In Search of Don Rich: Tracing Steps to His Grave and Crash Site Location

[@jimwest6571]

I worked for Buck and his sons at his country radio station in Phoenix for many years. One of my radio friends, Tom Wright was on the air the day Don was killed at Bucks Bakersfield station---KUZZ. The station heard about it from the California Highway patrol first. It was Michael Owens (my old radio boss in Phoenix and one of Buck's sons) who had the HARD job of calling Buck and telling him the sad and bad news. In turn, Buck, in his grief had to call Marlane, Don's wife and break the news to her. Buck Owens was never the same after Don died. His "right arm" was gone. Don Rich was just as much a star and part of the Buckaroo's. Don Rich needs to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame in a musician-sideman category.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

What a first-hand story. I can feel Buck's and Marlane's pain as I was reading. Thanks for sharing. And I agree completely about Don in the HOF.

[@julie.1081]

Maybe we can start a petition to create the category & elect Don for the 1st inductee!

[@Nigelsmom2136]

I read somewhere that Buck was so devastated by Don's death that he refused to talk about it for years after. He hated the fact that Don rode a motorcycle and had often tried to convince Don to get rid of it.

[@jimwest6571]

@@Nigelsmom2136 Yes. Buck was not find of motorcycles and many of the band members owned and Buck discouraged them riding! Buck was of course devastated by Dons death and was depressed for many years. Don was like a brother and a son. It was a big loss.

[@TheSherryBoops]

this is so very sad. RIP Don😥

[@davepillow8478]

I got to meet Don in Fresno Ca. I was about 15 or so. I was a huge Buckaroo fan. My brother dropped me off at the theater where they played. I was standing by the rear door when Don drove up. He was bringing in the guitars and equipment for the concert. He was loaded down with all the instruments and we talked. I offered to hold his fiddle while he opened the door and he let me. I didn’t think about it too much until years later when I saw the fiddle in the Crystal Palace museum. It really brought back memories of my meeting with him and what a nice man he was. I miss him and the guys in the band. 🙏❤️. Thanks for the memories

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing your story! Lucky you!

[@stevecline5102]

On April 12, 1969, Buck Owens and the Buckaroos came to my hometown for a concert. For some reason, Don announced the motel where they were staying and the room number. After the show, I went to the motel, knocked on the door, and out stepped Don just as friendly as he was on television. Doyle was there too but he was very reserved. They were wearing the same suits that can be seen on the back of the Buck Owens at the London Palladium album

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@stevecline5102 Nice experence, I'm sure!

[@Gratefulman1965]

Lived not far from Don and Marlane when I was a kid living in Bakersfield. When I heard the news on 7/17/1974 I was ten years old and I cried. Still playing guitar and still missing “Dangerous Don Rich” Always Smiling always missed. 🎶

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Well said! Thanks for sharing.

[@EmilyBrawley]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been on a Buck Owens kick and then found out my grandparents used to watch him every Saturday. They are gone now but wish I could tell them. I took a trip to Bakersfield to visit Don's grave last week. I was about to give up and I finally found him. Seeing the golden sun behind the hills made me think of his spirit. I told him thank you and hope he can hear me somehow. I can't really explain it but his music and presence touches me so deeply.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Good to hear and I'm glad you got to visit.

[@brianbender7438]

I know the accident site well: In Morro Bay, CA at the intersection of Yerba Buena and Highway 101. Matter of fact, I was camping there last week at Morro Strand Campground, which is accessed by turning onto Yerba Buena Street. I am a huge Buck Owens fan and I have stood on that corner many times, thinking about Don Rich and what happened there, including last Wednesday. There is a monument to the James Dean car crash site further inland and people flock to it. I have also looked for some sort of plaque or memorial to Don at the corner where I stood. To many people, he was just a big a star as Dean was to his fans. Each time I go to Morro Bay, I think of him. Amazing musician. Rest his soul.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I'm glad you remember and honor Don in the way you do. It's good that you visit.

[@terrystreetproductions1873]

This is George in Arkansas.......I was listeing to Bill Mack that night doing his all night show on WBAP Radio in FT. Worth when he made the announement about Don's death just hours earlier from a motorcycle crash.The news was devastating and made it very hard to go to sleep as well as making it hard to work at my job the next day. There has not been many days all these years later that I have not taken a moment to think about the man and his talent and what he meant to country music. What a great guitarist and to think that Buck actually hired Don to play fiddle and not guitar. He was a major part of the Bakersfield Sound and has earned a place in the Country Music Hall Of Fame. The Carneige Hall Album featured the greatest country band of all time and Willie Canto is the only member of that Buckeroos line-up that is left.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Great info and thank you for sharing.

[@anthonyangeli256]

Yes, Don was quite the fiddle player!

