14 Facts About Vassar Clements

Vassar Carlton Clements was an American jazz, swing, and bluegrass fiddler.

Vassar Clements was posthumously inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

Vassar Clements was born in Kinard, Florida and grew up in Kissimmee.

Vassar Clements taught himself to play the fiddle at age 7, learning "There's an Old Spinning Wheel in the Parlor" as his first song.

In late 1949, Wise left Monroe's group, and the 21 year-old Vassar Clements traveled by bus to ask for an audition.

When told he would have to return the next day, Vassar Clements was crestfallen, lacking the money for either a hotel room or return bus trip.

Monroe gave him some money to a night's lodging, and the next day Vassar Clements auditioned and was hired.

Vassar Clements remained with Monroe for seven years, recording with the band in 1950 and 1951.

Vassar Clements gained recognition joining with the popular bluegrass duo of Flatt and Scruggs on the popular theme to the hit television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies.

Vassar Clements even sold insurance and once operated a convenience store while owning a potato chip franchise in Huntsville, Alabama.

Vassar Clements was considered by many to be an outstanding fiddle virtuoso and he described his talent saying,.

Vassar Clements once recorded with the pop group the Monkees by happenstance, when he stayed behind after an earlier recording session.

Vassar Clements made a duet album with Stephane Grappelli Together at Last in 1987.

Vassar Clements played on over 200 albums, including nearly 40 on which he starred or was featured.