The Gibson Hummingbird is one of the most iconic acoustic guitars ever made. First introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird has been played by some of the most famous guitarists in rock, folk, country, and other genres. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the acclaimed artists who have made the Gibson Hummingbird their guitar of choice.
The Origin of the Gibson Hummingbird
The story of the Hummingbird begins in 1960, when Gibson was looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of folk music. They wanted to create an acoustic guitar that could compete with rival Martin’s Dreadnought guitars. After researching the most popular exotic woods, Gibson decided on using mahogany and rosewood for the Hummingbird model. The first prototype had elaborate pearl inlays and binding, inspired by the colorful hummingbird species. This new dreadnought guitar was named the “Hummingbird” due to its ornate design and tonal qualities that sounded almost bird-like.
The original Hummingbirds were made in Gibson’s Kalamazoo, Michigan factory in the early 1960s. They featured a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard and bridge. One of the most noticeable features was the decorated pickguard with engraved hummingbirds and flowers. Early models also had “cherryburst” finishes which transitioned from dark red to natural brown.
Over the decades, Gibson has released several variations on the Hummingbird, introducing simpler models along with more luxurious versions with gold hardware and elaborate inlays. The Hummingbird has firmly established itself as an iconic acoustic and one of Gibson’s most enduring models played by countless artists.
Folk and Country Artists Who Played the Hummingbird
In the 1960s, the rich and vibrant tone of the Gibson Hummingbird appealed to many rising folk stars. The nylon-strung model was especially popular with folk guitarists playing fingerstyle music.
John Denver – Denver was closely associated with his Hummingbird for decades, even naming his guitar after his favorite model – “Hummingbird”. It was his primary stage and studio guitar from the mid-1960s through the mid-1990s. Denver preferred a 1969 Hummingbird modified with a cutaway added to allow easier access to higher frets.
Folk legend Doc Watson often performed and recorded with a Hummingbird in the 1960s and ’70s. Watson played a mix of traditional Appalachian music along with blues and bluegrass songs on his trusty Gibson dreadnought.
Iconic singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell frequently used a Hummingbird on her albums and live performances during her acclaimed 1970s folk years. Her guitar playing on songs like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Both Sides Now” was colored by the warm, strong sound of her Hummingbird.
The rich tones of the Hummingbird can be heard on many classic albums by country greats like Gram Parsons, Waylon Jennings, John Prine, and more. Jennings and Parsons favored Hummingbirds when playing country, rock, and Americana tunes both live and in the studio.
Rock Legends who Played Hummingbirds
While the folk scene embraced the Gibson Hummingbird early on, it wasn’t long before the crunchy tones were heard in early rock and roll.
One of the first high-profile rockers to adopt the Hummingbird was Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. He occasionally played a Hummingbird on Rolling Stones tracks like “Play With Fire” in 1965. Richards’ use of the dreadnought on electric songs helped introduce it to the rock world.
Folk rock pioneer and former Byrd Gene Clark was gifted a 1964 Hummingbird by girlfriend Nancy Lee Ross in the late 1960s, just before he embarked on a solo career. He wrote his early solo singles on it, like “Echoes” and took it on tour until it was stolen in the early 1970s.
Jesse Colin Young played a Hummingbird as lead guitarist and vocalist of the Youngbloods. Their 1969 hit “Get Together” features a very prominent Hummingbird acoustic rhythm part driving the song along.
Through the 1960s and ’70s, there are many examples of high-profile rockers using Gibson Hummingbirds in the studio and on stage:
| Artist | Songs/Albums featuring Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| George Harrison | “Here Comes the Sun” with the Beatles |
| Pete Townshend | Who’s Next, Quadrophenia |
| Paul Simon | Early Simon & Garfunkel albums |
| Richie Havens | Opening set at Woodstock in 1969 |
| Don McLean | “American Pie”, early 1970s albums |
| Melanie | “Brand New Key”, “Ruby Tuesday” in the 1970s |
| Joan Baez | Any Day Now album in 1968 |
The warm, resonant tones of the Hummingbird acoustic dreadnought helped define the sounds of folk rock and singer-songwriters as the genres exploded in the ’60s and ’70s.
Modern Artists Playing the Hummingbird
Even though it’s been around for over 50 years now, musicians keep finding new ways to utilize the Gibson Hummingbird’s unique voice.
Modern folk revival artists like Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling often play Hummingbirds live and in the studio. The punchy low-end combined with sparkling highs works well for their energetic, banjo-driven folk-pop.
Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band relies on a Hummingbird for a lot of his acoustic rhythm and lead work in country and southern rock styles.
Sheryl Crow has played a Hummingbird throughout her career both solo and with other artists. She often fingerpicks complex rhythms and solos on the Gibson dreadnought.
In the realm of blues, Eric Bibb flatpicks his Hummingbird on albums and during concert performances. The rich tones complement his intricate blues licks and soulful vocals.
Some notable modern rockers like Thom Yorke of Radiohead and Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons have Hummingbirds custom built with electric pickups. This allows them to plug in on stage while retaining the familiar Hummingbird sound.
Today’s elite studio musicians frequently call upon the Gibson Hummingbird when recording acoustic parts for pop, country, rock, and folk records.
The Legacy of the Gibson Hummingbird
After more than six decades, the Gibson Hummingbird continues its legacy as one of the most cherished and iconic acoustic guitar models. While it evolved from humble roots as a folk guitar, the Hummingbird has transcended genres and left its mark on music history through the hands of countless artists and songs.
It’s rare for any guitar built today to have the longevity and reach of the Hummingbird. New materials and modeling technology yield amazing instruments, but none as beloved and historically significant as the Gibson Hummingbird. From folk to rock icons and modern superstars, the Hummingbird still inspires great music today just as it did in 1960.
Conclusion
The Gibson Hummingbird is truly one of the most recognizable and highly respected acoustic guitar models played by influential musicians across genres. While its ornate visual design commands attention, it’s the unparalleled sound that has appealed to so many great artists over the decades. The mahogany and spruce tonewoods combine to create a sound like no other – from a deep low-end, sparkling highs and lush overtones that almost sing. The list of prominent Hummingbird players is a testament to its versatility and historical significance in music. From roots in folk and country to immortal riffs in rock, the Gibson Hummingbird’s legacy lives on today in the hands of today’s top musicians.
