@iVenge I don't know about Stringbean's hands but I do know this is from the 10th anniversary show for Hee Haw. Buck Owens also did a tribute to Don Rich right after this. I don't know about any other tributes. I was not alive at the time but am enjoying them on RFD now and DVDs-which I have the anniversary show on.
today was the day that evil crept into the lives of Stringbean and Estelle and they were senslessly taken from us, at an all-too-early age. please take a moment and say a prayer for all things Stringbean.
very touching, thanks for posting....I'd like to think that shows like Hee Haw and fine people like Grandpa and Stringbean will some day take over television again
Grandpa Jones shares this "tribute to Stringbean" with such 'Grace'...I can't imagine not breaking down when speaking publicly soon after a loved ones death,especially after such a senseless murder....but what a beautiful collection of stories. ALLEN0995 , Thank-you for this post and the opportunity for all of us to deal with our feelings surrounding death due to the hands of another.....W.D.
I grew up one county west of Nashville, though String died 3 months after my birth. Somehow I found myself drawn to him. And have actually made great friends whom String shared. He will always be my favorite and missed dearly.
This sort of broke my heart all over again. I watched Hee Haw with Mom growing up. Stringbean was tops. I always loved "The Letter From Home" segment and his trademark wave of his hat and hand. This brought back some special memories I have.. Thanks for posting, and as someone else posted, God Bless and Rest in Peace our departed Hee Haw family.
What would a young black kid growing up in the projects have in common with the Hee Haw gang??? I guess an appreciation for family, great music and slapstick comedy. I watched Hee Haw reluctantly on Saturday afternoons and soon realized it was fun television! I became familiar with all the country greats and enjoyed Buck, Roy,Grandpa, Junior, and the entire Hee Haw community. Like Sha na na, Hee Haw was priceless and nothing exist like it anywhere today.
@asheyblacq You're not the only one that watch Hee Haw in the hood.I loved Hee Haw and i still do.I got the DVD of they epidsodes.Along with Benny Hill and Monty Python were my favorite shows in the 70's and 80's
In 1973, Ol Nashville lost her innocence, and I dont mean that in a good way. It got pulled into the rest of this world full of EVIL! May the demonic entities that took Ol Strang and his Mrs. from us burn in Hell. We can at least take comfort knowing that Ol Strang, along w/ all the rest of our beloved C&W heroes are giving the good Lord one Hell (no pun intended) of a good show. RIP Strang & Mrs.Strang and ALL of our heroes.
DAMN it breaks my heart just seeing this ya know. why? just......why? haters...
WHY THE HELL DO WE EVEN GOT THEM? then I read an article statinig that it
was alchoholism that was the blame for the actions and they actually waited for them. If they actually waited for them then they were there to kill em. yeah i hope if
they do release them.......i hope someone will kitnap them and cut their pinkys
String used to hang around Center Hill lake and have a wad of bills that would choke a mule in his overalls. Locals used to tell him that was dangerous, there might be robbers hanging around watching him.
Lord this brings back memories! I grew up watching this show and loved all these people. So many of this cast have passed away, but what they did here was something very special! God bless you Stringbean, Estelle, Grandpa, Buck, Archie, Jim & John Hagar, Junior and all who are no longer with us. Hee Haw baby!!!
Of the two bastards that killed Ol' Strang, one died in prison, the other one is whinin' for a parole, which was DENIED (6/11). And, I suspect that he's a helluva lot safer in prison than he would be on the streets because there's still a whole bunch'a people who'd like to run into him, one way or another.
@tubeythetubba I just heard that the one was up for parole. Thank the lord he didn't get out. Ol String and his wife seemed like good common folk and didn't hurt anyone. The scum should rot in prison.
Poor Grandpa Jones - he was completely devastated by losing Stringbean and no doubt the fact he is the one to find the bodies only added to that grief. =( This case really shook me up when I first heard about it - Stringbean and Estelle seemed like such amazing people and to know their last moments on earth were so cold, so brutal... it's just sickening. RIP Stringbean, Estelle - and Grandpa Jones!
My parents introduced me to Hee Haw, I researched the characters and everything and this was, wow. As a child of the 90's and teenager of the 2000's this was shocking in every way it could be.
Thers was a funny story about String Bean and Tompall Glacier going fishing.String couldnt swim so he got on the boat first with life vest and supplys(sandwiches and bait).Tompall then steped on the boat tipping it over,all was lost.String came up out of the water ,trying to light his pipe.Telling tompall "were gonna have to do this again sometimes" lol
@AudieGrider And oh, boy! I bet they had a wonderful reunion when they met again! In Heaven, it doesn't matter who you knew or didn't know, you're a part of it! :) RIP Stringbean and Grandpa.
Oh my lord! I dont know the full story about string-beans murder.Did someone break into his house & kill him for hidden money in a fireplace? That's the story I just heard from my brother.What is the story behind this & did they find the sick murdering a-hole/'s?? Who in the world could kill such a sweet man?? I hate money!! I wish we all still had the bartering system.We could just take care of each others needs & have done with!
I was only 5 years old when Stringbean died. I used to watch Hee Haw with my Dad every week when it was on. Stringbean was one of my favorites along with Grandpa Jones. It was not easy for my Dad to explain what happened to a 5 year old, but his death haunts me even to this day. It is amazing the talent that this show had. Anyone that grew up during this period has a special place in their heart for Stringbean specifically and Hee Haw in general.
Well, it's 2011, and according to previous posts - the man who killed String and Estelle is due up for parole this year. A good point was made that they had no children, so I wonder who will attend this hearing to object to letting this cold-blooded killer go free. We need to research and see if we can form an on-line petition or something. I will try to research. ANY IDEAS? Does anyone know the hearing date?
@Sing4More David & Estelle Akeman had no children, but it's a safe bet that there are a lot of well-placed people in Nashville who remember the day they died. I'm satisfied that their interest and memory will be represented.