[@TimShortoicu812]

Growing up in Montana and into country music and all my friends were into rock I just could not believe Don Rich had died to me he was and still is the greatest guitarist ever I have all my life tried to pick like him and now I'm 63 years old and still trying to learn all about his technique this world lost an icon on that day in 1974 he was always smiling just think of the thing to come from his talent if he'd had lived to old age what a loss to country music

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I'm w you. I'm also 63 and like "real" country music. Thanks for watching and for your comments.

[@louiserawle8999]

I still mourn his loss and always will.

[@rayokeefe6506]

RAY OKEEFE IN BRISBANE AUSTRALIA DON RICH AS A GREAT GUITAR PICKER WAS DON' S TELECASTER DID IT HAVE ANY SPECIAL PICK UPS OR WERE THEY STOCK STANDARDS TELE FACTORY FITTED. ALL TELE'S SOUND GREAT WITH TWIN REVERB FENDER AMPS I MYSELF HAVE 5 DIFFERENT TELE' s D

[@rayokeefe6506]

RIP DON SADLY MISSED

[@paulfrost7418]

Thank you for taking the time to do this wonderful tribute to Don and bring this to his fan's who are so far away. I can appreciate how difficult this must have been for you to do as Don was a legend and meant so much to fan's such as you and I, he was taken way too early. The cop was disrespectful and should have shown more compassion. God bless you Sir for doing a great job 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

You are kind. Thank you.

[@SmutJunkie]

Thanks for the video! It's clear this journey meant a lot to you. Authenticity comes right through. I only recently discovered Buck and Don. I'm blown away by their music and am touched by their story and what they meant to each other. We lost a great one at that intersection!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks for your kind comment.

[@sammyday3341]

Thank you for all your hard work. You’re a nice man and it’s a shame the bucket-headed cop was a pain.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thank you kindly!

[@johngroves9828]

Thank you for being so kind and respectful toward Mr. Rich. I know that Buck Owens & so many fans loved him. Such a talented musician whose life was cut short. I saw a young lady today on a little motorcycle on a busy highway and thought about how I hoped she stayed safe.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks John. Appreciate you watching and leaving a comment in Don's honor.

[@louiserawle8999]

RIP DON RICH,SO LOVED SO SADLY MISSED.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Daily.

[@RideOp74]

Thanks for making this informative and respectful video on Don Rich, keeping him in memory, and sharing with us this bit of history.

[@PLINKER]

I loved Don and Buck too! Thanks! Loved Her Haw!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Don is the best!

[@houdini1972]

The police used to watch over the people, now they're watching the people. Thanks for helping keep Don's name alive.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Agreed!

[@markhannah4912]

I lived in the same neighborhood as Don. My friend, John Jackson lived directly across the street from Don on Friant Ave. John's brother Hal used to ride motorcycles with Don. As kids we would always ride our bikes by Don's house hoping he's have the garage door up so we could set in his drive and gawk at his HD Sportster. It was a beauty! Don was always the nicest guy to us kids. Always would smile and talk to us if he was out in the yard. I remember one day he and Doyle Curtsinger, Buck's bass player, had gone to LA to pick up a red custom car that Buck had bought from Dean Martin. They kept blowing the musical horn and laughing hysterically. They pulled up with Don grinning real big and showing the car off to us kids. They had a set of binoculars they would look through as either he of Doyle would stick their head out of the sun roof and put on a "Rommel Field Commander" routine. So sorry to see Don go. A real loss at such a young age.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Awesome, awesome story! Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@JohnBowen-xs1vf]

I was working at Mel Grimes Shell in Kingman Arizona in the 60’s. A small motorhome pulled in. Don Rich and the rest of the Buckeroos climbed out along with some beautiful ladies. They were all so nice to this young kid. I was a huge fan of Buck and the Buckaroos so that it is a fond memory for me. God Bless each and every one of them.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Right there on 93 headed to 40?

[@JohnBowen-xs1vf]

93 from Las Vegas to 66. 66 ran right through Kingman those days. I-40 came later.

[@bigetcb9994]

Love don rich put him in the country hall of fame

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Love it.

[@dennywayne8879]

Nice job, sir. I hear the compassion in your voice as you made this video. Don's harmony line on "Tiger By The Tail" was where I 1st learned harmony. I thank God 1st, for my ability, at 8 yrs old, to notice Don's harmony line, and to use that to this day as a professional musician. Thank you, Don, for the lesson in singing harmony.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

AWWWW. You are awesome! This one really did move me. I wish you all the best. Don knows...

[@sharitovar3968]

I used to go visit his and Bucks graves and a few other gravesites when I lived in Bakersfield. Before I left I put flowers and said “ I’ll be back boys. Keep playing that music in heaven!”

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Love it!

