Merle Travis performs "Lost John"

Merle is doing four things at once in this video. He's acting to the camera. He's singing. He's playing bass (listen to the bass line on this song). And he's playing lead/accompaniment. And all just as effortless as you can imagine. What a talent.

My grandfather was a .30 caliber gunner on pork chop hill and what he saw there messed him up, he came back home gave his guns away to his friends and went to church every Sunday from 1953 til he just passed away in 2016. He was a functional alcoholic because he drove a beer truck for 40 years after the Korean war and was never mean and provided for his family. When my mother gets mad at me because of drinking she says you remind me of my father and I'm always like thanks ma but I don't deserve the compliment because I could never walk in his shoes. Anyways merle Travis and Ernest tub and Johnny Horton were his favorite singers:) I miss ya grandpa, I'll behave myself so I can see ya in heaven:)

Merle was one of the all time great guitarists. He was THE biggest influence on Chester Burton Atkins, that tells you how great Merle was. Really fluid in both hands.

The way music USE to be. I sure do miss it!!!!

I am NOT a country music fan.. BUT this song is great. Merle Travis is a huge talent!!!

have you ever aeen anything that looked more natural, i had the honor of meeting and talking to him. a true american icon!

Real American Music!!!

2:20 "I usually play that part on the jug!" Gotta love Merle!

this dude is fucking chilled. awesome

fantastic guitar playing, and i think merle had a really nice voice, which he never gets credit for. travis is the man

I simply love Merle Travis' style, so lively and smooth. Voice was great as well. Made a huge impact on the musical scene.

The pick guard with the Merle Travis name inlay and the neck were designed and built by the father of the modern solid body guitar...Paul Bigsby.

Everything about this is absolutely perfect, I'm completely blown away. And that upright bass picking style section was phenomanol.

He had such class. The boots. The rocking chair.

What an incredible talent he was.

Thanks for posting this. Merle will live on forever with these wonderful old clips for everyone to watch and enjoy. What a great musician and performer. God Bless You Merle!!!

Crazy, I’m 23, it’s 2021 and I’m still trying to play like the master used to play in the ‘50s (just impossible). What an inspiration🎸 •He was long long gone from Bowlin’ Green•

Good old Merl...he influenced so many, me included!

Dear Merle Thank You - I'm forever grateful & forever in your debt

Merle chill af.