"Where does the brass come from?" Well, when a piece of zinc and a piece of copper love each other very much...

I am OLD, 71 years old. I well remember when the original of Classical Gas came out. It was a big hit, which was surprising for such a song in that period of the '60s. I liked it very much, and so did my friends who actually were musicians. I play several instruments, from violin and guitar to concertina, harmonica, and Jew's harp.

This was all over the AM radio in 1968...My dad always had the radio on early in the morning and I used to wake up to it all the time before junior high school....

40 yrs ago I performed this song while studying music in college in front of the great Charlie Byrd. Our Jazz professor invited him to come perform so he told us we better show up, bring our instruments and be ready to play. He called me out first. I got through the entire song without any major screw ups. Charlie smiled and said "great job". It was a great honor.

Tommy is one of five guitarists that Chet Atkins awarded a master guitarist award to. That says everything.

Astounding that you’ve never heard this before……

I finally got to see Tommy Emmanuel live a month ago, absolutely incredible. Was told a story in the auditorium where Tommy was doing a concert a few years ago and asked the audience, "Are there any guitar players in?", after an awkward silence a voice said, "Not anymore......" :)

I believe it is absolutely impossible that any music player alive could not have heard "Classical Gas" before.

Still remember when Mason Williams released this incredible piece of music and all these decades later it's still incredible.

Tommy Emmanuel is new to me. My jaw is on the floor 😲

I saw Mason Williams do this song live on The Smothers Brothers show many years ago. There was a video that was shown along with the music of paintings and art work from the Renaissance up to the 60s, flashing in time to the music . I still have the single

Back in the day, Mason Williams came to my high school for a concert in 1971. That concert is still one of my favorite concerts I've ever attended.

Tommy is undeniably one of the greatest living acoustic guitarists!

Yes toured in front of Jethro Tull in 1971. Steve Howe of Yes, was playing his guitar solo song the Clap. He borrows a riff from Classical Gas and instead of returning to his song , he finished with playing the rest of Classical Gas.Now this is in OKLahoma City where Mason Williams is from and at the end of song Jon Anderson said that was the first time that Steve played that version. Crowd went bananas 🎸🎼🎶

I saw Tommy live in 2016, and as he was doing his encore, I slipped backstage and waited for him at the dressing room door. He's a very gracious and accommodating man, and I handed him an album, asked him to sign it and told him it was my favorite album in the world. It was my copy of The Beatles' White Album. (Tommy does a jaw-dropping Beatles medley in every show, and they're usually different each time.) He smiled broadly, said, "it's up there for me, too," placed my album on the back of that very guitar you see him playing and he signed it for me. I wish there were a way to upload a photo, because I took two great shots. The first one is him in the process of signing it, and the second one is him holding it up to the camera for me. Such a prized possession and a stellar evening for me!

I heard the original performance on the Smother’s Brothers, and it was outstanding. •Even in 1968, it made a lot of other music pale by comparison. •It also really interested me that one person could be so skilled in two unrelated fields: highly barbed political comedy writing, and classical music composition and performance. •At an age when everyone asks, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ this was clearly my answer, ‘More than one thing!’ •I’m still ‘more than one thing’. Thanks, Mason, for showing us how it’s done. •Thanks, Dave, for sharing your delight and the details here.

I've been playing acoustic and electric guitar for forty years, and I've never seen anyone handle the acoustic as cleanly and as powerfully as Tommy. That man has earned all the accolades he gets.

"Classical Gas" was released as a single from The Mason Williams Phonograph Record in 1968. "Classical Gas" won three Grammys that year for "Best Instrumental (theme) Composition", "Best Instrumental (theme) Performance", and "Best Instrumental Orchestra Arrangement", Mike Post, arranger.

I am amazed that you have not heard this before, but then again I have not heard it for many years. Back in its day, it was played A LOT! It doesn't get old. I love to hear classical guitar. An old friend of mine used to play Classical Spanish guitar-- amazing and mesmerizing! Thank you for reminding me of this piece!

The original is one of my all time favorites. 💗😊

Difficult to believe that you never heard this before. It's been covered many, many times by the likes of Glen Campbell, Chet Atkins, Neil Young, Dave Edmunds, and The Ventures. The Mason Williams Phonograph Record was a staple when I was growing up. Super talented man and absolutely awesome song.