[@jaguarsunburst1570]

Great Job.!! Thankyou for you Music Don. RIP.🙏

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thank you.

[@jeroldparker7766]

Hi Dave, As a professional musician Buck Owens and Don Rich's harmonies turned me on to the Bakersfield sound! Don, was multi-talented on guitar, and fiddle, and his harmonies were from another world and matched Bucks's singing perfectly! These two guys were also a huge influence on the next generation of musicians like Dwight Yokum, The King Bees, and The Mavericks just to name a few that I got a chance to play with or meet! Great job, and sorry about the cop, There is a lot of that going on these days, and a lot of the younger people are missing out on major talents like the Don Richs and Buck Owens of this world! Keep it going, Dave your friend Bruce!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Hey Bruce. Thanks for your kind comments. Do I know you from a mutual FB group?

[@jameshennighan8193]

WELL DONE An informative and respectful video with regard to the late, great Don Rich...... Taken from us far too soon....... In our hearts and minds he is still with us.......and always will be. James Hennighan Yorkshire, England

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks James. Nice comments.

[@haljackson4064]

My parents lived right across the street from Don Rich. He was a really nice person. Very sad

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Good to hear. Still a nice neighborhood.

[@anthonyangeli256]

Don was a talented guitar player & singer. Ive often wondered why the tragic details remain unknown as to the cause of the accident. I tried to research this but didn't find out very much. A blown tire would've been relatively easy to spot in the wrecked bike. Weren't there any witnesses? Anyway, a sad story. Good job on the video. I could hear the sadness & compassion in your voice. RIP Don Rich.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks for leaving a well-thought-out comment. There just isn't any info on this.

[@hannibalheyes339]

Appreciate the video. I grew up watching Buck and his Buckaroos. Don was a true talented musician and always had a smile on his face.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Good to hear from you.

[@hannibalheyes339]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave you betcha

[@57too]

Good work! Thanks for the video. I read from one of Don's sons that he found out from a guy that picked up the chopper, that the front tire split (like you said in this video). And at a high rate of speed that could've been the cause for the fatality. I read that the son said that Don was always a careful (as much as you can be) motorcycle rider.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks for the info!

[@calsurflance5598]

Just watched this 2years on. This obviously meant a lot to many people. Please remember, even if he didn’t have the softest demeanor, the cop was just trying to keep you safe. I worked in a trauma center for 22 years, and have seen things no one should see. The police are usually first on scene and see the worst. He didn’t want you to be a statistic. Thanks for your efforts.👍

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks for your comment. I completely agree. But why follow me so closely. Even when I pulled into a station to air my left rear tire he sat there staring. And then followed me closely all the way to the turn off to head back to Bakers field. This one was a dirty cop looking to hem me up.

[@joycetaunton4684]

What a rude cop. Don Rich was one of the greats and will never be forgotten. very interesting video and I thank you so much for making it. I had no idea Rich was more or less in town. I thought it was way out of town where his accident happened.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave In those days, it may have been out of town.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@retiredmusiceducator3612 Good point.

[@josephambrose2852]

Thanks Dave for the effort to make these fascinating videos Another outstanding job Sir

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks Pal. Always good to hear from you.

[@U_ever]

Nice work. You know the definition of "Grace" is giving some one a break when they really don't deserve it but in the CHP's defense, nearly everyone they meet everyday is either violating the law or a victim of a violator so they see us all at our worst moments. Thanks for doing this. I know it was hard. I drove down there from Hunter Liggett one Friday afternoon and was moved to tears so I know it wasn't easy. Again, thank you for doing this.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Nice comments and thank you.

[@lanes58]

Don Rich wasn’t a flashy hot dogging type of guitar player. He just played all the right notes notes. One of the best ever.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Well said.

[@MT-lo7dt]

💖.....Thank you for this vid. I am one of Mr Rich (the Buckaroos band ) and Mr Buck Owens fans

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Good to hear.

[@Wayman_Simmang]

Thanks. What a rude office. Jeez. Good bless you!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks. You too!

[@denisetindall1487]

This is a beautiful cemetery 👍

[@RidgeKayser]

Thank you, Diamond Dave for producing & sharing this very informative video. That was a very nice touch adding the "Google Earth" type shot of the highway where the unfortunate accident happened. I was hoping to find the location myself the next time my wife & I vacation in Morro bay. It just made that much easier for me. Thanks again!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

So good to hear. The two large water containers just east of there have been demolished and removed.

[@terranceschliem5975]

Thank You for the video! I was a great fan of Don & Buck growing up

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Sure. I liked doing this one.

