Buck Owens and Merle Haggard -Hassled By Cops

Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Don Rich had a run in with the Michigan State Police. This is a story from Buck Owens' autobiography, Buck 'Em.
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Buck Owens
Don Rich
Merle Haggard
#BuckOwens
#MerleHaggard,

[@otisgibbs]

Honest question for y'all: Do any of you prefer to sit in the middle seat of a truck/car? I'd rather drive or be in the passenger seat. I'm not sure I've ever met anyone who prefers the middle. How about you?

[@alwayscrazy1]

Drive or drive! ;)

[@imannonymous7707]

Never the middle....but if I had to...I'd be controlling the radio

[@Caperhere]

Always tried to avoid the middle seat. Especially back when that big hump in the floor had your knees up, and your bum numb.

[@noahrobinson3558]

That's usually where the younger sibling goes lol

[@toddgaines9446]

Growing up in Texas, I always took the middle seat. That way I didn't have to drive, or open and close the gate. It's a cowboy kind of thing.

[@fredkeele6578]

Aside from Bucks singing talent, i remember his Red White and Blue guitar, and his jaw chomping, infectious laugh. He was a great talent for sure.

[@mikecougar3563]

I was fortunate enough to meet Merle. He was so down to earth genuine guy. Will never forget the day I met Merle Haggard.

[@BradYaeger]

My entire songwriting approach is based on the fact I cant stand sitting between 2 people period. I get anxiety . So when my family took long trips in the country (My dad LOVED to drive) I HAD to sit by a window and stare out it or I would panic. To occupy my mind I would focus on the radio . This was the early 70's and pseudo folk story songs were all over the charts. "Billy Don't Be a Hero", " Wildfire" , "The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia" and on and on. And no matter how many times I listened to those songs, and of course many other country music standards , I never got tired of hearing the stories and picturing them in my mind. Later when I started writing myself I knew I needed good stories to hold the listeners. Those old timers knew what they were doing .

[@washingtonbob49]

Don Rich is the reason I own and play my two Telecasters. Thanks for sharing these stories...you have made my day Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Bob!

[@reddeserted13]

Don Rich needs to be in the HOF!

[@packingten]

@@reddeserted13 Him&Buck!.

[@user-qw1et7yo4m]

​@@reddeserted13You are spot on about Don Rich. He's (in my opinion) the ultimate side man. He is the reason I own and play a Telecaster too.

[@jonristic3794]

I saw Merle on his birthday. He was opening for Dylan. He hinted that a “special guest” would come out to sing a song. Well, it never happened. But to see Merle for few nights in Chicago was everything. Then the cops...

[@ChazMatt]

They need to make a movie out of “Buck ‘Em”. Or, man, at least a decent documentary on Buck and Don!

[@perfectfan2006]

my husband as a kid had a chance in the 60s to meet buck owens and hang out a little to this day he still talks about what super nice and generous guy owens was and how kindly he treated him made a lifelong impression on my husband

[@dustinflock1972]

“People like you” is my favorite Buck Owens song. Don’s harmonies are just great on that one.

[@dangregg3189]

Otis any and all of Bucks and Merle's songs are absolutely great. Me I don't think I have a favorite buck or Merle song. There's not one song that I don't like. And Don Rich. He was truly an amazing man. He could tear up a Tele or a fiddle he was truly a legend amongst all the legends. I am 64 and I've been listening to those boys since I was In diapers. Such wonderful memories. Thank you.

[@VegasTorch]

I have always loveBucks early tunes .. The wife and i were in the process of adopting two half brothers there in Bakersfield .. So we figured it would be fun to take them to the Crystal Palace.. Eat some dinner and see Buck Owens.. My daughter from a previous marriage went up and requested “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail”.. and was amazing! He left the stage early a few songs later. About two months roll by and heard he had passed. It was truly a sad day at our house. Thank you for the stories!

[@sartainja]

Viva the memory and music of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

[@waynegilchrist1596]

Otis I have to tell you that you have captivated my heart with your stories. You can't get much higher than Buck and Merle. I still think you need to host your own talk show and I think if you were to call in a few favors from your friends in the business and maybe start with one day a week of interviewing one of them and maybe a little reminiscing about Old Times, It might just be the catalyst to catapult your channel thru the roof! It doesn't have to start with big name headliners but just an honest account of someone who's been there. Your stories make my day. Keep Em Coming Pal.