"Kendy" here. So glad you listened to it and loved it. I think about half of those 27M plays on KZfaq were me playing it for people. 😂😂😂😂 Always a pleasure to listen to it with you.

When I was younger classical gas by Mason Williams was a must to be played nearly everywhere. When I saw the subject the music jumped from the past and I could hear playing before you actually played it. This is a timeless composition. Even now it will spread out again because not only did you react to it, you put it into the ether for millions to listen to it. Thank you for bringing such a great song back into the present.👋👋👋👋👏👏👏👏😊😊😊😊

We did an arrangement of this as a Marching Band. Our Director, Joe David, expected excellence. He didn't give us fluff pieces.

He also included Walk Don't Run which was done by the Ventures

as good as tommy is on youtube (and he's phenomenal), nothing can replace seeing him live. bucket list experience. he is touring the east coast this spring...highly recommend tickets.

I watched Mason Williams perform this on the Smothers Brothers Show in the 1960s, and my mother bought the album for me, too. The music that surrounded me in the 1960s gave me quite the eclectic taste. Thanks for reacting to Classical Gas!

Heard this as a child back in the late 60's. The world stopped for me until the song was finished. Still cool to this day.

Tommy is an Australian national treasure, check out stuff he did live with his brother Phil. Tommy's professional career started at the age of six and his list of credits is mind blowing.

I had the pleasure of watching Tommy Emmanuel last year in a small 3000 seat venue and was only a few rows from the stage. He was absolutely mind blowing!! I had no idea!! And he was fun!

No matter who interprets this song, it's the song that comes through. Another often overlooked cover is Mason Williams - Classical Gas w/ Deborah Henson-Conant where Mason Williams is accompanied by a harp. Genius all around. Thanks for this reaction and welcome to the Classical Gas appreciation population.

I grew up with Mason William's version, so it will always be #1 for me. Tommy's is amazing, very innovative, but just a bit too busy for me. I like things simple. Thanks for the back-to-back videos. They were great. (BTW, Mason has a transparent guitar that was filled with water and he had goldfish swimming around in it- I was always fascinated by that.)

Being 70 years old, I would like to thank you for taking me back to my junior high school years 67,68 and 69 was just explosive time and music we had in Vida we had this song classical gas Led Zeppelin rock was breaking out everywhere and different variations

Tommy must be seen live to truly appreciate how amazingly full a single guitar can sound. And the joy he has while playing is so evident. If I remember correctly, Mason did a version of this on The Smothers Brothers Show playing a clear plexiglass guitar with goldfish swimming in the guitar body….

Seen Tommy play in 1977 in a coffee shop Darlinghurst Sydney. Just amazing and his brother Phil joined in. 🔥👍🤙

Best wishes to Mark and his recovery from the accident. Thanks for reacting to this piece, it is truly one of a kind. I'm currently 57 and I grew up with the original Mason Williams song and have always loved it... it truly is an incredible blend of not just great guitar playing but a wonderful meld of orchestral instruments that give it a truly epic feel. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for the cover by Tommy Emmanuel. There is absolutely no question that he is a phenomenal guitar player, but he sped up the tempo and he showed off way too much and this cover has no "love" of the original... it's like a kid saying, "Hey ma!!! Look at me! I can do it faster!". There is no "soul" to his performance. Just technique. The technique is brilliant, granted, but without the soul it's just not a truly great piece of music anymore... no matter what 23 million KZfaq viewers say. Thanks again. Always interesting to hear your thoughts on some of my all time favourite music. Cheers! ~Dan

I still own the 45. Never gets old. And the unmistakable sounds of the Wrecking Crew.

How could he have not heard Classical Gas before this? great video, love these

That short coda at the end just make me play the song again. A thing of beauty. Ya gotta love when Tommy goes into 'Walk Don't Run / Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting".

I used to go and see Tommy and his brother (Phil, rest in peace) play in the local hotels around Sydney suburbs, Australia in the 1980s. They were absolute legends. The chemistry between them was amazing. Standing jus a meter or 2 away. I can still see the joy on their faces playing. I used to listen to a lot of great bands and musicians like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Van Halen. Went to concerts like Dire Straits, Queen, ACDC and many others. No one plays the guitar better than Tommy. Especially live.