[@MrVanderleiZatta]

Parabéns pelo seu belo trabalho amigo. O mundo precisa de mais pessoas iguais a você. Não concordei com a atitude do guarda rodoviário… ele poderia ter sido um pouquinho mais legal. Mas, parabéns mais uma vez pela sua bela matéria. Bem detalhada e tal… O Don Rich merece muito ser sempre bem lembrado. O cara além ser um excelente profissional, era também simpático e sempre sorridente! Devia ser um cara muito legal. Conheci um pouco dos trabalhos dele só agora e já gostei. Se foi muito cedo… infelizmente. Tinha muita coisa ainda pela frente. Que pena. Mas é isso amigão…VALEU! Abraços 👏👏👍👍 🙏

[@GuyNoirxyz]

Well done documentary.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Much obliged!

[@markfletcher8084]

Love this. Respectful.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thank you.

[@seanstevens4925]

great video Dave met don rich when i was a young boy , my parents would take me to the dance halls in missouri when kids were allowed to do that it must have been 66 -67 got my sherly temple and listened to buck owens and the buckaroos met the whole band bunch of legends as they turned out . great vlog Dave love reliving those great times , thanks Dave ! he was also a great fiddler ! And that motocycle cop sounded like a class A jerk"

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks for your personal comment. You were lucky to have seen and met Don and Buck.

[@seanstevens4925]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave yes was just a kid when i did but i remember him and buck owens they both shook my hands as all the band members did ! thanks Dave '

[@LAUptegrove]

@@seanstevens4925 What part of the Show-Me-State are you from? I'm in Jefferson City.

[@rossreed9974]

Sean great memory... I love Buck Owens too and remember fondly the same, as i went in to my mom's workplace (she was a server at a pub-style place near Sanford, Florida) and I would get a Roy Rogers ))) and there was always Buck Owens playing on the JukeBox.. '66 or '67. My earliest memory of music was my mom singing "Your Tender Loving Care" one morning singing softly along with the song on the radio, I must have been 3 years old... Such a great start to understanding what music is.

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

Very informative,....nice to get some insight into to this tragedy with the on-site documentation,..........thank you.

[@larry1824]

Don was the Bakersfield sound

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

yep

[@VernCrisler]

The Bakersfield sound was a "rockified" version of country. Yes, Don and Buck and their wonderful band made it happen.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@VernCrisler Well said II.

[@couragexcrew]

Thanks so much for this. I'm young for a Buck Owens fan, but I've been going up to Bakersfield to see shows and dance at Roosters, some of the grange hall shows, and The Nile Theater. I've seen some great acts up there. Especially The Sodacrackers who are keeping the Bakersfield sound alive and well. If you haven't heard it yet, the Cocaine and Rhinestones Podcast has some great episodes on Buck Owens, the origins of The Bakersfield Sound and Don Rich. They're definitely worth a listen!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Love it! I'll check it out.

[@celiagorleski2716]

What a loss to Buck Owen's and Country Music.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Indeed.

[@janiceaviles2226]

NEW SUBSCRIBER HERE 😁😀✌️ Thanks For Sharing 😁✌️

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks, Janice. Welcome to the channel.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

What does NEA mean?

[@Placid333]

I was in a supermarket parking lot in Westchester County NY when the news of Don's death was announced on NY's then country music station, 50,000 Watt WHN. It was a shot to the gut. I loved Don's music and personality. Even though I live hundreds of miles away now, if I drove back there I could show you the parking spot I was in. It is one of those "where were you when you heard" moments.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

This is a great story. Just like JFK moment.

[@jayham1970]

I have thought about this accident many times. At that time, I do not know if they did an autopsy on Don, (and if they did not) it makes me wonder of he (like Leslie Jordan) died from arteriosclerosis, had a stroke, or suffered a heart attack resulting in the crash; meaning that he was dead or dying before the crash. When Don died, he appeared to have put on a significant amount of weight and he did not look to be the epitome of good health. He looked like he was retaining a lot of fluid, and could have had some renal failure and congestive heart failure going on that was medically unknown. I also would have liked to have known if he came to a stop at that traffic light. If he had stopped and then took off at full throttle, his motorcycle could have encountered what is known as a high speed wobble (a “tank slapper” to some motorcyclists). In a burst of speed, the weight can shift to the rear of the cycle which causes the front wheel to move slower than the rear wheel. When that happens, the motorcycle handle bars will begin to shake almost uncontrollably, and many wrecks have happened and lives lost. Mechanically, everything would look correct on the motorcycle after a crash, but a high speed wobble can happen and no one would ever know it except for the cyclist, and if they are dead they cannot tell the story of what happened to lead to the crash. This was a terrible loss, and it nearly destroyed Buck. It was just so sad.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Very well said and interesting.

[@cowpunk118]

They did do an autopsy. If you read my book, “BUCK OWENS: The Biography,” you can find the details there.

