buck owens and don rich - above and beyond

[@lemkehomestead]

When I grow up I wanna be just as happy as Don Rich was

[@mariellemartin7372]

This world will never see the likes of them two ever again.

[@flankerroad7414]

They were such good friends...just in the way they exchange looks and smiles and carry on.

[@paulsmart728]

I hope someday Don Rich will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He certainly deserves to be there! May he Rest In Peace. 🙏🏻

[@jeffclark7888]

Don was also a champion fiddler.

[@juleswins3]

Buck asked Don once why he didn’t want to take a more active role as a solo performer? He told Buck all of the pressure was on him and he just enjoyed his role as lead musician and backup singer. Because of never having a solo or songwriting career, I don’t think there’s a chance of him being inducted into the CMHOF. Where he should absolutely be and isn’t is the Musician’s Hall of Fame! Somebody at that place has his head up his @$$!

[@jeffclark7888]

@@juleswins3 Don said, “Aww, Chief, I like everything the way they are.”

[@airborneassasin]

after Don's tragic death, I feel that Buck was never the same again, it was like he had lost the ability to play another instrument, He used Don's voice as an instrument, as an extension of himself and of the song, their harmonies were so tight, You will never see such a unselfish partnership like this again. They were truly a duet that to this day would have remained untouchable.

[@SGComun1dad]

Owens and Rich - one of the best duos ever.

[@impassable]

They were elite, no wonder Buck didn't like Hee Haw that much, it was kind of below him

[@trukeesey8715]

Both Leo the lion. Also Rodney Crowell Leo the lion.

[@jeffclark7888]

@@trukeesey8715true.

[@hhjjhh09]

Besides the voice and harmony, I love watching Don Rich sing because he was so dang happy. Makes me happy looking at his happiness💕

[@JohnDoe-jy3us]

They performed with joy. How rare nowadays.

[@billtinsley2781]

I came to make this exact comment. Don just exuded joy in his performance.

[@jayham1970]

Don, I am afraid was not in good health before his motorcycle accident. (Not meaning to be macabre) but Don looked a bit bloated and possibly in renal failure or cardio problems. When his bike crashed, I am afraid that he was already gone before the motorcycle hit the lane divider (or his bike suffered a high speed wobble). Don, whether he realized it or not) did not look too healthy at his untimely death, and my guess is that no autopsy was done. It was assumed that a motorcycle crash claimed his life, Buck begged him to not ride, Don did, and Buck carried that grief to his grave. I do not think that Don Rich died from the crash, but I do believe that he suffered some physical malady that caused the crash. When I hear the song, The Day the Music Died, I think of Don Rich. Buck was never the same after Don’s death. RIP…Don, Buck, Tom, and Doyle. Long live the Buckaroos, and I hope that Willie and those that came after them live many more years of healthful bliss.

[@jeffclark7888]

@@jayham1970hmmm…possibly.

[@PFB1994]

I'd be dang happy if I could sing and play guitar 1/10th as good as Don Rich.

[@sartainja]

Viva the memory and music of Don Rich.

[@scottmeli]

Buck Owens and Don Rich were the perfect partners when they sang and played together. In addition to being great guitar pickers they wrote some memorable material as well. They both will be forever missed and respected. God bless you guys and thanks.

[@impassable]

What year do you think this was?

[@scottmeli]

From the looks of Buck & Don, I’d put this in the era of 1970-71. Don’s playing a Gibson LesPaul and not his usual Fender Telecaster. I’m amazed at how perfect their harmonies were...just plain beautiful. (Thanks for the response). My best.

[@impassable]

@@scottmeli Thanks friend

[@CStrangeBlueticks]

Don Rich and Buck Owens were like Peanut Butter and Jelly. They just went together. The harmonize so well what a great piece of solid country gold!

[@pedalman]

Buck is great , but Don Rich is the very best sideman anybody could ever have , he was also a legend and that big smile he had was infectious . That motor cycle accident was a unimaginable loss to his family and friends but it also left a galactic gap in country music.

[@nickf2170]

Oh yeh.... grew up on that....the best.

[@bigetcb9994]

Don rich had a million dollar smile

[@pedalman]

There will never be another pair like these two, Don Rich is ( not was ) awesome and his perpetual smile makes you smile along with him, a giant in country music.

[@MrTruth76]

Once in a lifetime duo.#Godsgifts

[@1957cindylou]

don rich was my dads cousin as little girls we would watch hee haw just to see him. many thanks for loving his music as much as we did.

[@scottsteele427]

Don's harmony with buck really made buck the star he was

[@patriciajrs46]

Fantastic. Wonderful memory.

[@captnswing]

Buck and Dons' harmonies were beyond beautiful. When they sang together, it was pure joy - A celebration of what music can be. Great video!