[@michaelhuskey5376]

Want to talk about my Great Uncle, Ferlin Husky (and his many name changes) and how he brought Merle and Buck (unknown at the time to Bakersfield)? Ferlin was also a mentor to Elvis and Johnny Cash. There’s so much more to be revealed about these amazing artists and friends. It was the way it’s supposed to be! Thanks for your videos and continual historical revelations! Love these story’s! In fact I base my roadshow in it! 🕊️❤️🕊️

[@frankapplegate4852]

Buck has been gone for awhile now but seems folks appreciate him more all the time. What a guy he must have been to know and work with. Thanks again

[@ichuckspears]

just started listening to him he’s great

[@noelcollins1072]

Thank you for doing this video about Buck and Merle. Those guys will always be held high in our memories!

[@rogertinker1813]

Years ago I played bass in a country band and we covered if we make it through december I loved how the song modulated , still one of my favorite songs

[@captainkangaroo4301]

Bonnie Owens was the Pattie Boyd of country music. They should make a movie of her life. She may have witnessed/partaken in more great country music performances than any person not named Carter.

[@jimwest6571]

A highlight in an over 45 year career in Country Radio was working for Buck Owens and his sons Michael and Buddy Alan on the air at Legendary Phoenix powerhouse country station KNIX-FM. I was there 8 years and even wrote a book about the stations success....! I was damn lucky to work there and know Buck.

[@jimbo33]

Wow, great story, still laughing! Thank you!

[@TheSoulseeder]

Love the stories. Thanks a bunch. Great singers and performers. Love the telecaster! It's my favorite.

[@rogerwilliams2629]

I loved Buck, but Merle Haggard is the bestthats ever been or will be, to me. I started playing his songs in the late 60s and never stopped. Didnt matter if I was playing a country gig, restaurant jazz, or rock...I never left a stage without playing a Merle song. Delbert Smart was gonna take me to meet him once, but I missed his call by 10 minutes. Broke my heart,but I always have his music. Thanks for the stories,enjoythe channel greatly.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Roger!

[@johnisaacdavey]

Don Rich had great aim. With solos, with harmonies, and apparently with .22 caliber rifles.

[@buddylobos5277]

That shows that Merle was a true entertainer. Always thinkin' about the promotional aspects.. He may have been just sitting there but his brain was fully engaged.

[@eddiecantu7316]

Hello Otis. Had the pleasure of opening for Merle in little rock. I was playing drums with Kelly Willis. After the gig We carried the band's instruments To the tour bus out of respect. Of course we asked first. Merle couldn't have been more friendly. Thanks Otis.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Eddie! Y'all are living right! : )

[@jswjanjan]

Got my Vitamin O for the day - outstanding as usual❤🎶🎵🎼⚘

[@waymoreblues]

3:45 😂😂😂😂. Otis, all I asked for every Christmas from 1974 till 1979, when I was young kid was a red white and blue guitar. I loved Buck Owens back in the day and still do! Great upload!!

[@gregmattox]

Did you ever get one?

[@waymoreblues]

@@gregmattox never did but I may look into it soon!

[@waymoreblues]

@@jimwest6571 I’ll check it out! Thanks for the info!

[@reddeserted13]

Love hearing about Buck and Merle, Buckaroos and Strangers. Thanks for sharing!

[@peterose2054]

I’m reading Buck ‘Em at the moment. I’m up to 1970 and the recording of Hee Haw. It’s a really well written book that is extremely difficult to put down. Thanks for the recommendation, Otis!

[@CA10Z]

A great recap Otis.......Thank you

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@Cletus-so5gr]

every merle haggard song is my favorite merle is the goat and i love me some buck owns too

[@jeffreylarson8533]

a clean , pure Country voice: Buck Owens

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

i LOVED this story Otis! I'm so glad I found your channel, can't wait to catch up on your video's this weekend. Stay safe!

[@brianbrino4310]

Great story Otis! Thank you so much for this and many others I been lucky to hear from you! Blessings!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Brian!

[@reconnsupernaturalsyndicat1493]

Love his book. Merle and Buck are my all time favorite country artists.

