The West Coast has long been a vibrant hub for country music, offering a distinctive sound that blends traditional country with the laid-back vibes of California. At the heart of this scene, one family stands out as the pioneers and torchbearers of West Coast country music. This article delves into the lives, careers, and legacies of The Owens Family, often regarded as the first family of West Coast country music.
I. The Rise of Buck Owens
Early Life and Influences
Buck Owens, born Alvis Edgar Owens Jr. on August 12, 1929, in Sherman, Texas, moved to Mesa, Arizona, during the Dust Bowl migration. His early life was marked by hardship and poverty, but music was always a source of comfort and inspiration. Buck’s exposure to various musical genres, including country, gospel, and mariachi, helped shape his unique sound.
Career Beginnings
In the late 1940s, Buck moved to California, where he found work as a session musician. His big break came when he joined the house band at the prestigious Capitol Records. By the mid-1950s, he was recording his own music, which quickly gained popularity due to its energetic and upbeat style.
The Bakersfield Sound
Buck Owens is credited with pioneering the Bakersfield Sound, a subgenre of country music characterized by its raw, honky-tonk feel, prominent electric guitars, and a backbeat reminiscent of rock and roll. This new sound was a stark contrast to the polished productions coming out of Nashville at the time.
Chart Success
Buck’s success was meteoric. His string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including “Act Naturally,” “Love’s Gonna Live Here,” and “I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail,” cemented his place in country music history. He became a regular on television, co-hosting the popular show “Hee Haw” from 1969 to 1986.
II. Don Rich: Buck’s Right-Hand Man
Meeting and Partnership
Don Rich, born Donald Eugene Ulrich on August 15, 1941, in Olympia, Washington, was a virtuoso musician. He met Buck Owens in the early 1960s, and their partnership became one of the most influential in country music. Don’s guitar playing and harmonies were integral to the Bakersfield Sound.
Musical Contributions
Don’s guitar work, especially on songs like “Buckaroo” and “Together Again,” showcased his exceptional talent and became a defining feature of Buck’s recordings. His tragic death in a motorcycle accident in 1974 marked the end of an era for Buck Owens and the Bakersfield Sound.
III. The Next Generation: Buddy Alan and the Owens Brothers
Buddy Alan’s Early Life
Buddy Alan, born Alvis Alan Owens on May 22, 1948, in Mesa, Arizona, is Buck Owens’ son from his marriage to Bonnie Campbell Owens. Growing up in a musical household, Buddy was surrounded by country music legends and started performing at a young age.
Musical Career
Buddy pursued a career in music, achieving success with hits like “Let the World Keep on A-Turnin'” and “When I Turn Twenty-One.” His music blended traditional country with modern influences, continuing the Owens family’s legacy.
Michael and Johnny Owens
Buck’s other sons, Michael and Johnny Owens, also followed in their father’s footsteps. Michael became a successful songwriter and musician, while Johnny pursued a career in music production and management. Together, they kept the family tradition alive and contributed to the West Coast country music scene.
IV. Bonnie Owens: The Matriarch
Early Life and Career
Bonnie Owens, born Bonnie Campbell on October 1, 1932, in Blanchard, Oklahoma, was a talented singer and songwriter. She married Buck Owens in 1948, and they had two sons, Buddy and Michael.
Musical Contributions
Bonnie had a successful solo career with hits like “Don’t Take Advantage of Me” and “Number One Heel.” She also collaborated with Buck on several projects, contributing to the Bakersfield Sound.
Marriage to Merle Haggard
After her divorce from Buck, Bonnie married Merle Haggard in 1965. She became a key figure in Merle’s band, The Strangers, and contributed significantly to his success. Her influence on both Buck and Merle’s careers makes her a pivotal figure in West Coast country music.
V. The Legacy of the Owens Family
Influence on Country Music
The Owens family’s contributions to country music are immeasurable. Buck’s innovative Bakersfield Sound paved the way for future generations of artists. Don Rich’s musicianship set a high standard for guitarists, and Bonnie Owens’ talent and dedication were instrumental in shaping the careers of two country music legends.
Modern Day Influence
Today, the Owens family’s legacy continues to inspire musicians. Artists like Dwight Yoakam and Brad Paisley have cited Buck Owens as a major influence. The Bakersfield Sound remains a beloved subgenre, and the Owens family’s contributions are celebrated by fans and musicians alike.
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VI. Conclusion
The Owens family has left an indelible mark on West Coast country music. From Buck Owens’ pioneering work in the Bakersfield Sound to the next generation’s contributions, their legacy is a testament to their talent, innovation, and dedication to country music. As the first family of West Coast country music, the Owens’ influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