[@Mastahscott]

It was Bucks sound performed by Don and Buck , I take nothing from Don, I love that guy and Buck was not what he coulda been without Don , But he was not what he coulda been not just because he lost Don , but because he lost heart from losing Don. I will love them both forever and I thank them both for doin what they did , it made the world a better place for all and Im sure they are being rewarded for that. When Buck died , he had Dons guitar next to him and a note read..."Together Again "

[@JeffreyTappan-bb8rr]

Can't find this kind of harmony anymore.

[@skatesbig88]

These two were the perfect duo. Buck made no bones about sharing the mic with Don and there sound was famous. I can totally understand how when Don died it took so much out of Buck.

[@Elmvale1]

The one and only Don Rich.

[@Baci302]

If Don Rich is really not in the Country Music Hall of Fame, that's a sin.

[@Dropsy517]

I don't know how in the hell Don Rich isn't in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

[@vanessamccleskeyroden4349]

He sure should be! Buck, and Don were so great together!❤💕💞

[@Mr6stringchaos]

It’s a damn shame that Don Rich isn’t in there.

[@willthorson4543]

Because he was a back up singer and really didn't have any hits on his own. Standards.

[@MrSnappy67]

@@willthorson4543 He was more than a backup singer, whenever these guys sang together they were dueting. On the same mic, blending at equal volume, quite an influence on the Beatles' harmonies, I have to think. Plus he was the lead guitarist, and a hot one. (Also the band's musical director, so I assume he had a hand in the arrangements.) I hear ya, he didn't have a groundbreaking solo career...but he was part of what made the Buckaroos groundbreaking. They should've put some Buckaroos in with Buck, him at the very least.

[@ryleehill7952]

Damn Right!

[@Luther-1968]

They were so relaxed, happy and perfect here. My favorite clip of them, what a great memory.

[@carkenny2]

I can't imagine the pain that buck felt when Don Rich died. Irreplaceable on so many levels. As a teenager in the sixties, there was so much great music to listen to, the Beatles the Stones, and so much diverse talent on the radio, that I thought country music was "laughable". I could not have been more wrong. Good country only "sounds simple", to those who can't sing or play. The talent and musicianship on this classic video is truly "mind blowing".

[@thomasbuckler3583]

tell me nashville,why isn,t DON RICH in the country music hall of fame,cause he sure as hell deserved,what are you waiting on NASHVILLE,just do it ,because he sure was better than some you have in the hall of fame.never to late.put DON RICH in the hall of fame.come on NASHVILLE do it.Ican imagine how many thousands other country fans would agree with me.

[@CannibalWHORE22]

I wasn’t around for that time nor get to experience being a teenager. But I grew up with that same kind of music and grateful for it. But I agree when people they say country is terrible or all the same, I think of this stuff and realize it’s so much more. This stuff is so enjoyable and it had a big part of those two getting the enjoyment of playing together.

[@martyjourard7172]

Rich sings absolutely perfect harmony. It's uncanny.

[@kennytheworm]

Dude was a superstar. Thanks for checking in, brother.

[@patriciajrs46]

Sometimes, Buck sang harmony for Don. That's a good one, too.

[@jeffclark7888]

Agree.

[@montewold2223]

Dude been gone 50+ yrs

[@carolynm4962]

I was always in love with Don Rich. While I certainly enjoyed Buck’s singing, it was Don that made me want to watch them perform.

[@goodtimefolkrock]

he could pick a telecaster like no other ! his voice was the perfect compliment to bucks too!

[@gunneral]

There will never ever ever ever be anything to replace Buck,Don,Doyle,Tom and Willie in country or any other konda music...This was country music at it's very very best..

[@clevebaker8399]

They were and are the greatest!!

[@tch2rd2]

They were amazing together... and put serious effort into doing quality work. They make it look easy but in reality they had standards of excellence. I LOVE the tight harmony together!

[@marythompson5458]

BUCK AND RICH SOUNDS LOVELY TOGETHER

[@troyw1843]

these guys are country music, hands down!

[@mryeayo]

Nothing beats the combination of Buck and Big Don.

[@robsocalrob]

There will never be another Don Rich. He was one of the greatest country music maters, and should have been a much bigger star. Pure Bakersfield sound.

[@timothyclani6609]

RIP Buck. You left your mark. Enjoyed visiting your Bakersfield Crystal Palace. Each time I drove through Bakersfield, I played your songs only for a whole hour. Your music's fantastic.

[@michaelmckenzie5232]

Kidding? They were huge back on the day

[@bigetcb9994]

I was at Don's grave site here in Bakersfield and for a moment I thought I could hold back the tears I failed

[@jeffclark7888]

Great anecdote.

[@knapper2000]

Buck and Don were meant to be together and their music says it all!

