(Reuters) Honky-tonk star Buck Owens, who sold more than 16 million albums and popularized country entertainment on television as host of "Hee Haw," died on Saturday at age 76.
Owens, who helped spread the twangy "Bakersfield sound" as an antidote to Nashville's slick country music, died of heart failure at his home, said his keyboard player Jim Shaw[see full story for more]
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Rant or Rave? Your turn, post your comments and thoughts on this news item. But hey keep it clean, we wouldn't want to have to wash your mouth out with Old Spice.
Posted by The Dogbonesmen:
I concur with Archie. Buck was responsible for pulling a certain amount of the country audience away from the close confines of Nashville with his "Bakersfield Sound". If you need a refresher, check out "My heart skips a beat" from the early sixties. You will hear Don Rich's clear harmonies on that classic track. God Bless and Rest in Peace. Your contributions to country music will not be forgotten.
Posted by Archie:
More credit needs to be given to Don Rich, Buck's singing duet partner during his rise to fame. Without Don Rich's special delayed harmonies I doubt Buck would have gottten the kind of attention he did from record producers and the public. Bcuk was the front man, but Don was the other half of the act that drew the crowds, and made the recordings hits. Buck never did a lot of recording after Don died. He became more of a slap stick commedienne on Hee Haw. Which he was very good ta. He was a tremendous showman.