I grew up in a multicultural home where I was exposed to all sorts of music. My mom listened to Bobby "Blue" Bland and Brook Benton, but also to classic country music (I was born in 1960). I was taught to appreciate the old style country and bluegrass people like Grandpa and Stringbean, and was saddened to learn of String's passing. This clip has to be from 1974 because String died in 1973. "Hee Haw" was cancelled after the 1971/1972 season and syndicated starting in 1972/73.
How do you spell that coffee? "Agrifortess?" LOL! I love watching these old clips. It brings me back to the days of when I would sit at my grandparents house in the bean bag with some popcorn and we would watch Hee Haw!
@Modernpistolero Me too. I'm an old man of 50 now, but I remember well being at my grandparents house in southwest Louisiana watching Hee Haw. There was String, Grandpa Jones, Junior, Buck and Roy, Archie and all the rest. I miss those days. Back then you could leave your doors unlocked here in the small town South and didn't have to worry about some S.O.B. breaking in and killing you. It really shocked me back then when I heard about String and his wife being murdered like that.
@ridgerunner721601 I'm an older fella of 57, and I lived in southwest, or maybe south-central Louisiana in the mid-60's. . .little Cajun town called Abbeville. If you get to see this, may I ask: where did you live ??
@drandall1776 It's good to hear from somebody from close to home on here. I'm from Lake Charles, west of Abbeville. But I know Abbeville well. I love that good old Steen's syrup made in Abbeville on my pancakes. And 57 isn't old. I'm not too far behind you. I'll be 51 later on this month.... : )
i opened for grandpa and he was a very special person also...all these wonderful people that are nolonger with us...the young people don't know what they missed
@TheFrankieDee I remember Grandpa Jones on Hee Haw well. I still get hungry when I watch reruns and everybody asks "What's for supper, Grandpa?" and he answers back.....LOL. Also, when I was young I won a rodeo contest in southwest Louisiana and ended up meeting the Hager twins. They were really nice guys. And had nothing but good to say about the rest of the cast on Hee Haw.
This wonderful tribute was recorded at the 10 year anniversary of Hee Haw. Grandpa and String were two very talented and funny men. Grandpa Jones is in the Hall of Fame now.............it's time for String to join him there.
Back in 1972, because of the success of "All In The Family" CBS decided to purge all of its rural themed shows like "Petticoat Junction", "Green Acres", "Hee Haw" and "The Beverly Hillbillies" to make room for more urban, modern themed programs. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face - 3 of those shows were in the top 30 in the ratings at the time ("Hee Haw" was in the top 10). People still love and remember "Hee Haw"; who in the world remembers and loves "He & She"?
This was a touching tribute. Man, I miss "Hee Haw" quite a bit. It was a fixture for Saturday Night back in the day. So many of them gone, too, like Buck.
There's a good write up on Stringbean's murder case on Wikipedia.
@hwoods01 Sense Grandpa and String were very good friends, it must of haunted Grandpa the rest of his life after he found stringbean and his wife dead...
@catlover75 My father was Grandpa's minister when he passed away and our family got to know him and Ms. Ramona through the church. The house that they were living in when Grandpa passed away is within a mile of where Stringbean was murdered and I remember Ms. Ramona saying that she couldn't drive by that farm anymore. Also, the Brown brothers went to high school with Grandpa and Ramona's son.
@pickyricky1 He's going to be the one on his knees groveling when the bombs start dropping and we're gone. And, if he's earnest the Good Lord WILL hear him but, there's no convincing him of that. He's lost in his own little world.
Stringbean was one of a kind. He'd flip his hat off and put it back on. I was 11 when he was murdered. I can only imagine what Grandpa Jones had to live with in finding him and Estelle dead. Then rumors started going around that GJ and Estelle had been having an affair, which wasn't true. String, you were the greatest. I hope that the country music artists of today know who set the table for them. We will never forget you or Grandpa Jones.
I wonder why five years had to pass before they had a tribute to this great talent and cast member. Perhaps the hurt was too strong, but five years seems like a bit of time to allow to pass before paying tribute.
@MIKECNW If I remember correctly, this was shown the following season after his death, which would have been the fall of 1974-I do remember seeing it. But I could be wrong, as I was still a young pup back in those days!
I was just a little girl when Stringbean was murdered and he was the first celebrity that it made me sad when he died. I thought and still think he was a great talent and a lovely man. What a waste just so some greedy SOB could get a little easy cash. There was no reason to kill him and his wife. I hope where ever he is now that he and Grandpa are happy and playing the banjo together.
The murder of Stringbean and his wife was a true tragedy. Fortunately the killers were found and brought to justice. He was a fine comedic talent and a somewhat under rated musician and by all accounts a wonderful guy. Truly a shame.
Two things: Dolly Parton is an American icon and a tribute to the people of Tennessee; and Roy Clark is the most underrated musical genius this country ever produced. Apart from them, Hee-Haw has to be the most ridiculously asinine excuse of a program in the history of TV. If I were in Al-Qaeda, I would bomb the US just for that shitty program. Thanks ever so much for your kind attention. Now go back to your tea party and pretend you aren't racists. (Oh, and please secure our borders. Thank you)
Phil Limon On this rainy spring day in Goodlettsville ,(just outside of Nashville) today I played homage at the grave of the greatest clawhammer banjo player of all time, David "Stringbean " Akemon , buried next to his sweet wife Estell. there were about 4000 graves there , i just walked out and looked down and there it was. WOW.
On this rainy spring day in Goodlettsville ,(just outside of Nashville) today I played homage at the grave of the greatest clawhammer banjo player of all time, David "Stringbean " Akemon , buried next to his sweet wife Estell. there were about 4000 graves there , i just walked out and looked down and there it was. WOW. WE all miss you string !!
If I remember the story correctly, it was Grandpa Jones who found Stringbean and his wife after the murders. Must've been something aweful to find one of your best friends like that.
my first trip to the Opry was back in 1967....stringbean and grandpa jones were both on the show that night...both are gone...both were real opry treasures
There is a special place in hell for the kind of bastard it takes to kill such a talented, good-hearted person as Stringbean. Marvin and Doug Brown.....that place is yours, bought and paid for...you son of a bitches. God bless "Ole Strang" and his wife. Stringbeans memory will never die! Thanks for posting!
