Jimmie Riddle: September 3, 1918 – December 10, 1982
Hometown: Dyersburg, TN
Cast dates: 1969-1982
Jackie Phelps: October 25, 1925 – April 22, 1990
HEE HAW Cast: 1969 – 1985
Hometown: Suffolk, VA
You’d never know it from all the silliness, but these two highly respected musicians met as members of Roy Acuff’s Smoky Mountain Boys. Jimmie was the harmonica and piano man.
Jackie played the guitar, although he could play any string instrument he was given.
One can only imagine how they cultivated their famous “Effen” and “Hambone” routine.