[@blackie75]

i just love watching Don Rich, he looks so happy to be playing, makes me smile just seeing it

[@misskj7773]

Don Rich would have been 80 years old today. Happy Birthday and Rest in Peace, Master of the Telecaster.

[@Chichesterfrotesque1001]

The great Smilin' Don there with a les Paul recording.great stuff.

[@barbaralilly9301]

Don is an icon

[@thelostcowgirl5568]

Once up on the time, men had sweet words to women... 😊

[@ishepperd]

Don and Buck were just super. One thing funny to watch in this video. You know how the director it the control room switches between cameras to keep things a bit more lively. On the last reprise where the sing "Well I'll give you love..." Buck gets his camera cue wrong and looks to a camera on his left which isn't "on". So he and Don have a little laugh as Buck pretends to try to find the "live" camera.

[@danmaltby3271]

Those 2 guys could really sing together, I heard when the great Don Rich died in his motorcycle wreck, it really took the wind out of Bucks sails

[@hanklogsdon8390]

Dan Maltby Yea Buck wanted to retire

[@vanessamccleskeyroden4349]

😥 Sad day for Country Music! RIP Don Rich! You were the greatest!

[@torchwoodjackharknes]

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Dynmic Duo of Country Music. Buck did indeed use Don's voice as another insturment. As testament as to how pervasive their music was the Beatles requested copies of all of their albums. John Lennon in most particular loved the Bakersfield sound of this amazing pair. I was barely 3 years old when Don Rich died but I remember both of my parents crying when the found out he had died. Buck, I agree with you it is high time Don was in the Country Music hall of Fame!!

[@6stringslick]

this is indeed country music. todays country makes me sick,all sounds the same.those old classic bass lines are great, and don rich was an awesome picker. hes one of the reasons i picked up a guitar.my dad had nearly all of bucks albums ,i grew up on them.

[@kennethbenson7371]

I saw Don and Buck in 1972 and it was magic!

[@45acpauto]

Wow! Never seen Don Rich play anything but a Telecaster. Les Paul caught me off guard.

[@StevieB1362]

What talent ! Thanks for this trip back to the classics. Timeless music. As fresh today as ever. Excellent lyrics, music & harmonies. There'll never be another band as good at creating the Bakersfield sound as the Buckaroos. You can't beat the originals. Long live Don & Buck. Hope God allows 'em to play together up there.

[@altonwilliams7117]

Man I wish Don hadn’t left us so soon because I know he and Buck would have gone on to so much more great music. 🎼🎸

[@johnnisbet6386]

This is a definition of friendship

[@michaeltarasenkoop2389]

Buck made country a word for all to listen to

[@jayham1970]

It's hard to believe that just about all these guys from the original Buckaroos are almost gone now. Willie Cantu (drummer) is the only one left. It's just sad. These were really talented and fun guys...legends in their own time.

[@earlslot8320]

so sad

[@joebeutner6538]

saw them many times....always greaty

[@hanklogsdon8390]

Wow love it Don and Buck!!!!!

[@fiddlefreak91]

I wasn't born till 91, but how I wish I could have met Don! He's sooo cool! And Handsome too!

[@thetreblerebel]

Cool Ole Don Rich playing the LesPaul. In The 70s that was the guitar of choice

[@lenaandersson7270]

Yes how I LOVE THIS VIDEO 🎤🎸🎼BUCK & DON........❤🌹🌿❤🌹🌿

[@bencraft4733]

Great!!!! Boy, these two are in a class all by themselves.!

[@vendanges3]

You should be proud of your grandfather! He's the reason why I'm crazy about country music and why I learned to play the guitar when I was around 10 years old. I'm the proud owner of a Telecaster. I just wish I could play half the way Don could play.

[@kennyscarborough250]

Ken you are exactly right about the 1960's !! The 60's truly was the GREATEST generation of music ever!! Not only the great Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and other country legends,...but also the British Invasion such as Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Herman's Hermits....so many more!!

[@cynthiagilmore-ulrich6057]

They were the very best ever! R.I.P. Buck and Don. Love you always!!

[@texas759]

I hope you enjoy your grandpa's music as much as the rest of the true country lovers do. country music lost a true great the day he passed. Buck never sounded the same after.

[@raphaelbernard7954]

These two where meant musically and entertaining wise to be together that's obvious and there sound was revolutionary and unique

[@bassflyer]

I grew up watching Bucks' show. My dad loved his music, and watched the show too, but always said Buck was sure ugly. I was sure surprised to read a few years ago that Buck taught Don all of that Tele work. I though Ol' Buck could barely play rhythm guitar, boy was I wrong! It also amazes me that they ever got through a song live, they both always tried to trip the other up. They sure had fun on stage and it showed.

[@acupunk74]

Buck and Don, Phil and Don...close harmony at its best.