There is a special place in hell for the kind of bastard it takes to kill such a talented, good-hearted person as Stringbean. Marvin and Doug Brown.....that place is yours, bought and paid for...you son of a bitches. God bless "Ole Strang" and his wife. Stringbeans memory will never die! Thanks for posting!
@NCbanjoman beats me as to how they could do that to him and his wife. It's completely beyond me, i'm 41, soon to be 42 and my ma told me something that still rings true to this day, before someone kills someone, they should get to know that person first. I still follow that belief and string's belief about the banks. He knew his history no doubt there, no wonder why he kept his money out of the bank, i can't blame him there, after all, look what happened these past few years.
God Bless Ole String Bean. I was only 10yrs old when the tragidy struck String Bean and his wife but I would have thought my own grandpa had passed because I remember watching every episode of Hee Haw with my grandpa. God Bless Grandpa Jones also...
God Bless STRING!!! There will never be another STRINGBEAN.......One of the most talented banjo pickers and entertainers of all times. He could smoke a banjo. We miss your talents, voice and good nature.....
P.S. John A. Brown and Marvin Douglas Brown the killers of this Legend.....I hope you both rot in HELL forever!!!!!!!
sad how string was murderd you can see the pain in grandpas eyes. he lost a good friend i mean brother.you are right thay are pickin and a diggin for god and all in heaven. and i hope my father is there haveing a good time.
@MightySnail007 That it does !!! I could not have said it better myself. i am just wondering if today's country music is country music at all ? A while back, i was watching an interview with one of the so-called newer singers of the 80s and they stated that there was NO more difference between western and country. I like both whether it be gene autry, lenoard sly (aka roy rogers) jimmy wakely, grandpa jones, buck owens, roy clark, porter wagoner or jack greene.
I was 19 years old when Stringbean was killed, I couldn't figure out why someone would kill such a good ol boy. RIP Stringbean, and you too, Grandpa Jones.
I miss both of them! I grew up on Hee Haw and a hilight of my childhood was seeing Stringbean live at the Opry in the Ryman, not long before he was tragically killed. What a wonderful tribute-thanks for posting this.
As sad as this story is, I won't shed a tear because I know Stringbean and Grandpa are pickin' and a grinnin' at The Grand Ol' Opry in the sky and I'll join them one day.
Thanks for posting. I really liked Grandpa Jones. He was a such a sweet man. I waited tables for a restaurant in Goodlettsville. Every Sunday he and his wife sat in my section. One day, he found a $20 bill that flew off my tray. He chased me around the place for about 10 mins to give me the money. He was laughing, out of breath when he caught me. He was so funny, great 'Joe player, and a lost hero to country music. RIP Grandpa Jones & his sweet buddy, Stringbean!
Thanks for sharing this. I'd never seen it before. It is remarkably sad and dignified, even after all these years. I'm a big fan of both these men. I got to meet Grandpa back stage at the Opry. It was a thrill. We will never replace people like this. They grew up in a different world. I'm just glad we have venues like Facebook to remind us of what we had.
@jcommins i remember these men from when i was a tad in cny. north end of the appalachain hills, and country music was proud. they were some of my childhood heroes, and i'll never forget them. long may they run!
A very moving, dignified tribute to the Great 5-String Performer, aptly conducted by the man who was probably his closest buddy of all. There may have been a handful of higher-calibre banjo-pickers around in his era, in a strictly 'pure', 'technical' sense .. but when it came to entertainment value as an on-stage Grand Ole Opry + Hee Haw performer .. ol String was unsurpassed. A very nice posting. It'll stay on my fave list for a long time.
I feel your pain Grandpa, it is indeed a tragic thing to loose those that make a dark world a brighter place, and bring joy and hope to people. It is so important to laugh and smile, in a way that hurts nobody it is an incredibly positive thing. We need more light just like this in our dark world, it helps us see.
Stringbean didn't trust banks because of all the failures in the 1930's. He had $20,000 hidden behind a stone in the fireplace. It was found some 20 years later but by then it was all chewed up by mice to make nests. $20,000 in 1973 would be about the same as $100,000 in todays market Thanks Chris
God Bless Grandpa , String , and all the old time country folk . Hee Haw represents the day when tv was worth watching. Remember "Taxi" , "Barney Miller" , or "Alice" ?? Those shows were funny and clean. Since the homosexuals and niggers took over hollywood , the shows are neither clean nor funny. I don't watch the idiot box anymore. pure filth.
well photolitherland, they were murdered by a couple of shitballs that were looking to rob them because Stringbean didn't trust banks & therefore carried large sums of cash on him, they got wind of this fact
his wife tried to escape and was gunned down in the front yard , i believe . did they ever catch the two burglars? That part of the story i've never heard
growing up in front of our new curtis -mathis tv was soooo nice especially when it was hew haw night.......you didnt even think of turning that knob with me directly in front of it.
May the good Lord keep those hew haw has lost in his kingdom .Thank you for the moments I'd almost bust a gut .I have a question Grandpa........Whats for supper?
harleypiper 13 hours ago
Stringbean was from my hometown every year here they hold a Stringbean memorial Bluegrass Festival to honor his memory.
bradbingham40447 13 hours ago
Stringbean and Grandpa always made me laugh as a kid. I'm sorry for their passing.
JeevesReturns 3 days ago
I always loved Stringbean, and I remember what happened to him, but forgot the yr. Why were they murdered, a robbery? a YOUNG SENIOR LADY fRESNO cAL
ladycharsw 1 week ago
Stringbean was once the banjo player for Bill Monroe. What happened to his replacement, Earl Scruggs? How come there were no clips of Stringbean as the Scarecrow? Hee Haw's cast came together twice a year to tape their episodes. Stringbean's distrust of banks and habit of showing his money played roles in his tragic death. The killers were still completely in the wrong. His stash was discovered many years later. Hee Haw would lose many more cast members during their long run.
orangehornet57 1 month ago
two questions if anyone knows:
- was this really five years later that they did the tribute? seems a long time afterwards.
