Created by Frank Peppiatt
and John Ayleswoth, the first HEE HAW Show aired on the CBS Television Network
on June 15, 1969, as a summer replacement series for the SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY
HOUR. HEE HAW was such a resounding success CBS slated the series for mid-season
debut and as they say, the rest is history.From December 17, 1969 thorough December
27, 1997, HEE HAW Shows were a weekly event in American households. A total of
585 one-hour shows were taped in Nashville, Tennessee, initially in 1969 at the
CBS affiliate WLAC-TV (now WTVF-TV) and then moving to the Opryland Complex -Studio
A in 1980.
HEE HAW is only one of a handful of
television programs that have had a profound and lasting influence on American
culture. Skits such as "The Cornfield," "Pickin’ and Grinnin’,"
"Pfft You Was Gone," and "Gloom, Despair and Agony On Me"
have become known universally and are woven into the American comedic fabric.
Today HEE HAW is referenced in David Letterman’s "Top 10" and Jay
Leno’s opening monologue – as well as being included in the "Drew
Carey" show, "Designing Women," "The Simpsons" and Jeff
Foxworthy’s "History of Country Comedy" home video series. HEE
HAW has been recognized by the Country Music Hall of Fame – Nashville, The
Museum of Broadcast Communications – Chicago and The Museum of Television
and Radio – Los Angeles and New York.
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