[@jayham1970]

Was it a full autopsy or just a preliminary analysis with conclusions drawn that he died from the crash? I find it hard to believe that the coroner performed a full autopsy when the foregone conclusion would have been that he died from blunt force trauma, potentially a neck break, and possibly the tearing of the crrotid arteries. An x-ray without a full autopsy would have shown those things without a full open autopsy.

[@cowpunk118]

@@jayham1970 They did not examine the head or take photos, as was the protocol back in 1974.

[@fiddler2]

@@cowpunk118 Loved your book!! Thank you for all your hard work, research, and completing the project when Buck tried to take control of the narrative. Your chapter on the 'Death of a Buckaroo' had me in tears...what a loss. Earl Calvert

[@McFlyGuitarsandStuff]

Thank you for posting this. Please let's all subscribe!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thank you. I like your style!

[@goldpop5001]

Thanks for the video! You stated that Don came from the North and hit the median. I understood that he was DRIVING north or in other words coming from the south.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I think you are right. I may have meant that.

[@eddiefitzgerald5198]

Thank you so much for that very informative video on Don Rich. Don along with Buck Owen's and the Buckaroo's were very much part of my teenage years here in Ireland. I was really intro American Country Music and it was not played on the Radio over here, so I had a short wave radio and tuned it to the American Forces over sea network. Happy days!!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

That's a great story. I appreciate your dedication to real country music. Don and Buck knows...

[@brettkramer]

Thank you for your trouble making this video. I'm another DR fan, it's interesting to actually see the places.

[@CouleeAntiqueEngineClub]

Thanks for the trip and the info. I've always been a fan of Don playing and harmonies. I never knew the details or the location of the accident until know. ❤

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Very well. And thank you.

[@larry1824]

Most recognizable guitar sound in 60s country and great clear voice.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

You got that right!

[@FenderTele]

Nowadays a telecaster is almost used as a "prop" with Don the Telecaster rang like a bell. A telecaster straight into a fender amp with no effects pedals country the way it's supposed to sound. Thankfully we have those buck Owens ranch shws.That image of Don adjusting the volume pot and playing a solo that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

[@julie.1081]

Awww Dave! You made me tear up just by the thumbnail! When I was little, my dad always listened to Buck Owens. But my favorite was Don Rich. (Plus I thought he was really cute!) Buck was just never the same after Don died. But I think when Dwight Yoakam asked him to duet on "Streets of Bakersfield", he kind of felt that magic again. Buck & Don were so good together musically but they were also just great friends. Thank you for doing this video. I've always wanted to visit him. You're the best! PS- do you use Find A Grave?

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Hey Juli, Good to hear from you and I'm glad you liked the vid. Also good to hear you like Buck and Don or I should say, Don and Buck. That Bakersfield sound is hard to beat. Thank you for your kind words, too. Yes, I use findagrave. However not always accurate. Takes me all day of walking to find 10-15 grave locations on average. Sometimes I find pictures that have trees or some type of landmark that makes it a little easier to find. If I'm lucky, a nice person will see me and walk me around to famous/well-known gravesites. Some call the police on me, lol. I always try to be respectful.

[@julie.1081]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave I'm sorry you caught hell from the motorcycle cop. All I can say is, cops are the ones who end up scraping people off the pavement. I know that sounds rather blunt but that's how Dad said it. My Dad used to give kids a teaspoon when he's stop them for speeding, racing or just being idiotic kids. He'd hand them the ticket or warning & the spoon saying, "put this in your glove box". When they'd ask why, he tell them that if the keep driving like they were, it was only a matter of time before he'd be scraping them up & he'd know the spoon was ready. To this day people message me & tell me they still have their spoons & they'd transfer it from one car to another. And Daddy retired in '89! I'm so glad your channel popped into my list. We seem to have a lot of similar things we like. Are you also a John Wayne fan? I've never seen someone do a follow up on "Wayne's Regulars". Thanks again for featuring Don. I still listen to "Wham Bam" whenever I need a giggle!

[@leannehurst1598]

Thanks for the video about Don Rich, amazing singer and musician, I would like to know more about him and his family, so sad he passed away. Is there a book about him. Wonder what his children did growing up etc into adults.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thank you. I searched hard for a book and none was found. I kick myself for not going to see a show :(

[@brianbender7438]

One Correction: It is Hwy 1, not 101 as I indicated. Sorry for the error.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

There was so much fog that day that I couldn't see the ocean from the corner.

[@brianbender7438]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave Last week was beautiful with high temperature around 85! Highly unusual. Have a good week.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Sure was. I was filing at Whittier Fri and Sat. Pretty warm. @@brianbender7438

[@brianbender7438]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave Hi Dave. Thanks. You did a very nice job on the video about Don. have a good week.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks Pal. @@brianbender7438

[@nordendio]

thanks for the video, it touches my heart

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks. This one was easy to do. Natuarly.