- why did stringbean always point his hands out that way? he did that a lot.
iVenge 1 month ago
@iVenge I don't know about Stringbean's hands but I do know this is from the 10th anniversary show for Hee Haw. Buck Owens also did a tribute to Don Rich right after this. I don't know about any other tributes. I was not alive at the time but am enjoying them on RFD now and DVDs-which I have the anniversary show on.
shleedca 1 week ago
RIP, Stringbean (David Akeman). God bless you. You are greatly missed & your humor too.
JoLeana76 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
today was the day that evil crept into the lives of Stringbean and Estelle and they were senslessly taken from us, at an all-too-early age. please take a moment and say a prayer for all things Stringbean.
we miss you String!
BBQkrewe 3 months ago
38 years ago today we lost Stringbean. RIP String.
Banjomountain 3 months ago
Grandpa was right, String was a funny man. just the sight of him brought a smile to your face. His bits on HeeHaw were always the highlights to me...
WE MISS YOU STRING!!!
BBQkrewe 4 months ago
very touching, thanks for posting....I'd like to think that shows like Hee Haw and fine people like Grandpa and Stringbean will some day take over television again
h0gwartz 4 months ago 2
Grandpa Jones shares this "tribute to Stringbean" with such 'Grace'...I can't imagine not breaking down when speaking publicly soon after a loved ones death,especially after such a senseless murder....but what a beautiful collection of stories. ALLEN0995 , Thank-you for this post and the opportunity for all of us to deal with our feelings surrounding death due to the hands of another.....W.D.
mwalkingdeer 4 months ago 2
????
MrButthead007 4 months ago
i can promise you the brown bastards will never see the free world again
shaneshane316 4 months ago
@shaneshane316 I hope you're right.
StanBennet 1 month ago
I grew up one county west of Nashville, though String died 3 months after my birth. Somehow I found myself drawn to him. And have actually made great friends whom String shared. He will always be my favorite and missed dearly.
jodyvann 4 months ago
This sort of broke my heart all over again. I watched Hee Haw with Mom growing up. Stringbean was tops. I always loved "The Letter From Home" segment and his trademark wave of his hat and hand. This brought back some special memories I have.. Thanks for posting, and as someone else posted, God Bless and Rest in Peace our departed Hee Haw family.
maddogwrestlingfan 4 months ago
What would a young black kid growing up in the projects have in common with the Hee Haw gang??? I guess an appreciation for family, great music and slapstick comedy. I watched Hee Haw reluctantly on Saturday afternoons and soon realized it was fun television! I became familiar with all the country greats and enjoyed Buck, Roy,Grandpa, Junior, and the entire Hee Haw community. Like Sha na na, Hee Haw was priceless and nothing exist like it anywhere today.
asheyblacq 5 months ago 5
@asheyblacq You're not the only one that watch Hee Haw in the hood.I loved Hee Haw and i still do.I got the DVD of they epidsodes.Along with Benny Hill and Monty Python were my favorite shows in the 70's and 80's
byronbenguche 4 months ago
His death signaled the end of an era in Nashville ~ When the city still had a small town feel to it
Nuerth 5 months ago 2
I remember when Stringbean "left the show" all those years ago. I was too naive to understand what had happened to him.
Capt777harris 5 months ago 2
Some cirmes cannot and should not be forgiven by man.
redleg56 5 months ago
truly beautiful tribute. One could only be so lucky to be remembered as fondly. God bless our departed Hee Haw family
f00tst0mp 5 months ago
In 1973, Ol Nashville lost her innocence, and I dont mean that in a good way. It got pulled into the rest of this world full of EVIL! May the demonic entities that took Ol Strang and his Mrs. from us burn in Hell. We can at least take comfort knowing that Ol Strang, along w/ all the rest of our beloved C&W heroes are giving the good Lord one Hell (no pun intended) of a good show. RIP Strang & Mrs.Strang and ALL of our heroes.
lugger2010 5 months ago 3
DAMN it breaks my heart just seeing this ya know. why? just......why? haters...
WHY THE HELL DO WE EVEN GOT THEM? then I read an article statinig that it
was alchoholism that was the blame for the actions and they actually waited for them. If they actually waited for them then they were there to kill em. yeah i hope if
they do release them.......i hope someone will kitnap them and cut their pinkys
off.
Addiskrilla 6 months ago
"He told me, He wouldn't buy a farm with anybody but me" -- That is something very special to hear
hwoods01 6 months ago 2
If any one them fools got out, a lynch mob,
Maybe a roof top sniper, or a car-waitin
Hired gun WILL come hounding at em. Or
Maybe better- they'll kitnap em and give em
A slow-death Texas massacre style torture.
And his clan and kin might pay for it too.
I'll be safer if Thayer in the steelbox which
Most will perfer
Addiskrilla 6 months ago
String used to hang around Center Hill lake and have a wad of bills that would choke a mule in his overalls. Locals used to tell him that was dangerous, there might be robbers hanging around watching him.
cherwhit 6 months ago
Lord this brings back memories! I grew up watching this show and loved all these people. So many of this cast have passed away, but what they did here was something very special! God bless you Stringbean, Estelle, Grandpa, Buck, Archie, Jim & John Hagar, Junior and all who are no longer with us. Hee Haw baby!!!
