Buck Owens, born Alvis Edgar Owens Jr. on August 12, 1929, was a towering figure in country music, especially known for pioneering the Bakersfield sound—a raw and energizing alternative to the polished productions of Nashville. His career, stretching from the 1950s until his death on March 25, 2006, encapsulated a period of profound influence and innovation. Owens picked up his first instrument, a mandolin, as a child before turning to the guitar, and by the mid-1950s, he had begun carving out his career with a style rooted in honky-tonk and rockabilly.

Owens found significant success with his band, the Buckaroos, particularly in the 1960s, culminating in a streak of number one hits on the country music charts. He was not only a regular chart-topper but also became a multimedia personality with his co-hosting stint on "Hee Haw," a country-themed variety show that brought his music to a wider audience. His legacy includes a catalog of work that is quintessential to the genre, showcased in collections such as "Buck 'Em: The Music of Buck Owens (1955-1967)" and live albums such as "When Buck Came Back! Live In San Francisco 1989." His style was marked by its sharp electric twang, tight vocal harmonies, and relentless beat, which continue to inspire and influence musicians across the country and rock spectrums. Owens was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996 for his contributions to the fabric of American music, his spirit living on through the timeless tracks that still resonate with fans old and new.

Genres

Bakersfield Sound

Classic Country Pop

Country

Country Rock

Cowboy Western

Western Swing

Related Artists

Johnny Cash

Merle Haggard

Willie Nelson

Dwight Yoakam

George Jones

Waylon Jennings

Conway Twitty

Loretta Lynn

Roger Miller

Chris Stapleton

The Flying Burrito Brothers

Dolly Parton

Latest Release

Bakersfield Gold: Top 10 Hits 1959-1974

Buck Owens

Album - 46 Tracks - Released October 7, 2022