[@coleboonecustoms]

This is a great documentary. What would have been epic is if you actually filmed the cop making those rude comments to you and adding them to the video.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I thought of that later. A certified "AHole" for sure. And I never got in the street, to begin with. That's like approaching every car and saying, if you speed, I'll give you a ticket. Thank you for watching the vid and your comment.

[@VernCrisler]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave Unfortunately, some cops seem to think they are God's gift to the world, and treat everyone else like dirt in comparison. For others, though, I think it's because in their day to day job cops have to spend so much time with the scum of the earth, and this encourages a negative and hostile attitude. In a way, cops are actually soldiers, and they need help in learning to deprogram from this attitude of thinking everyone is a potential enemy, or in finding other ways to de-stress.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@VernCrisler Well said!

[@jodyblack3494]

Thanks for the video a good one

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks Jody.

[@markmeador48]

man thanks for the video we never seen the site before don-rich was one of the best for buck-owens.thanks for sharing video,,

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Sure Mark. A long drive but I felt it had to be done in Don's honor.

[@mr.blackhawk142]

thank-you -L-0-L-..... -

[@jason111671]

Great video thanks

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks. I really enjoyed doing this one.

[@elvisfan6475]

Great video. Really interesting. I always learn from your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement,

[@PLINKER]

Loved Hee Haw!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Cool!

[@jameshepburn4631]

Have seen a few videos about Don Rich’s fatal motorcycle crash. Not one mentions what time of the day it occurred which might shed light on what happened. Along the central coast fog is common when the air starts cooling in late afternoon. Or mid afternoon there’s often bright sun in your eyes. The amount of traffic can also vary considerably at different times of the day.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Excellent points!

[@onceIhadalove]

I adored Don Rich and his incredibly cheerful presence and voice. His sound and songs defined my entire youth. I had no idea what happened to him until I saw this video. This is incredibly painful, but I am so grateful to know this story of his life.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I'm glad you found it. And thanks for leaving a comment.

[@daviddesmond2143]

After the recording studio work, Buck told Rich not to ride the motorcycle. I am guessing Rich was probably high as a kite. Lots of fools get high then ride. He was a big loss and sad so many musicians had drug and alcohol issues.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Yes Sir.

[@patriciajrs46]

I sure miss him. He sang so well, played beautifully, and of course smiled nearly all the time. Did someone run a red light? It seems that at that intersection it woul have been difficult to have an accident on a right turn, without intereference, because I believe Don knew, well enough, how to slow down to make a corner. I could surmise a lot, but I won't. It won't help or change anything. Thanks for the video. Bless you.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thank you. It's so difficult to know what exactly happened. And the info is hard to find.

[@drgeff1]

Thank you for the video and thank you for the clarification about accidentally using his name Rich because I got confused. I'm not very familiar with this story but it makes sense with that being his last name and you're being harassed without cause like that most unfortunate that thanks again for your work

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@maurzackbr]

Those are my blue flowers I put on Don's gravesite. I try each time I visit -along with Buck's and Buck's parents. If you had turned to your left Buck's mother and father are buried right next to Don

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thank you for doing this. They are beautiful. Buck's parents are in a different cemetery than he is then.

[@maurzackbr]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave yes I thought that weird. Bonnie is in Buck's mausoleum however.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@maurzackbr Yes, I saw her. I regret not making a trip to Crystal Palce when Buck was alive.

[@maurzackbr]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave I just discovered the entertainer buck owens and his band 2years ago believe it or not. Now I'm a devoted hardwire fan.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@maurzackbr That's awesome. You probaly like Merle Haggard and Dwyight Youkum, too.

[@robertturak7547]

Interesting about the cop at the end. Looks like there are official crosswalks here so if you crossed the street within the lines and when the symbol said to walk, he shouldn't have been able to do anything about it. I guess if you stopped though for just a second to film the median while crossing he probably would have tried to nail you on that.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I figured I drove almost 2 hours, I was going to get this video done regardless. He followed me all the way to turn off to head back to Bakersfield. Probably has no idea who Don is. If I would have gotten pulled over, he'd be the new star on the vid because I had it rolling just in case.

[@buckyc.9069]

And the earth didn't even notice. "For dust though art, and unto dust thou shalt return".

[@robvonky]

yes it was still a nice video i loved it and thank you for it ! nevermind the rude cop the world dont need that kind of person running around

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks a million.

[@williamcondra3811]

What was the song playing at the start of this video?

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Hi William. Just something that was royalty free off the internet. I don't know the name of the song.

[@ivyteal3128]

Nice video, he just lived in an ordinary house….

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Yes he did. Still in a nice neighborhood today.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

When Don died in 1974, Buck felt so sad over it that he shied away from the music industry for the next 14 years.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Indeed!