MsJourneyfan 6 months ago
I loved to watch Hee Haw back in the day. Mr. RIP Stringbean and wife. And all the other passed on members of Haw.
dggd 7 months ago 2
A simple and sweet tribute. Tragic, indeed.
soybeansareevil 7 months ago
Of the two bastards that killed Ol' Strang, one died in prison, the other one is whinin' for a parole, which was DENIED (6/11). And, I suspect that he's a helluva lot safer in prison than he would be on the streets because there's still a whole bunch'a people who'd like to run into him, one way or another.
tubeythetubba 7 months ago 2
@tubeythetubba I just heard that the one was up for parole. Thank the lord he didn't get out. Ol String and his wife seemed like good common folk and didn't hurt anyone. The scum should rot in prison.
crinard53 6 months ago
@tubeythetubba i believe marvin was the one that died in jail
dougiejones33 6 months ago
Poor Grandpa Jones - he was completely devastated by losing Stringbean and no doubt the fact he is the one to find the bodies only added to that grief. =( This case really shook me up when I first heard about it - Stringbean and Estelle seemed like such amazing people and to know their last moments on earth were so cold, so brutal... it's just sickening. RIP Stringbean, Estelle - and Grandpa Jones!
KennedyFan 7 months ago 27
@KennedyFan Also, the tabloids put out a story that Estelle and Grandpa Jones had had an affair.
mkl62 1 week ago
all you hip hop folks stringbean is the man who started the style.the orignal pants man.
SIGNALSTAT 7 months ago
My parents introduced me to Hee Haw, I researched the characters and everything and this was, wow. As a child of the 90's and teenager of the 2000's this was shocking in every way it could be.
God bless you String.
Signed, New HeeHaw fan
janetbyars84 7 months ago 3
Poor Gramdpa Jones was the one who found the bodies of Stringbean and his wife. I can't imagine that sense of sudden loss
haitipi 8 months ago
StringBean and his wife were murdered sincelessly, one murderer died..the other is due out of prison this year..., don't let him out!!!!!
INKIEtheCLOWN 8 months ago 9
@INKIEtheCLOWN Amen.
mkl62 3 months ago
Thers was a funny story about String Bean and Tompall Glacier going fishing.String couldnt swim so he got on the boat first with life vest and supplys(sandwiches and bait).Tompall then steped on the boat tipping it over,all was lost.String came up out of the water ,trying to light his pipe.Telling tompall "were gonna have to do this again sometimes" lol
honestbutugly 8 months ago 2
I remember when this was first on
Idolfan21785 8 months ago
God Bless you "older" fellas. There will never be another Stringbean.
riceboy1701e 8 months ago 2
Grandpa Jones and Stringbean together in Heaven RIP
AudieGrider 9 months ago 3
@AudieGrider they were the best :(
TheFlightness 9 months ago
@AudieGrider And oh, boy! I bet they had a wonderful reunion when they met again! In Heaven, it doesn't matter who you knew or didn't know, you're a part of it! :) RIP Stringbean and Grandpa.
AlbieGray 8 months ago 3
I remember when it happened even though I was eight years old....I can remember thinking why would someone kill them???
mralmeister1 10 months ago
How Grandpa could do that tribute & not loose it is amazing....
TBOwi 10 months ago
Oh my lord! I dont know the full story about string-beans murder.Did someone break into his house & kill him for hidden money in a fireplace? That's the story I just heard from my brother.What is the story behind this & did they find the sick murdering a-hole/'s?? Who in the world could kill such a sweet man?? I hate money!! I wish we all still had the bartering system.We could just take care of each others needs & have done with!
SmokinMo11 10 months ago
for the younger crowd...Mr. Jones had gone to the Akeman home early in the
morning and discovered the crime scene. The story is told in song "Ballad of
Stringbean" by Sam Bush.
Etracon18wheels 11 months ago
I was only 5 years old when Stringbean died. I used to watch Hee Haw with my Dad every week when it was on. Stringbean was one of my favorites along with Grandpa Jones. It was not easy for my Dad to explain what happened to a 5 year old, but his death haunts me even to this day. It is amazing the talent that this show had. Anyone that grew up during this period has a special place in their heart for Stringbean specifically and Hee Haw in general.
capriracer351 11 months ago
Stringbean is a national treasure. I miss him so much. God bless him and his wife Estelle.
wascalwabbit1 1 year ago 4
I did not know Stringbean was murdered. Very sad.
Capt777harris 1 year ago
R.I.P. stringbean you will always be loved
76thehog 1 year ago 3
Well, it's 2011, and according to previous posts - the man who killed String and Estelle is due up for parole this year. A good point was made that they had no children, so I wonder who will attend this hearing to object to letting this cold-blooded killer go free. We need to research and see if we can form an on-line petition or something. I will try to research. ANY IDEAS? Does anyone know the hearing date?
Sing4More 1 year ago 4
@Sing4More David & Estelle Akeman had no children, but it's a safe bet that there are a lot of well-placed people in Nashville who remember the day they died. I'm satisfied that their interest and memory will be represented.
moproducer 10 months ago
my great grandfather knew Stringbean and picked with him many a times in the store my great grandpa owned in Leslie County, Kentucky
HillbillyProduction1 1 year ago 3
Giving String Bean a SAAAAAL-LUTE for his time !
rvdsux 1 year ago
I grew up in a multicultural home where I was exposed to all sorts of music. My mom listened to Bobby "Blue" Bland and Brook Benton, but also to classic country music (I was born in 1960). I was taught to appreciate the old style country and bluegrass people like Grandpa and Stringbean, and was saddened to learn of String's passing. This clip has to be from 1974 because String died in 1973. "Hee Haw" was cancelled after the 1971/1972 season and syndicated starting in 1972/73.
elc1960 1 year ago
Comment removed
RobL2756 1 year ago
Folks my age remember this bad loss.
MrCraig1930 1 year ago
ol' string should have had an AK47..........
justclassicalguitar 1 year ago
How do you spell that coffee? "Agrifortess?" LOL! I love watching these old clips. It brings me back to the days of when I would sit at my grandparents house in the bean bag with some popcorn and we would watch Hee Haw!
Modernpistolero 1 year ago
@Modernpistolero Me too. I'm an old man of 50 now, but I remember well being at my grandparents house in southwest Louisiana watching Hee Haw. There was String, Grandpa Jones, Junior, Buck and Roy, Archie and all the rest. I miss those days. Back then you could leave your doors unlocked here in the small town South and didn't have to worry about some S.O.B. breaking in and killing you. It really shocked me back then when I heard about String and his wife being murdered like that.
ridgerunner721601 1 year ago
@ridgerunner721601 I'm an older fella of 57, and I lived in southwest, or maybe south-central Louisiana in the mid-60's. . .little Cajun town called Abbeville. If you get to see this, may I ask: where did you live ??