Right before Tommy went into the "Saturday" section, he did a portion of a 1960 song by the Ventures called "Walk Don't Run." Thanks for the great reactions to both versions of the tune.

Tommy is an absolute beast on the guitar! I love his version but the original takes me back to being a kid in the 70's and hearing it on the radio quite often.

I spent many hours learning to play this at Uni using the sheet music back in 1983. Those were the days

Saw him live in concert a few years ago. So fun! He's not only an amazing guitarist, but also a great entertainer. One of the best concerts I've ever been to.

Seeing that Beatles album on your wall, I'm sure you'll love Tommy Emmanuel's many Beatles covers! It's amazing what this man can do with only his guitar.

I saw the premier on the Smothers Brothers show. I am stinking old.. It made me decide to learn to play guitar.

I was pushing 11 years old when the original Mason Williams version of this song came out on AM radio, and it was my favorite song for quite a while. Its structure was always solid. Now that I'm older, I can appreciate how well it was orchestrated and mixed, as well. Glad that you liked it!

First time I've caught your channel, and it's because I was about 6 weeks from graduating from Benson High in Omaha when Classical Gas first hit the airwaves and I freaking LOVED this piece. They played it a lot and it always put me in a great mood. And then I find out you're from Omaha, too! *All* props to Mr. Emmanuel but the original will always be my favorite.

In the summer of '68, The Original Classical Gas Video "3000 Years of Art" was shown on The Smothers Brothers. It was a great combination of visual and musical art. "Written by Mason Williams CLASSICAL GAS was one of the earliest records that used a visual to help present and promote a recording on television. It probably qualifies as one of the earliest music videos. During the time that CLASSICAL GAS was a hit and I was the head-writer for THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR. I had seen a film titled “GOD IS DOG SPELLED BACKWARDS” at The Encore Theater, an offbeat movie house in L.A. The short film was a collection of approximately 2500 classical works of art, mostly paintings, that flashed by in three minutes. Each image lasted only two film frames, so one saw twelve images a second! At the end of the film the viewer was pronounced “cultural” since they had just had “3000 years of art indelibly etched in their brains in 3 minutes!” The film was the work of a UCLA film student named Dan McLaughlin. I contacted Dan and told him that I was interested in the idea of using his film as a visual for CLASSICAL GAS to air on THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR. (His original sound track had been Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.) THE COMEDY HOUR offered him enough money to finance a new film he wanted to make in exchange for the right to change the original soundtrack from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony to CLASSICAL GAS and air it on the show. As a “music video” it was first shown on THE SUMMER BROTHERS SMOTHERS SHOW (Glen Campbell was the host) in the summer of 1968. The impact of the film on television opened the door to the realization that the viewer’s mind could not only absorb, but was excited by this degree of visual input. It was the beginning of the use of streams of fast-images now called kinestasis. Over the years it has been exploited effectively by television commercials, documentaries, etc. THE COMEDY HOUR also created other films in the kinestasis style. The most notable of these being a montage of the major news photo images of 1968 compressed into a four minute film titled “American Time Capsule”. Dan McLaughlin was asked if he would like to make the film, but being an experimental filmmaker, wasn’t interested in repeating himself, so Tom Smothers hired Chuck Braverman to create this and other films for the show. As a result of the response to the CLASSICAL GAS music video and my interest in bringing new visual concepts to the show, in September of 1968 I wrote a comedy piece for the show projecting the concept that someday DJ’s as VJ’s (Video Jockeys) would play hit tapes on TV, a prophesy of what was to later become MTV. (The original sketch from my journal is included.) When I approached THE COMEDY HOUR with the idea, the producers said, “What the hell are you talking about, DJ’s on TV? That ain’t funny!” They passed on the idea."

One of my favorite songs as an adolescent back in the 60s. Superb!

I was lucky enough to see Tommy live in concert years ago in Wellington, New Zealand. What a show! One man with a guitar for 2 hours, standing ovation. Absolutely stunning.

Don't get why people don't like this reaction. Great as always, Doug!

I was lucky enough to hear this and hear Tommy in a little 50-person gathering about 20 years ago unreal.

I got to see Tommy several years ago from the third row when he was touring with Martin Taylor (what a great name for a guitarist), and of course Tommy did "Classical Gas". Amazing performance as always, and I've yet to see anyone play with such unadulterated joy.