[@karlpiepenburg127]

They were extremely innovative and totally unlike anyone else in country music then, or now. You don’t really hear it in this performance but Don’s lead guitar style was a big part of the Buckaroos’ sound

[@jerryanstey7058]

Never, never , ever will we see such a pure performance in this life again !

[@danielmoose1273]

I already commented once here a couple months ago, but I just never tire of watching these guys together and listening to how good they sound. Plus, just watching Don grin while he performs makes me grin too ... then I remember how he was stolen from everyone, and my grin leaves too ... until the next time I watch ...

[@georgechase6770]

You knew John and Paul listened to this back in the day!!!!!

[@kennytheworm]

Guaranteed

[@mxtypx]

These two guys were the greatest! No comparison then or now. God bless them both - thank God there is so much of their music recorded. Buck and Don - yes, yes, yes!

[@JimmyDeLocke]

HOT DAMN -- Those were the days R.I.P. Buck and Dangerous Don -- You guys are still the best!

[@VelvetCyberpunk]

You know, aside from Hank Williams there's really nobody better than Buck Owens and Don Rich. It broke my heart when Buck died. I've loved him my whole life, and I never got to see him live... and the worst part is I only lived 40 miles away from Bakersfield for 16 months before he died.

[@grummansteve]

these two were joined at the soul!

[@danielmoose1273]

I really miss seeing and hearing these guys on tv ... both of 'em were genuine treasures ...

[@barbaralilly9301]

Love to hear Buck and Don. Don left us to soon.

[@knapper2000]

Buck and Don made a great duo. Understandable, why Buck was so devastated when Don died.

[@rogeralsop3479]

Love this pair.

[@Elmvale1]

Don Rich is awesome anyone related to him should feel proud.

[@knapper2000]

Buck and Don was magic together.

[@55terriblegasser]

I don't think you could get any cooler than these guys!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome!

[@clydedryman9505]

Some of the best country music I have heard in years.

[@mikeyramone74]

These guys were telepathic. I love this version.

[@tatsandteles]

This reminds me of being a boy in Charlestown, WV and working in the garage with my Father. I miss Buck, Don and my Dad.

[@ethelmae43]

Buck and Don are tops no mater what they play. Righ on Guys. Love you very much

[@PaulO-gx2bn]

Great Song, love these Guys singing together they were tighter than a Ducks Bottom, bless em both. I am sure they are treating the angels to a few great songs. God Bless!

[@jwa718]

+Paul Oughton The Righteous Brothers sang about one helluva band in Heaven---this just shows that's 100% right!

[@rustardj]

Short and to the point, just like country music should be. Todays country tries to be more rock, with solos and heavy drums.

[@bobgrace5250]

what year did Don rich die

[@groundhog713]

Bob Grace 1974

[@texastwostep]

Your grandfather Don Rich, was the motivation for me to learn country music style guitar. Can't get enough of hearing him and Buck Owens. What a great partnership.

[@lerb21]

Don had one white 50's tele that his wife stated was his favorite. Don also had a 1964 Champagne Telecaster with checkerboard binding and a matching headstock. There was also a Silver Sparkle Telecaster with a matching headstock and plain black binding. Continuing, Don had a Red, White and Blue Tele with white binding. Don also had a Gold Tele with black binding and no matching headstock. Don also had the Les Paul recording model that you see here, along with an ES-335.

[@slurpee27]

The more I listen to this version , The more I like it better than the album Man, they were good together!

[@romeodus]

You are right, Don Rich was wonderful. These two guys had a special blend of voices and charisma. They are gone now but thank God we have the music forever.

[@MrSnappy67]

This is one of my favorite clips on youtube, can't even estimate how many times I've watched it. Joyful brotherhood.

[@jcraigb]

don rich was awesome buck and his voice blended perfect probably the best in country music

[@dakota813]

Now this is country!! Compared to some of the crap of today

[@AJBluesman]

A Wynn Stewart Masterpiece....Buck did a neat job of it ! Gotta Love Don !

[@mrbobevans]

THE DYNAMIC DUO OF COUNTRY MUSIC.

[@pollendancerapiary1595]

wow, what a great song!

[@JackieLeejuk]

What a couple of singers and guitar pickers !!!! Love to sing this song all the time

[@TheXcking]

don rich one of the best could never understand why he wasnt a stand alone guy such a talant thanks for posting.

[@knapper2000]

Nothing like Buck and Don singing together!

[@josephforde9348]

Hi love Buckowens

[@jespengar]

Rest In Peace DON RICH, We Need That Voice In Heaven........

[@eeshelton]

I must admit, it also took me awhile to get used to this version (without the steel guitar, telecaster, etc.) but now I dig it. Of course, Buck and Don had so much fun, it's hard not to like anything they ever did.

[@billhillify4924]

The music coming out of the Western US at this time was something special.