[@miguelcarter1949]

My grandfather ,my father then myself all managed Buck Owens almond orchards in Paso Robles for as long back as I can remember My grandfather always spoke highly of the man I never met

[@peddytendergrass6845]

A great history and story for you and family to tell and be proud of. Thank you

[@chuckcarney2099]

I'm a Bass Player who DID one Arm Push Ups...Merle got that from San Quentin.. Woodpile!💯🤠

[@g2guns562]

Awesome as always

[@pennysimmons841]

Thanks for the new read I’ll be letting you know what I think. I enjoy any Haggard story add Buck Owens and I will listen forever....

[@antientdude1100]

Thank you for sharing a funny story about a great band.

[@normanwillsie5145]

Another good story as always Ottis thanks for doing what you do it is always nice to hear a story from you!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Norman!

[@russrecker5344]

Great story Otis! Love the channel. Looking forward to the next one.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Russ!

[@chipmiller9163]

My favorite Buck Owens songs are Truck Drivin Man and Act Naturally. My uncle Gary loved Buck Owens but he passed away a few years back. I wish I could drink a beer and listen to buck with him. Thanks for sharing, Otis

[@christophermoon64]

Thanks Otis, good story as always. I saw & met Merle & his son on my 26 or 7th bday a few years back, I do know Merle passed away less than a year later, but he will always be a hero.

[@TrueRoyalsFan]

I naturally liked the middle with all my friends growing up. I really didn't mind, because I liked being in the middle of what was going on. Then I heard the song many years later by Michael Martin Murphy called "Cowboy Logic." At the end of the song it tells who the real cowboy is. Now there is an assignment for you.....

[@brianbeattympls]

I really thought you'd mention how both Buck and Hag wound up married to Bonnie Owens.

[@ronnieking1025]

Thanks For Sharing Otis

[@johnchristensen6272]

Mr. Gibbs you make an average story an adventure and make it come alive. Thanks

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, John!

[@sadielampduo3762]

My fave Buck song is Act Naturally, and still perform it at shows and my Merlefave is Branded Man .

[@mikedrane6472]

Make it big in Vegas That's the Way Love Goes my Uncle Bobby new some of the buckaroos thank you so much for the story is awesome

[@kwbroatch]

It takes People Like You, To Make People Like Me. Tall Dark Stranger. Big In Vegas. Who's Gonna Mow Your Grass. Thx Buck & Don.

[@denisdavidbolton3981]

1 of my favourite Songs of Merle Haggard is Sing me back home, Another is Mamma Tried, Today I started loving you again, Walking on the Fighting side of me, Silver Wings, I also like his Impressions of other Artists, One of the best!!

[@hectorayotte4941]

🙂🙂🇦🇷🧟🧟👥🙃👩‍🏫👩‍🍳👩‍🔧👷👷👷🙃🇦🇷

[@liberalk78]

Ha ha ! Great story. I'm really glad you started this channel. I watch every episode. I'm sure we probably met a long time ago. I used to come through and play the Vogue and The Patio with reggae bands. Identity and the Ark Band.

[@otisgibbs]

I probably worked the door at one of your gigs! : )

[@justinmaurer1223]

I enjoyed the hell out of that, thank you

[@CC-te5zf]

Great book - highly recommended.

[@DaveJacoby]

I'm a big guy and haven't sat in the middle since I was a teenager. Speaking of Buck Owens, I just finished Richard Thompson's new biography, Beeswing, and he tells a story about sitting at a restaurant in the Detroit airport with the rest of Fairport Convention, and hearing "dirty hippie" yells. They get up and realize it's Buck and the Buckaroos. RT goes up and says "I'm a huge fan from England and would like your autograph. And Tim Brumley, I love your pedal steel. And Don Rich." This leaves them in their heels a bit, and Buck says "You'd do a lot better with a haircut", and RT responds "Can't judge a book by looking at the cover". Good book; I am recommend it.

[@makecopssqueal7017]

Absolutely awesome channel

[@bobbyjocowpoke1057]

My favorite Buck tune, “where does the good times go”

[@raymondburt7296]

Good storry,sir! My favorite in those REAL GOOD SONGS BY MERLE HAGGARD& BY BUCK OWENS,: ARE. ALMOST. ALL OF THEM. NOT THAT Esy to name. The individual great Songs. Nur, yes,sir, almost, every one of their Songs. I do also love. G.jones,Hanka. Snow ET-al. Gary stewart. And. MAY THAT LONG LIST CONTINUE ON&ON. TOO MANY TO TELL. WHAT! n interesting. Story. Thanks real much. GOD BLESS. YOU. GOOD LUCK. NOW. MANY THANKS!