Tommy Emmanuel recently did a series of duets and with Molly Tuttle on the Guitarist KZfaq channel. That's two of the greatest acoustic guitarist in the world playing together and it's absolutely magical.

I was a kid listening to this song on the radio. And many years later I can play some of it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, he is now doing Classical Gas.

This song still gives me goosebumps!! Thanks for playing it!

I saw Tommy Emmanuel perform several years ago, and when he was performing this song, he broke a guitar string. Instead of of stopping, he just shifted his fretting hand and kept the song going. He might have missed two notes on the transition, but no more than that. The man is unbelievable, even when you hear him play with your own eyes! He is not to be missed.

I've seen Tommy several times in concert. One of the most memorable was in my hometown of Huntsville, AL. It was in an auditorium on the UAH campus. At the time for the concert to begin, everyone was sitting waiting patiently. We started hearing an acoustic guitar being played but Tommy wasn't on the stage. We all started looking around to see where the music was coming from. Tommy was starting to play his first song of the concert while he is walking down the aisle through the audience from the back of the auditorium to the stage! Quite an entrance!

I saw Tommy live last year thinking he's a bit old now days and i was therefore careful with my expectations, but this man played that guitar like it was nothing. Absolutely incredible performance! One man, one guitar, one stage, one audience and entertaining as all hell! I had a big smile on my face for a week after. If you get the chance, go see him!

Amazing you never heard it. Before it hit BIG on AM radio I saw him "finger synch) it on Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour. Solid radio play for years, even up through the mid to late 70s. Tommy is a truly great player, but I've never preferred any guitar players' version (and they all tried it) over Williams' original. After playing bits and pieces of it for years, I finally had to learn the orignal when I retired 14 years ago. One more thing, Tommy is a steel-string player, very few pieces on classical. He is quite the Tele/Strat player, as well (his brother was slmost as good as Tommy when they performed as a duo back in the 70s and 80s.)

The real treat when you see Tommy Emmanuel live, are the stories he tells as he plays. He is a one man show, and total entertainment. If you have the chance to see him, go!

Tommy Emmanuel was a true prodigy, an absolute phenom. The man has been a virtuoso of the guitar since he was a toddler, and has been touring since he was 6 years old!

Absolutely wonderful music. I'm glad you've joined the party.

I recall the original Classical Gas being used on some TV show or other when I was a kid in the 70s, and always liked it. Then the great Tommy E. comes along and absolutely blows it out of the park. The man is truly unparalleled - an absolute genius on the guitar.

I can’t believe you don’t know this! Even after all these years, I could probably sing along with it. Ubiquitous is the word ❣️

Saw Tommy play in 1995 or 96, in a regional town in Victoria Australia, when he released the album he played Classical Gas on. Seeing him play it live is another experience entirely. Not a single murmur from the crowd the entire performance, until he hit that last note, then the auditorium erupted in applause. To this day, it's still one of my favorite live performances I have seen. After the show, he hung around, I got to speak to him for about 20 minutes. One of the nicest guys you will ever come across.

My favorite song for years (I bought the single when it first hit the charts way back then)...And then Tommy E. (my favorite acoustic guitar player)got hold of it...and wow! I love these guys. Thanks so much for doing this one!

First time I heard this was, I think, on Johnny Carson and played by Jim Stafford.

Tommy and his brother Phil have toured as The Emmanuel Brothers. Tommy(68 years) is currently touring across 11 countries and has 83 upcoming concerts; unfortunately, Phil died suddenly of an asthma attack in May 2018 aged 65.

"Classical Gas" is the first record that I ever bought. I still have my 45 from 1968. This recording sounds just as good every time that I hear it.

I have had the immense pleasure of seeing Tommy live on several occasions and each time I come out of his concert, not only in amazement but with a feeling of joy and hope. If you want to see how he can turn a guitar into an amazing story telling piece then try "Initiation". Based on the transition of a boy to manhood in his indigenous culture.

Tommy is a master. One of the all time greats.

I remember learning to play this when I was 15. Great fun.

Moved to Eugene Oregon in 93. Walking on the Eugene campus and I see and hear, far off, a guy playing Classical Gas on the guitar. I get close, and it's Mason Williams. I went around telling everyone I had seen Mason Williams playing Classical Gas on a bench at the university. Meant nothing to them. I bet he enjoyed the anonymity.

