Buck Owens RIP

A true country great, Buck Owens, has passed away. While he may have been more known by many for his goofy character on Hee Haw (which likely really was part of his personality) he was a true talent with a major influence on popular music.

Not satisfied with the often bland sounds that were coming out of Nashville, Buck helped to pioneer the Bakersfield Sound; which helped return Country music to its basic guitar driven roots. Though with an edgier, harder sound. In many ways it was closer to early rock and roll; like from Sun records. His influence on the Beatles is obvious on their rendition of his hit, "Act Naturally". And IMHO the Bakersfield sound was a bigger influence on the formation of Country Rock than anything that came out of Nashville.

Buck wasn't afraid to make light and fun records. Songs like "Tiger By the Tail" and "Waiting in your Welfare Line" became his trademark. But he also wrote such classics as "Together Again" and "Cryin' Time". And he always had a killer band, the Buckaroos, which seems like another nod to the whimsical nature of the man.

Thanks Buck. You were a true original.