[@iansings7428]

Love it Otis...

[@packingten]

In either 1962 or 63 My Mother came in&handed me.My heart skips a beat and on the bandstand with Buck Owen's album,I think Loves gonna live here was a #1 song,But I wore the hole out on those records!,I have ALWAYS been a Buck fan my favorite Buck song? ALL OF THEM!😊

[@reconnsupernaturalsyndicat1493]

If you love Old Buck...then you will love The Countryside of Harmonica Sam out of Sweden. They are keeping old Country music alive. Dig them! They are right here on you tube

[@bobbymerriott1842]

Awesome story as always Otis, you have never failed to draw me in to your story. Love them 🇺🇸❤️🎸

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Bobby!

[@raymondburt7296]

Well. I wrote to myself a Shorts List of certainly ALL TIME GREAT C&W MUSIC SINGERS. FROM. TEXAS. BY. ONLY TWENTY, I. WAS NOT FINISHED, ALTHOUGH. THAT WAS. CERTAINLY A GOOD BEGINNING. MANY ,MANY, TO. KNOW, I LIKED. ALL, AND SO DID OUR DADDY.

[@chipinthecuse5709]

My favorite Buck Owens song is "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down". Favorite Merle song was "Sing Me Back Home".

[@conwayconway2177]

As I see that most ppl didn't leave the answer to your question Sir,I will...my favorite Buck song is 🎶made in Japan🎶.... SALUTE 🇺🇲

[@johnlosert922]

Just as long as he didn’t call the band, “Buckshot”. I was the bass player for Buckshot in 1999. Was wondering if you might know a guy named Buck Hall, out of Western Virginia. He used to open dates for Hank Williams III, Confederate RR and Jerry Reed. It was his band, and I only played with him for about 6 months, but it was fun!

[@rayvoorhies7180]

What a great story. Merle and Buck created a unique brand of music. I still listen to them regularly. I've heard in interviews that Buck refused to drive. He left that chore to other band members.

[@danobrien8671]

Thanks Ottis

[@williamperkins7318]

It was nice to see that picture in the background in color. Otis is lucky the artist lets him live with her.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, William. I painted the one in on the wall and Amy painted the one on the cabinet. And yes, I am lucky. : )

[@jlore6344]

I was also going to comment on the color, then saw your comment. The color in this scene, including the paintings, curtains etc. is great, nicely balanced and compliments Otis (who looks dapper as always here). This is a nice setting for us to experience these great stories in.

[@keithkimmeysr953]

Great story enjoyed Thank You for sharing

[@bethbartlett5692]

*"It's not What you say, it's How ya say it..."* ...and we always have a choice in what Thoughts we choose to place between our ears. Thoughts create reality. - Quantum Physics

[@williamsherman1089]

I disagree, we can choose what we say but when I was a teenage boy I had no choice of what I was thinking about most the time. Not much has changed in forty or so years but now I think about food once in a while too.

[@denisdavidbolton3981]

Love listening to your stories ✌✌

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@HerbWalker]

OTIS!!!! They've stolen Bucks Red,White & Blue guitar yesterday!! :O Its in the news.

[@ingsoc64]

Don Rich is one of my all time favorite country guitar players. My favorite Buck Owens song has to be I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail.

[@frankgalea3686]

"Act naturally " Is my favorite because the Beatles cover tuned me on to Buck.

[@jamesblair5971]

Together Again is a great Buck song and I always loved Merle’s a place to fall apart.

[@peddytendergrass6845]

The Buck pick is spot on. My Hag is" Always on a Mountain When I Fall" but damn, its Hag. Baddest Catt ever. Great choice

[@ChadLand011]

Ate a great steak dinner at Bucks Crystal Palace late 90's and Buck put on a hell of a show that night. Between that and the convertible Cadillac mounted and covered in coins and guns if i remember correctly. I think he won that car from Elvis but it was over 20 years ago and my memory could be completely backwards.

[@davidfulginiti5985]

Buck and the Hag! Thanks 🙏

[@johntcash]

Great story Otis !!

[@vodenapuska4796]

I'm glad I found your channel, some cool stories, the one with Jerry Jeff Walker gettting kicked by Motorcycle gang is my favorite ("I've been beaten by rodeo cowboys" :D ).

[@kurt8263]

I just got a new pup, named him buck, after buck Owens. My favorite tune is streets of Bakersfield.