I've always loved this song, since it came out.

I think you'd also enjoy Tommy and his brother Phil (RIP) playing Rondo Alla Turca; or even some of their live stage jam duos, which can include them playing each others guitar or even both playing one guitar.

I really enjoy these videos of people exposing themselves to music I have loved since my childhood. It's great to see your eyes light up when you discover the magic. It reminds me of how I felt the first time I heard them.

Can’t believe you have not heard this , a true classic from the past

Very pleased to have seen your first listen to this Mason Williams classic - and after having searched your video library, I'm going to rejoin your Patreon so I can recommend another song to you that might be an aural challenge ... and hopefully a delight as well. As always, thank you for the education and the enjoyment!

Jim Stafford on the tonight show with Johnny Carson is also great. Well done. This was fun

It's my first time watching TDD, but it was a, forgive me, GAS watching Doug get Emmanueled for the first time. Long ago, I heard him for the first time on an open stage at Pattaya Beach, Thailand and was blown away.

You couldn't be alive in the 70s and not have heard this piece of music. It was everywhere. It was featured in movies, adds, fire-works shows, even behind racing yachts. Isn't it wonderful ?

Tommy is one of the greatest guitar player in the world. Is not a "classical" guitar player. He's something else, something out of this world. And...he's a drummer, too.

You should watch Rick Beato's interview with him.

There is a richness to the original with the small band that cannot be matched.

I also have a version that Mason Williams did without the brass or the other instruments. Just the acoustic on it's own. Tommy Emmanuel has a brother Phil, who isn't a bad strummer either. Saw them live together back in the 90's Sydney pub scene quite often.

Due respect to Doug and apologies for the critical hand grenade I am about to lob, and I know I will get scorch marks from ya’ll but… The original Classical Gas is my absolute favorite piece of music. It resonated when I was three years old in 1968. The memory is crystal clear. As a guitarist, I purposefully did not learn it to retain whatever mystery it holds for me. All that said, no cover version can hold a candle to the simple grace of the original. Emmanual, though clearly a better technical guitarist than Williams, fails to move me. That run to start his version felt more like ego than anything musical. He turned a lovely simple work into… “Look at me shred!”… yawn. Flame away all!

I love this song. Been trying to play it on guitar for about 45 years

I got to see Tommy in 2000 - Virginia Beach - small venue - took my 13 year old son and his best friend who were aspiring guitarists. Front row seats. We all almost wet our pants as you can imagine. :-) And I remember Mason Williams from when I was about 11! So glad to see you loving it! PS He's from Australia and did a piece called "Initiation" based on Aborginal influences. That will blow your socks off too!

As a wrinklie, my favourite version is still the one by Mason Willliams. First time I've heard Tommy Emmanuel, and I'm blown away by his virtuosity. WOW!!

Tommy isn't only a virtuoso musician. He is also an extremely humble and very nice bloke. I may be mistaken, but i think that he still doesn't read music. With such an ear and a physical talent for playing, he is mesmerising to watch while he performs, especially live. He doesn't receive the recognition that i believe he has earned and deserves. BTW, his brother is also an outstanding musician, as are his entire family. I recommend that anyone interested in music should investigate the life of Tommy and his family as they travelled around the country playing as a family since Tommy was a young child. It's a fascinating and incredible story. Thank you for a wonderful video. Bob. Australia.

Doug, I'm surprised this song didn't cross your path. In the early 80s, our high school concert band played this. I thought everyone knew this piece.

Tommy is not only a great guitarist but a great showman. He was a child prodigy. He and his brother both, Tommy says his brother was better than he was.

I was in high school in 1968 when I first heard Classical Gas on the radio!

Wow, this was a big hit when I was a kid. I've heard it occasionally over the years. This is the first time hearing Tommy do it.

I remember when this premiered on "The Smothers Brother's Show" in 1968. I'm old, but I was a kid then. It got pretty continual airplay on AM radio in the late '60s/early '70s. It was mostly the brass part that was used as TV theme music, often on sports shows.

As an Aussie, we grew up with Tommy on our TV shows. This version of Classical Gas ( still love the original!) is such a joy! 😊😊😊

I have seen Tommy Emanuel live and will consider he the best guitarist alive today independent of what kind of music style that is being played.😊😊😊