(austin,texas). . .
drandall1776 8 months ago
@drandall1776 It's good to hear from somebody from close to home on here. I'm from Lake Charles, west of Abbeville. But I know Abbeville well. I love that good old Steen's syrup made in Abbeville on my pancakes. And 57 isn't old. I'm not too far behind you. I'll be 51 later on this month.... : )
ridgerunner721601 8 months ago
i opened for grandpa and he was a very special person also...all these wonderful people that are nolonger with us...the young people don't know what they missed
frankie dee
hershey, pa.
TheFrankieDee 1 year ago
@TheFrankieDee I remember Grandpa Jones on Hee Haw well. I still get hungry when I watch reruns and everybody asks "What's for supper, Grandpa?" and he answers back.....LOL. Also, when I was young I won a rodeo contest in southwest Louisiana and ended up meeting the Hager twins. They were really nice guys. And had nothing but good to say about the rest of the cast on Hee Haw.
ridgerunner721601 1 year ago
Stringbean should be in the hall of fame...every bit as good as grandpa jones...maybe better. Wish i could have met the man. RIP
cephus995 1 year ago
Thank you,thats all
alecamal 1 year ago
someone told me the banjo sounds like the Resonator Guitar but it does not
adariusstevenson 1 year ago
I so miss hee haw,wish I could watch every episode again.
alecamal 1 year ago
@alecamal if you have Directv, it comes on every Sunday Night around 7-8pm est.
mike8037 1 year ago
@alecamal if you have directv or dish network they show hee haw on RFD-TV channel on Sunday night :)
bjrogers1973 1 year ago
I MISS EM ALL !!!!!!!!
walleyrt69 1 year ago
This wonderful tribute was recorded at the 10 year anniversary of Hee Haw. Grandpa and String were two very talented and funny men. Grandpa Jones is in the Hall of Fame now.............it's time for String to join him there.
cmlbob 1 year ago
bahahahaha,
that little maneuver he does with his hat at 0:41 seconds is priceless.
Destroyer15ox 1 year ago
i never knew about htis episode of hee-haw. wow,
nealharpole1 1 year ago
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killerdemon304703 1 year ago
Back in 1972, because of the success of "All In The Family" CBS decided to purge all of its rural themed shows like "Petticoat Junction", "Green Acres", "Hee Haw" and "The Beverly Hillbillies" to make room for more urban, modern themed programs. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face - 3 of those shows were in the top 30 in the ratings at the time ("Hee Haw" was in the top 10). People still love and remember "Hee Haw"; who in the world remembers and loves "He & She"?
elc1960 1 year ago
We'll miss both of ya'll now Grandpa---ya'll were both unique country fellows with a whole lot of down-to-earth ways and talents
micmoable 1 year ago
we'll miss ya'l both now Grandpa----ya'll were two uniqu fellows
micmoable 1 year ago
This was a touching tribute. Man, I miss "Hee Haw" quite a bit. It was a fixture for Saturday Night back in the day. So many of them gone, too, like Buck.
There's a good write up on Stringbean's murder case on Wikipedia.
LesbianVampireLover 1 year ago
Grandpa was the one who found String and his wife dead at thier home..
hwoods01 1 year ago
@hwoods01 Sense Grandpa and String were very good friends, it must of haunted Grandpa the rest of his life after he found stringbean and his wife dead...
catlover75 1 year ago
@catlover75 My father was Grandpa's minister when he passed away and our family got to know him and Ms. Ramona through the church. The house that they were living in when Grandpa passed away is within a mile of where Stringbean was murdered and I remember Ms. Ramona saying that she couldn't drive by that farm anymore. Also, the Brown brothers went to high school with Grandpa and Ramona's son.
bigreed67 1 year ago 2
@pickyricky1 He's going to be the one on his knees groveling when the bombs start dropping and we're gone. And, if he's earnest the Good Lord WILL hear him but, there's no convincing him of that. He's lost in his own little world.
singingcowboy674 1 year ago
R.I.P Stringbean
Stringbean, Grandpa Jones, Buck, Roy, Archie, Jr. Were the greatest characters on heehaw to mee
Jackspadeproductions 1 year ago
Stringbean was one of a kind. He'd flip his hat off and put it back on. I was 11 when he was murdered. I can only imagine what Grandpa Jones had to live with in finding him and Estelle dead. Then rumors started going around that GJ and Estelle had been having an affair, which wasn't true. String, you were the greatest. I hope that the country music artists of today know who set the table for them. We will never forget you or Grandpa Jones.
mkl62 1 year ago
I wonder why five years had to pass before they had a tribute to this great talent and cast member. Perhaps the hurt was too strong, but five years seems like a bit of time to allow to pass before paying tribute.
mammothfilms 1 year ago
@mammothfilms Are you sure they didn't at the time?
Since 1978 would of been the 5th aniversary of his death it would of made sense to pay tribute at the time.
MIKECNW 1 year ago
@MIKECNW If I remember correctly, this was shown the following season after his death, which would have been the fall of 1974-I do remember seeing it. But I could be wrong, as I was still a young pup back in those days!
Donkey9900 1 year ago
I was just a little girl when Stringbean was murdered and he was the first celebrity that it made me sad when he died. I thought and still think he was a great talent and a lovely man. What a waste just so some greedy SOB could get a little easy cash. There was no reason to kill him and his wife. I hope where ever he is now that he and Grandpa are happy and playing the banjo together.
VelvetCyberpunk 1 year ago
god, I laughed when the people vanished. HAHAHAH that was unexpected. I used to watch this as a kid.
TruthSurge 1 year ago
The murder of Stringbean and his wife was a true tragedy. Fortunately the killers were found and brought to justice. He was a fine comedic talent and a somewhat under rated musician and by all accounts a wonderful guy. Truly a shame.
notredamehesamighty 1 year ago
This was my grandmother's favorite show, brings back a lot of memories.