[@TomCwimpRock]

Great stories! -My favorite Merle song is “White Line Fever”.

[@jessefillmore]

Wow , I would have loved to see Buck Owens & the Buckaroo's with Merle Haggard on bass . Just like I would have loved to see George Jones and the Jones boys with Johnny Paycheck on bass & vocals . The Jones Boys were all brothers Don , Gary and Arnie Adams .

[@ianmcculloch8531]

Hilarious story, and now I know how the Buckaroos got their name. Mooses medicine, hmmm I have a road trip coming up soon.

[@TrueRoyalsFan]

Hahahaha. Merle the rebel. Thanks for sharing. I need to get that book. Thanks Otis. "Swingin Doors" and "Loves Gonna Live Here Again." Don was the king of harmony and Teli's. Great story about Merle and Buc. Thumb's Up.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Bob!

[@homebrewer7]

I remember when Buck and his band were stopped one night in portland Oregon by a person threw a tear gas grenade while they just started to tune up their instruments after a break. I was there that night. 1960s .

[@chuckcarney2099]

Damn!

[@MarcBrewer]

Merle’s Same Train, Different Time LP is a favorite. It was a great introduction to Jimmie Rodgers and the roots of C & W. Merle did an LP of Bob Wills songs too. He was always good about honoring his roots

[@johnloftus6043]

Gram Parsons spoke highly about Don Rich on a taped interview on KZbin. He said Don had a voice like a steam whistle. I think Don was a hero of country music, but died before people knew about him. Same with Gram.

[@Mike583]

Loved this!❤👍😎

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Robert!

[@storytimewithrodney]

Transistor Radio, I sing this along my road trips cause there’s no radio for an hour or two.

[@aircap]

Great story, greetings from Wichita!

[@pillmuncher67]

German bass dude here, from Southern Bavaria near the Alps. In 1987, I was driving to a gig one evening and it snowed heavily. I was quite young and stupid and carried a little bag of weed in the glove compartment. Just when I passed the place name sign and accelerated, my car began veering and after a few seconds of veering left and right and back again, it landed in the shallow ditch beside the road. Before, I had seen car lights in my back mirror and knew that the car behind me wouldn't be able to hit the breaks because of the icy road, so I was glad bot to be in front of it anymore. Then that car's blue light began flashing and, man, was I nervous. After they got out of their car, they didn't even ask me anything but immediately got in front of my car and started pushing me out of the ditch. Then they said "Drive a little a slower next time!" and let me go.

[@soonerstan56]

Together Again - What a great country song , I'll have to find a version on KZbin to burn it out of my head now . Stan

[@RandyH400]

Another great story THANKS! And the middle seat is fine depending on who iI'm setting between Lol

[@spaert]

That's a great story! Guess I'll have to buy that book. Thanks for sharing. There's a cowboy poem about the middle seat - poses the question, how do you know who's the smartest one in the truck? The guy in the middle - "he don't have to drive, and he don't have to open the gates." Pretty funny.

[@jimwest6571]

From the song----"COWBOY LOGIC" by Michael Martin Murphey

[@johnreilly9748]

I too am a shooter tele player and jedi master! Awesome tales that made my morning and cracked me up!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, John!

[@dustindavis9050]

First video I’ve seen in color !! I’m a vintage guy so I like the black & white but a change is always good too. Your videos are great , I’ve always loved the history of music & behind the scenes stuff... My favorite Haggard song ... it’s too damn hard , to me he is the All time greatest & always will be but if I had a gun to my head I guess today it would be Footlights ; It’s all in the movies ; or Misery & Gin not in that order ... but like I said with Merle that could change tomorrow it’s just too hard.. lol

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Dustin!

[@Shakeyleg]

I have heard all the stories and viewed a few rare clips of Merle and Buck doing take after take of Beer Can Hill on stage together. Unfortunately I never saw the completed video.

[@TedBegnoche]

Otis, I can't tell you how much I look forward to these videos. I love the inside scoop you have on Nashville and you're a great storyteller. Favorite buck owens song... Hard to beat love's gonna live here again. Do you know if there's any truth to the rumor that when they took the recording of the album they did live at carnegie hall, that they didn't change a thing, just released it as it was? Thank you again!!

[@otisgibbs]

I've heard that too, but I'm not sure if it's true or not. : )

[@carloseminaro9408]

Great