[@gladysdisibbio5677]

Don't listen to no "today cops.". But do be careful walking around in traffic....especially in CA. Appreciate your videos. BE SAFE ALWAYS!!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thank you. Appreciate you.

[@johnmeadows5645]

A badge heavy cop can realy cause bad feelings.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Well put. I like the "Badge Heavy" a lot.

[@stevecline5102]

Buck and Don had just finished a recording session. Can anyone please tell me the last recording that Don Rich did, and if it was ever released? Thank you

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Nice question.

[@bobbymorrison1682]

Just a guess here but I am thinking the album, It's A Monsters Holiday. The biggest single from the album was, Great Expectations, and you can definitely here Don's unmistakable harmony on this and other tracks on the album. The album was recorded at Buck's studio in 1974. I agree with so many of the comments on here about Don belonging in the CMHOF!! Most influential guitarist and harmony singer in country music history for my money!

[@stevecline5102]

@@bobbymorrison1682 You are absolutely correct, pal. Don Rich was fantastic both in his guitar playing and outgoing personality. I had the privilege of meeting him after a Buck Owens concert. I went just as big as you please to their motel room, knocked on the door, and out came Don with an ear to ear grin. Don Rich was to Buck Owens what Luther Perkins was to Johnny Cash. One of a kind!

[@stevecline5102]

@@bobbymorrison1682 You are absolutely correct, pal. Don Rich was fantastic both in his guitar playing and outgoing personality. I had the privilege of meeting him after a Buck Owens concert. I went just as big as you please to their motel room, knocked on the door, and out came Don with an ear to ear grin. Don Rich was to Buck Owens what Luther Perkins was to Johnny Cash. One of a kind!

[@stevesparks2001]

Having driven this streach of road I always wondered if Don was checking out the Ocean View which pops up at that location and could have been distracting! But I guess we will never know for sure, but being a Harley rider myself, looking at the radio or not paying attention or checking out a hot girl walking for just a second can cause you to drift, and if he hit that median, it could have split the front tire. but no matter what happened, we lost a Great person and talent!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Well said.

[@jackhopkins4679]

I learned guitar by watching Don and Buck on hee haw love that twangy honky tonk guitar

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Ah man, that is so cool. Less bang - more twang!

[@FenderTele]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave The Don rich twang with that lean and clean shimmer straight into a fender amp

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@FenderTele Love it!!!

[@robinlyons8620]

He well be miss Dearing miss.😢

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Been gone a long time.

[@LAUptegrove]

Over the last handful of years, our country has gone through an "anti-cop" movement reaching to all 50 states. People who have never had any dealings with police today think it is terrible to distrust officers and think it is un-patriotic. Those of us who (like you) have had even "non-criminal" interaction with today's officers come away feeling put-upon, intimidated, and downright distrusting of today's law enforcement. I know that I do. Now, before you think I'm some kind of radical hippie, druggie, woke guy, or whatever people are tagging folks who now distrust the police, let me also tell you that I am a retired police officer having served and wore the uniform through the 1970's and 80's. Having said that, I can attest to the fact that the ATTITUDE of law enforcement toward ALL CITIZENS has changed dramatically since I hung up the uniform. Now, although I did it for over 20 years, do not trust IN THE SLIGHTEST, the people I see performing those job functions. I do NOT believe it is necessarily the fault of individual officers, as much as the administrative people running these departments or having direct input into how the job is performed: police chief/county sheriff; City Council/County Board of Commissioners/Mayors, District/Prosecuting attorneys, etc. Not only has 90% of the discretion of the officers been stripped away, but the amount, degree, and INTENT of the training (academy as well as ongoing) has developed into an "us vs. them" mentality. It is sad that you had such an incident with the "motor officer", but the attitude and manner of this officer's presence and interaction with you has become "the rule rather than the exception" these days. Thanks for making this video. I too was always a fan of Don and he's the reason I started playing a Fender Telecaster way back in the old days.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Spot on and well said! I read your comments twice. Thank you for YOUR public service.

[@barneyba]

That intersection was exactly the same in 1974?

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Good info. Thanks.

[@patriciajrs46]

One report said he hit a berm. Where? There isn't one there. Perhaps he turned the corner too quick and seriously wiped out, or tried to correct too late and it rolled and flipped. I don't know what happened. It seems to me that a simple crash, and lay-down-skid would have sent him to the hospital, but probably wouldn't have killed him. Just my thoughts.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Good points.

[@larry1824]

No Don No Buck

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

He never got over losing Don.

[@paul82752]

Was this a four-lane highway in 1974?

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Yes, from looking at satellite pics.

[@brockautorepair]

What motorcycle was Don riding when he crashed?

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Buck said in interviews that it was HD, but I don't know which model. It would be nice to have the V.I.N.