SuperChuckie34 1 year ago
Heehaw maybe was crude but there a lot of people that enjoy it. And you also have to remember what era it was made in.
reeseholler92 1 year ago
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Two things: Dolly Parton is an American icon and a tribute to the people of Tennessee; and Roy Clark is the most underrated musical genius this country ever produced. Apart from them, Hee-Haw has to be the most ridiculously asinine excuse of a program in the history of TV. If I were in Al-Qaeda, I would bomb the US just for that shitty program. Thanks ever so much for your kind attention. Now go back to your tea party and pretend you aren't racists. (Oh, and please secure our borders. Thank you)
JesusSucksHorseCock 1 year ago
kute vid... sad
BarryManilowFan4eva 1 year ago
I'd love to sit on the porch with Grandpa and String and just listen to them talk for hours. And play of course.
dpman72 1 year ago
Phil Limon On this rainy spring day in Goodlettsville ,(just outside of Nashville) today I played homage at the grave of the greatest clawhammer banjo player of all time, David "Stringbean " Akemon , buried next to his sweet wife Estell. there were about 4000 graves there , i just walked out and looked down and there it was. WOW.
oldtimerman59 1 year ago
On this rainy spring day in Goodlettsville ,(just outside of Nashville) today I played homage at the grave of the greatest clawhammer banjo player of all time, David "Stringbean " Akemon , buried next to his sweet wife Estell. there were about 4000 graves there , i just walked out and looked down and there it was. WOW. WE all miss you string !!
oldtimerman59 1 year ago
If I remember the story correctly, it was Grandpa Jones who found Stringbean and his wife after the murders. Must've been something aweful to find one of your best friends like that.
GasCityGuy 1 year ago
my first trip to the Opry was back in 1967....stringbean and grandpa jones were both on the show that night...both are gone...both were real opry treasures
bro1945 1 year ago
all country music went down hill over the past 10 years and now sounds like pop music
redneckjwillo 1 year ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
There is a special place in hell for the kind of bastard it takes to kill such a talented, good-hearted person as Stringbean. Marvin and Doug Brown.....that place is yours, bought and paid for...you son of a bitches. God bless "Ole Strang" and his wife. Stringbeans memory will never die! Thanks for posting!
NCbanjoman 1 year ago 2
There is a special place in hell for the kind of bastard it takes to kill such a talented, good-hearted person as Stringbean. Marvin and Doug Brown.....that place is yours, bought and paid for...you son of a bitches. God bless "Ole Strang" and his wife. Stringbeans memory will never die! Thanks for posting!
NCbanjoman 1 year ago 121
@NCbanjoman beats me as to how they could do that to him and his wife. It's completely beyond me, i'm 41, soon to be 42 and my ma told me something that still rings true to this day, before someone kills someone, they should get to know that person first. I still follow that belief and string's belief about the banks. He knew his history no doubt there, no wonder why he kept his money out of the bank, i can't blame him there, after all, look what happened these past few years.
sr71ablackbird 1 year ago
@NCbanjoman all of us might end up in hell but it won't be nowhere as hot as the hell people that would kill String will be.
DammitDrag 1 year ago
Somebody help me out: what is the name of that song these two are doing at :30?
mako3303 1 year ago
@mako3303
"Little Liza Jane"
They're singing, "Poor Little Liza, Little Liza Jane"
OhWell1962 1 year ago
it's great that the HeeHaw community can be so accepting of Grampa and Stringbean's relationship.
fuhgyu 1 year ago
they were best friends. grampa found stringbean and his wife's bodies.
tranurse 1 year ago
just pissed my pants when i read that lol
wesisdadon 1 year ago
i watch this every day its my fav video
redneckjwillo 1 year ago
What a great talent Stringbean was. And it is so sad how his life ended. Grandpa Jones is gone too. May they rest in peace.
vetalltheway 1 year ago
God Bless Ole String Bean. I was only 10yrs old when the tragidy struck String Bean and his wife but I would have thought my own grandpa had passed because I remember watching every episode of Hee Haw with my grandpa. God Bless Grandpa Jones also...
scotty1045 2 years ago
Lovely eulogy
mcfrdmn 2 years ago
tragic the way he was killed. what a shame.
ohmyboho 2 years ago
Does any know of the YouTube where String is a guest on a country show and sings about go to HeeHaw and how he gets 500 a show ?
Nationsnotregimes 2 years ago
the sad thing bout old strings murder is that they shot him and his familey over a chainsaw and a few dollers
redneckjwillo 2 years ago
God Bless STRING!!! There will never be another STRINGBEAN.......One of the most talented banjo pickers and entertainers of all times. He could smoke a banjo. We miss your talents, voice and good nature.....
P.S. John A. Brown and Marvin Douglas Brown the killers of this Legend.....I hope you both rot in HELL forever!!!!!!!
1168a 2 years ago 12
fish aren't like people..they start off at the bottom and like it there. Lol.
HiWayLady49 2 years ago 3
sad how string was murderd you can see the pain in grandpas eyes. he lost a good friend i mean brother.you are right thay are pickin and a diggin for god and all in heaven. and i hope my father is there haveing a good time.
ozzyslasher1970 2 years ago
did the 2 that killed them get life or the electric jail
5000TRAINS 2 years ago
One died in prison in 03. The other was up for parole a few years ago but was denied.
