He had a tiger by the tail…So long Buck.

buck Owens GuitarLike a lot of people, we grew up with lots of characters from television and over the past several weeks, we’ve lost lots of familiar icons. It was Don Knotts last month and today, Buck Owens rode on into the history books of country music at age 76.

Sure. I’ll admit that I watched Hee Haw during my early years, not that I found much humor in the hilbilly stereotype (sorry Foxworthy fans), but Buck could sing a song and he had a troubadour quality and straight guy routine that was refreshing on the comedy that featured Buck and Roy – “pickin’ and a grinnin.”

My dad always liked Buck too and he was certainly one of the sparkling male solo country stars. Greg Smith, the great guitarist I work with in Reagan’s band is sure to be sad too on this day and although I’ve still yet to see him break out that old Buck Owens Guitar he talks about, I can’t wait to hear him pick one for Buck.