Joe Maphis | Country Guitar Solos | The King of the Strings!

Joe Maphis, (May 12, 1921 – June 27, 1986), was an American country music guitarist. One of the flashiest country guitarists of the 1950s and 1960s, Joe was known as The King of the Strings. He was able to play many stringed instruments but specialized on guitar. In 1944, Joe went into the U.S. Army. His skills landed him a gig performing for troops around the world. Maphis was discharged in 1946. After playing on WLS radio in Chicago he returned to Richmond, Va. and the Old Dominion Barn Dance until the early 1950s. During this period Maphis met many country music stars of the day who played the same circuit including Merle Travis which he performed with many times throughout his career. He Is also known for playing his famous double-neck Mosrite guitar.