Country Artist - Buck Owens

Born as Alvis Edgar Owens in Sherman Texas 1929

Buck Owens was the creator of what is now known as the Bakersfield sound, however Buck wasn't born in Bakersfield California. Buck Owens

Sherman Texas 1929 saw the Owen's family welcoming into the world Alvis Edgar Owens, this poor share cropper family probably could have done without another mouth to feed. His father wanting the best for his family so they upped stakes and headed for California like just about everybody else in the depression hit America.

buck owens

They only got to Arizona before their trailer had broken down so the family decided to settle there.

Buck owens itunes

Learns to Play The Mandolin and Guitar

By the time he was 13 Buck had learned to play the Mandolin and later the guitar, dropping out of school he became the co host of a country music television show in Mesa. The Buck and Britt Show, Buck was just 16.

However he quit this job to join a touring band known as Mac's Skillet Lickers, he married his wife Bonnie Cambell who had been a singer with both shows. By the time he was 20 Buck had moved to Bakersfield California, after being persuaded by his uncles who were in the music business. Froming his own band the Schoolhouse Playboys, he was a backing singer in a Los Angeles Studio recording backing vocals for artist like Tennessee Ernie Ford, Sonny James, Wanda Jackson and Tommy Sands.

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Capitol Signs Him Up

Meanwhile Buck's reputation was beginning to grow. replacing Ferlin Husky as lead guitarist for Tommy Collins Band and finally getting a contract with Capitol records, however the hits didn't come and Buck became a DJ in Seattle he also divorced Bonny.

Then his recording of 'Under Your Spell Again' caught on and by 1961 he had formed his own group the Buckaroos and he managed to convince his recording label to let his band back him on records. He produced an hard honky tonk sound with ringing electric guitars and a whining steel, featuring the high tenor harmonies of Don Rich they were an instant hit with the record buying public in fact they recorded 26 consecutive number one hits.

His songs were going international and even the Beatles covered his Act Naturally. other hits included I've Got A Tiger by The Tail, Cryin Time, Together Again, Waiting in your Welfare Line.

He started playing dates around the globe and co hosted one of the most popular programs in the history of television Hee Haw beginning in 1969 on CBS and still going strong in the 1980's

Buck refused to move to Nashville and his rejection of the Nashville sound in the 60 and 70's is what really sets Buck Owens apart. He also helped many artist find their feet including Merle Haggard.

If you would like a taste of Buck Owens look no further than a two set album called the Very Best of Buck Owens Vol 1 and 2, this set covers most of Bucks hits such as rollin in my sweet baby's arms, under your spell again, tall dark stranger, act naturally and more.

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