The Hee Haw Collection - Episode 240: 10th Anniversary Celebration
In the summer of 1969,HEE HAWmoseyed into the CBS time slot occupied byThe Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Conceived as a rural alternative toRowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the show ranked in the top 20 nationally when CBS pulled the plug in 1971. But co-hosts Buck Owens and Roy Clark, along with the whole Kornfield Kountry gang, sang and joked on in syndication. In 1978, they grinned at the critics in a two-hour 10th-Anniversary shindig, which was videotaped with an audience of invited guests and fans at the Grand Ole Opry House. Mixing nostalgia with new performances by country music's biggest stars, this special edition ofHEE HAWnever misses the funnybone.Here's one for you trivia buffs - Did you know thatKENNY ROGERSmet his wifeMARIANNE GORDONwhile visiting theHEE HAWset? Kenny elaborates and then does himself proud withThe Gambler, one of the biggest hits of 1978. As for Gordon - she's part of the show's tribute to the easy-on-the-eyes <i<HEE HAWGirls.JUNIOR SAMPLESgets his due in a flashback sequence that shows his rare ability to mangle the English language when reading a cue card. Turning serious,HEE HAWpays its respects to former cast members who passed on.GRANDPA JONEShonors his good friend and old fishin' buddySTRINGBEAN, whileBUCK OWENSremembers his music partner and best friend of 16 years.DON RICH, with a medley of hits that made both of them famous.A lot happened on the show in ten years - just check out the video montage of reliableHEE HAWguest artistTAMMY WYNETTEsinging her way through a parade of striking outfits and memorable hairdos. Legendary guitar pickersMERLE TRAVISandCHET ATKINSalso drop by. You'll never guess who gives Chet a kiss when he finishes his number. Another segment covers the celebrities who joinedARCHIE CAMPBELLfor the popular song routinePfft! You Were Gone. Talk about delivery -JOHNNY CASHhas a big surprise in store for Archie.