By BLUEGRASS JOHNSON
Rural Route Music 

BITTERSWEET, Ky. — I have vivid memories of watching a variety of country music shows as a kid with my father. This goes back to the 1960s when much of the radio waves were filled with British rockers and Woodstock-bound groups.

But for many of us in rural America, we spent many Saturday nights in front of the black-and-white television watching a multitude of country artists week after week.

One of my favorites was the Buck Owens Ranch Show starring, of course, Buck Owens. Now for those of you who are about to turn to the grain report, hear me out. Buck Owens was likely as important to country music at the time as some of those British groups were to pop/rock music.

First, he was from California at a time when there weren’t many country music artists from there. Sure, there was a fellow named Merle Haggard, but his music would be at the epicenter of what became known as the Bakersfield Sound; that mostly country, with a bit of a rock and heavy on the honkytonk genre, often characterized with electric instruments.

By the way, Bakersfield is his hometown.

While "electric" may sound funny now when relating it to music, it was different then and would set the stage, in my humble opinion, for most of the country music we hear today.

If I may be so bold, I’ll go as far as saying, had it not been for ol’ Buck and his band, the Buckaroos, country music would sound much different today. I suppose someone would have plugged in a guitar and paved the way but, for me, the honor goes to Owens.

While his music would inspire countless other country stars, the Buck Owens hit Act Naturally became quite a big hit for the Beatles. His influence would be felt by many other popular acts then as well as now. Just listen to Dwight Yoakam and Brad Paisley and you’ll hear Buck coming through loud and clear.

During his recording heyday, Owens certainly commanded most of the attention, but his main sidekick, Don Rich, truly completed the sound with his magical guitar playing and perfect harmonies. In fact, I think Rich’s contributions were equally as important as Buck’s.

For most of us, Buck Owens will be remembered for co-hosting the long-running country music/comedy show Hee Haw. That gig lasted from 1969 to 1986; but in our house, Buck Owens was already well known, well-loved and came to visit every Saturday night.

For being so important to country music, Buck gets an A in the classroom; and for bringing such great music into our home every week, I give him a big "Thank you!"

Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.