Country music legend Buck Owens passes...

[Dapper Dan]

See story here.

We have truly lost one of our greatest national treasures. Unfortunately, Buck Owens will be known to most for his role as the cornpone cohost of the "Hee-Haw" television show rather than for his pioneering country music work on Capitol Records in the late fifties and early sixties. Between 1962 and 1968 he had over twenty number one hit records making him one of the greatest country music recording artists of all time. Even the Beatles admired his work and recorded his songs. Clint Black, George Straight, Dwight Yokem, The Mavericks, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris and Alan Jackson are but a fraction of the modern country stars who credit Buck Owens and the Bakersfield sound he created for having a major influence on their music and careers.

Rest in peace Buck...

[fingal]

I've never been a country music fan but it's sad to hear about the death of any good musician. After all ... what do they do? They entertain people and make them feel better about themselves (or worse; which for some people might be a good thing too!)

I was lucky enough to see Lyle Lovett and Nancy Griffith in concert in Cambridge several years ago, and I realised then that country has a lot of potential to appeal to other audiences. The crowd was full of rock fans shouting, 'We want Nancy!' over and over. I had so much fun! So yes! I hope he's gone to The Grand Ole Opry in the sky.

[oz]

I was never a big fan of his but do agree he was one of country music's greatest and am saddened to hear that he's gone. Peace be with you, Buck Owens.

[petergriffin]

I've never been a country music fan

I never thought I was... but we don't get to hear much decent country music in the UK.

[fingal]

I never thought I was... but we don't get to hear much decent country music in the UK.

Mary Chapin Carpenter is pretty good. I bet you would like this song of hers.

[pupdaleon]

i heard about this a few days ago. I'm way to young to remember him but i know of him it's sad when someone passes no matter who he/she is

[Dapper Dan]

Buck Owen's funeral will be Sunday at 2:00PM at the Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California. Of the many online tributes to Buck, I thought this was one of the better ones. If you've never heard a Buck Owens song you must remember that in the early 1960's, Nashville was putting everyone to sleep with what has since been referred to as "Countrypolitan" easy listening. Although a lot of good songs came from Nashville at this time, they weren't really country. That's exactly why Buck Owens is so appreciated to this day. The real country music lived and breathed in what has since become known as the "Bakersfield sound" which Buck was one of the most well known proponents. Here's what Nashville was putting out in the early 1960's...(you need mplayer plug-in installed.)

Crazy Patsy Cline
Hello Walls Faron Young
He'll have to go Jim Reeves

Those are all good songs, but compare them with what the Buckaroos were putting out at that time...

Excuse Me I think I've got a Heartache Buck Owens
Act Naturally Buck Owens
Pick Me Up on Your way Down Buck Owens

Which sounds like real country music?

[TBD]

He was a fine musician ... as is his old sidekick from the show Roy Clark.
I sure loved those Hee-Haw girls

[fingal]

I visited his official website and it was interesting to read about his early life. As he said himself some of it was a bit like The Grapes of Wrath (a book which I not only like I revere). Anyone who can climb out of that kind of poverty and make a living from music has my respect ... for what that's worth.

I wish there were more places in this country where musicians could practice and cut their teeth (a bit like the honkytonks I was reading about). There are one or two pubs and clubs etc., but a couple of years ago an important music venue was shut down near where I live and turned into a strip club. Much as I like women I prefer NOT to have that on my doorstep ...

I think to myself, you wouldn't go into a church (I'm not religious btw) and throw bricks through the window and spray paint the altar. Why would someone shut down a music venue and turn it into a sleazy little joint? Oh well ...