Buck Owens stands as a titan in country music history, his career echoing through five decades of groundbreaking sound and enduring influence. Beyond his accomplishments as a singer-songwriter and bandleader, Owens became a beloved television personality as a host of the iconic Hee Haw, solidifying his place in American pop culture. With a staggering 39 studio albums and 21 chart-topping No. 1 hits, Buck Owens Songs have become cornerstones of the country music genre.
This curated list delves into Buck Owens’ extensive catalog to highlight ten of his most exceptional songs. These tracks represent the breadth of his talent and the lasting impact of his music on generations of listeners and artists alike.
10. “Buckaroo” (1965)
Clocking in at just over two minutes, “Buckaroo” is a testament to Buck Owens and the Buckaroos’ musical prowess. Released in 1965, this instrumental track defied expectations, becoming Owens’ fourth No. 1 hit within a single year. Opening with a vibrant electric guitar solo, the song immediately grabs your attention and maintains its energy throughout, driven by the band’s tight instrumentation. What makes “Buckaroo” truly remarkable is its chart-topping success as an instrumental – a feat unmatched on the Billboard country chart since its release. It’s a vibrant showcase of the Buckaroos’ musicianship and Owens’ innovative approach to country music.
9. “Waitin’ in Your Welfare Line” (1966)
Released in 1966, “Waitin’ in Your Welfare Line” showcases Buck Owens’ ability to blend traditional country with other musical styles. The song incorporates elements of folk and bluesy rock, creating a unique sound that still feels distinctly country. The lyrical genius lies in its central, repeating metaphor: “I got the hungries for your love / And I’m waitin’ in your welfare line.” This clever comparison of romantic longing to economic hardship is both catchy and poignant, perfectly encapsulating the yearning at the heart of the song. This innovative approach to songwriting resonated with audiences, making it Owens’ 10th No. 1 hit and a standout example of his ability to craft memorable and relatable narratives.
8. “Together Again” (1964)
“Together Again” has transcended generations to become a true country classic, covered countless times by artists across genres. However, the original, penned and performed by Buck Owens and released as a single in 1964, remains definitive. This slow-moving love song is elevated by Tom Brumley’s masterful steel guitar work. Brumley’s solo is not just a musical interlude; it’s a core element of the song’s emotional resonance, so impactful that it inspired a young Jerry Garcia to take up the instrument. “Together Again” is a timeless testament to love and longing, solidified by Brumley’s iconic steel guitar performance.
7. “Hot Dog” (1957)
“Hot Dog,” a non-album single from 1957, reveals a playful and lesser-known side of Buck Owens. Co-written with Denny Dedmon, the song was initially credited to Corky Jones, a pseudonym Owens used to release material that diverged from his established country sound. “Hot Dog” was considered somewhat unconventional for the country mainstream at the time, a fun and quirky track about falling in love at a hot dog stand. This early single demonstrates Owens’ versatility and willingness to experiment, even in the early stages of his career, resulting in a unique and enjoyable track that showcases his lighter side.
6. “Ruby (Are You Mad)” (1971)
While the 1970s are often overlooked in discussions of Buck Owens’ most celebrated work, “Ruby (Are You Mad)” from 1971 is a standout track that deserves recognition. Reaching No. 3 on the charts, it’s often overshadowed by his numerous No. 1 hits from earlier decades. However, “Ruby (Are You Mad)” is a dynamic and infectious song that encapsulates the energy of his live performances. Featuring powerful gang vocals, sharp guitar picking, and a rhythm line that’s undeniably catchy, this song has all the hallmarks of a Buck Owens classic and proves his continued relevance into the 1970s.
5. “Streets of Bakersfield” (with Dwight Yoakam) (1988)
Buck Owens initially released “Streets of Bakersfield” in 1973, but it wasn’t until 1988 that the song achieved its full potential. Teaming up with Dwight Yoakam, a prominent figure in neo-traditional country, Owens re-recorded the song as a duet. This collaboration became a landmark moment in Owens’ career, marking his first No. 1 single in over a decade and ultimately his last chart-topper. The duet not only revitalized “Streets of Bakersfield” but also reintroduced Buck Owens to a new generation of country music fans, solidifying his enduring legacy and bridging generations of country artists.
4. “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” (1964)
“I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail,” a 1964 single by Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, is instantly recognizable for its memorable opening line: “I’ve got a tiger by the tail, it’s plain to see.” The song cleverly uses the metaphor of a “tiger by the tail” to describe a tumultuous relationship with a captivating woman, rather than a literal tiger. This playful and relatable theme, combined with the band’s energetic performance, made it their most successful single and their only crossover hit into the Top 40 pop charts. “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” exemplifies Owens’ knack for catchy hooks and relatable storylines.
3. “Love’s Gonna Live Here” (1963)
Released in 1963, “Love’s Gonna Live Here” is an anthem of optimism and resilience. With opening lines like, “Oh, the sun’s gonna shine in my life once more / Love’s gonna live here again,” the song exudes a powerful sense of hope and renewal after heartbreak. Lyrically, it resonates with a modern sensibility of positive affirmation, pre-dating contemporary “manifestation” concepts. For Buck Owens, these lyrics translated into his second No. 1 hit, which dominated the charts for an impressive 16 weeks. “Love’s Gonna Live Here” is a testament to the enduring power of hope and positive thinking in the face of adversity.
2. “Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass?” (1969)
“Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass?” from 1969 showcases Buck Owens’ ability to evolve his sound while maintaining his signature style. Distinct from his earlier 60s singles, this track opens with an electric guitar riff that evokes the early Beatles, demonstrating his willingness to incorporate contemporary influences. The song’s narrative is both humorous and endearing, with the narrator pleading with his lover not to leave by asking a series of questions: “Who’s gonna bring you breakfast in bed? Who’s gonna whisper goodnight?” and, most famously, “Who’s gonna mow your grass?” This playful approach to songwriting and its catchy melody made “Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass?” another memorable and successful Buck Owens song.
1. “Act Naturally” (1963)
While many know “Act Naturally” through Ringo Starr’s rendition with The Beatles, the original recording belongs to Buck Owens and the Buckaroos in 1963. The song, about an aspiring actor embracing a role of heartbreak, became an instant hit for Owens. “Act Naturally” was his first song to reach the top of the country chart, catapulting him to country music superstardom. This song not only launched his career to new heights but also demonstrated his talent for interpreting and delivering songs with both humor and heart, solidifying “Act Naturally” as the quintessential Buck Owens song and a landmark in country music history.
What’s Your Favorite Buck Owens Song?
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