[@brockautorepair]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave Thanks....being a car/motorcycle guy I'm always intrigued by that kind of info.....what kind of bike or car did the stars have lol. Thanks for the quick answer. Great channel

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks. I'm the same way. Buddy Epson drove a Buick Regal. Art Linkletter a nice big Cadillac Fleetwood. Elizabeth Taylor a nice Lincoln Continental repainted to match her eye color. @@brockautorepair

[@mk4_mulac]

I read it was a Sportster with long forks, but who knows for sure

[@BillNelson-OU812]

What kind of motorcycle did Don have?

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

HD.

[@BillNelson-OU812]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave I heard it was a Sportster but I also heard it was a replica of Peter Fonda’s bike in Easy Rider. I’m trying to find details.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@BillNelson-OU812 Let us know if you find out.

[@scottogrady467]

No mention if he made it to the hospital..Guitar players and bikes..not a good mix. RIP Don, Duane and Berry..

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I could not find any info. Reports are scant and hard to get.

[@scottogrady467]

A good guess is he encountered fog which is very common up there in the early summer. at night. That most likely caused him to get off center line of the highway a bit too far to the left...and he hit the center divider...or..another vehicle pushed him over ? maybe no helmet ? I'm a long time rider and trained accident investigator. This is my best guess.

[@scottogrady467]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave CHP..will have an accident report. However, it may not be publically available.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@scottogrady467 They said they have no record and all public records must be available to the public FOIA.

[@scottogrady467]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave If a fatality happened on a California highway..? Something is off...they hire idiots..like the DMV to take care of records..ask somebody else...

[@joshua47315]

I’m surprised there’s no marking or memorial there or anything. Wonder if bringing it up to Morro Bay they would do something.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

That's a great idea.

[@joshua47315]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave Would be interesting to see a section of Hwy named after him. “Don Rich Memorial Highway”. James Dean has a couple things around his accident spot. I’m surprised with Don having a rich heritage in Bakersfield and being somewhat local to the area that Morro Bay doesn’t have a marker or a sign or anything that mentions him there.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I know, very sad.@@joshua47315

[@buckyc.9069]

Oh by th way, ever since "Seinfeld", "Newman" has been my pet name for the USPS.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Cool.

[@Blade247]

I know he died on a motorcycle. Right around the entrance to Camp San Luis Obispo. It's between the city of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay..

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I videoed the area.

[@Blade247]

Not too far away is the spot where James Dean was killed in a crash.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Wish I'd known this. @@Blade247

[@Blade247]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave yeah, obviously now it looks different but if you are coming west from Bakersfield then you'll see a turn off for the 46 and that road takes you to Fresno. This intersection still has its quite a bit too many deaths. The road is being widened but the little town of Cholame is where it happened.. I was a trucker with a ice company from San Luis Obispo and I drove to Fresno and Bakersfield to pick up ice. I'm sure you can Google Earth this and look into it.. I dig your channel, so I subscribed.

[@renaelovett9559]

Cops like that give the good ones a bad name!! Hes just being a total jerk!!!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Agree completely.

[@louiserawle8999]

😪😭😰

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

I second.

[@jamesdaniels9418]

Donald Eugene Ulrich.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Righto.

[@bigwhisky4676]

You should’ve filmed the cop and told him to kiss but he wasn’t breaking the law, if you make a left on that street that’s Moro strands campground as a kid we had all of our family reunions there and my grandma always told me about the crash site, I just visited Dons grave, he’s buried close to my grandma, that’s how I found this video you replied that I might like this one and I do thanks a lot but don’t let them cops mess with you when you’re filming in public it’s the first amendment.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks Pal. And thanks for coming over a viewing this one.

[@bigwhisky4676]

Subscribed ,thank you,glad I found your channel!!

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@bigwhisky4676 That's awesome because this channel is a new one for me :)

[@MrFirstonraceday]

Cops still earning the hate every day

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

you are right.

[@user-sw9jo7fe3d]

Don was extremely drunk at the time of the accident. He hit the center cement median, slamming his chest into the handlebar...crushing his chest.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Where did you learn this?

[@user-sw9jo7fe3d]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave Check out "Death of a Buckaroo" chapter of the Buck Owens Biography by Eileen Sisk

[@louiswiley6121]

Lot of bad cops out there. He was just an ass----.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

Thanks Louis. I didn't care if he tried to bully me but I didn't like his disrespectful comment about Don Rich meant nothing to him. And he was on a motorcycle too, ironic.

[@louiswiley6121]

@@famousgraveswithdiamonddave Good of you to drive two hours to the accident site.

[@famousgraveswithdiamonddave]

@@louiswiley6121 Had to do it. Scenic drive. Don's last ride.