Rcksaltnnails 2 years ago
thank you for the information
5000TRAINS 2 years ago
country music sucks now days compared to the old stuff like this
MightySnail007 2 years ago 113
@MightySnail007 ......dontcha know! I praise God daily that I grew up in the last of the good ole days.
beaverwithachainsaw 1 year ago
@MightySnail007 I agree
xraypink 1 year ago
@MightySnail007 I agree 100%
emt1605 1 year ago
@MightySnail007 That it does !!! I could not have said it better myself. i am just wondering if today's country music is country music at all ? A while back, i was watching an interview with one of the so-called newer singers of the 80s and they stated that there was NO more difference between western and country. I like both whether it be gene autry, lenoard sly (aka roy rogers) jimmy wakely, grandpa jones, buck owens, roy clark, porter wagoner or jack greene.
sr71ablackbird 1 year ago
I was 19 years old when Stringbean was killed, I couldn't figure out why someone would kill such a good ol boy. RIP Stringbean, and you too, Grandpa Jones.
jdhumm 2 years ago 2
I miss both of them! I grew up on Hee Haw and a hilight of my childhood was seeing Stringbean live at the Opry in the Ryman, not long before he was tragically killed. What a wonderful tribute-thanks for posting this.
JMarkJones 2 years ago 4
Tallented fellas and what a great show!!
boBSerroneVideo 2 years ago
Amen
docwondernuts 2 years ago
As sad as this story is, I won't shed a tear because I know Stringbean and Grandpa are pickin' and a grinnin' at The Grand Ol' Opry in the sky and I'll join them one day.
pard75 2 years ago 3
Well, maybe some tears of joy in that wonderful thought of the Great Beyond!
Rcksaltnnails 2 years ago
Didn't Grandpa find String and his Wife the next moring after they were killed?
theddavis44 2 years ago
Yes he did, they were planning to go hunting that day.
BanjoThomas 2 years ago
it's horrible isn't it
the fact he was murdered and the fact that Grandpa, his best firend, was the one to find him
GoldenbanjoDJ 2 years ago
Sad....what a talented couple of guys.
dannyd1572 2 years ago
String's letters from home was one of the best skits on Hee Haw......what a nice tribute from Grandpa......hope the fish are bitin' in heaven.
mrsnyder99 2 years ago 3
Very nice. I loved Ole String's music. I miss Granpa too. This was when country music was good. Thanks for the post.
larrydh2 2 years ago 2
Thanks for posting. I really liked Grandpa Jones. He was a such a sweet man. I waited tables for a restaurant in Goodlettsville. Every Sunday he and his wife sat in my section. One day, he found a $20 bill that flew off my tray. He chased me around the place for about 10 mins to give me the money. He was laughing, out of breath when he caught me. He was so funny, great 'Joe player, and a lost hero to country music. RIP Grandpa Jones & his sweet buddy, Stringbean!
mans6363 2 years ago
Thanks for sharing this. I'd never seen it before. It is remarkably sad and dignified, even after all these years. I'm a big fan of both these men. I got to meet Grandpa back stage at the Opry. It was a thrill. We will never replace people like this. They grew up in a different world. I'm just glad we have venues like Facebook to remind us of what we had.
jcommins 2 years ago
@jcommins i remember these men from when i was a tad in cny. north end of the appalachain hills, and country music was proud. they were some of my childhood heroes, and i'll never forget them. long may they run!
czzham 2 years ago
@jcommins
czzham 2 years ago
I miss String....he died when I was 11 living in Bowling Green, KY......Grandpa Jones found Sting and his wife.
bkphillips6862 2 years ago 2
it's always a sad loss when a 'joe player goes home to God for those left behind but what a time we'll have when we join 'em !
spongiebungie 2 years ago
A very moving, dignified tribute to the Great 5-String Performer, aptly conducted by the man who was probably his closest buddy of all. There may have been a handful of higher-calibre banjo-pickers around in his era, in a strictly 'pure', 'technical' sense .. but when it came to entertainment value as an on-stage Grand Ole Opry + Hee Haw performer .. ol String was unsurpassed. A very nice posting. It'll stay on my fave list for a long time.
colindominy 2 years ago 4
I loved the STRING
nasty5oh 2 years ago 6
I feel your pain Grandpa, it is indeed a tragic thing to loose those that make a dark world a brighter place, and bring joy and hope to people. It is so important to laugh and smile, in a way that hurts nobody it is an incredibly positive thing. We need more light just like this in our dark world, it helps us see.
Britishspitfire 2 years ago 4
I recall seeing Grandpa Jones & Minnie Pearl sharing their life stories on the 700 Club. I look forward to visiting them and Stringbean in Heaven.
tomanderson92 2 years ago 2
thanks man for that story man
banone2323 2 years ago
Stringbean didn't trust banks because of all the failures in the 1930's. He had $20,000 hidden behind a stone in the fireplace. It was found some 20 years later but by then it was all chewed up by mice to make nests. $20,000 in 1973 would be about the same as $100,000 in todays market Thanks Chris
breathholdchamp 2 years ago 2
I have to admit , that's pretty funny.
Which is it , are you colored , or in the closet?
graverobber35 2 years ago
God Bless Grandpa , String , and all the old time country folk . Hee Haw represents the day when tv was worth watching. Remember "Taxi" , "Barney Miller" , or "Alice" ?? Those shows were funny and clean. Since the homosexuals and niggers took over hollywood , the shows are neither clean nor funny. I don't watch the idiot box anymore. pure filth.
graverobber35 2 years ago
With a name like graverobber I'm sure your one heck of a person. Do us all a favor and go back to your parents basement !!!
kirkslastbid 2 years ago
You have no idea! lol
I like my nickname too , thanks for noticing.
Let's keep this about Stringbean.
By the way , you might want to turn on spell check when filling out your profile.
A River Runs "THROUGH" It .
I'm sure it was a typo , L o L
graverobber35 2 years ago
Oh, I have an idea !!! Sad.
kirkslastbid 2 years ago
well photolitherland, they were murdered by a couple of shitballs that were looking to rob them because Stringbean didn't trust banks & therefore carried large sums of cash on him, they got wind of this fact
MNsane 2 years ago
his wife tried to escape and was gunned down in the front yard , i believe . did they ever catch the two burglars? That part of the story i've never heard
MrJrondeau 2 years ago
yes, they did
MNsane 2 years ago
THOSE WHERE THE GOOD DAYS,
1HOSANNA 2 years ago
Stringbean and Grandpa Jones bring back so many memories. I miss that kind of honest humor.
dalucas77 2 years ago