Buck Owens is one of the most influential singers and songwriters in country music. He helped popularize the Bakersfield Sound that inspired greats like Merle Haggard and Dwight Yoakam. However, Owens likely wouldn’t have become so popular without his backing band, the Buckaroos. While the band was packed with talented musicians, Don Rich was likely the most important to the group’s signature sound.
Videos by American Songwriter
The video below shows how well Rich and Owens worked together. The pair was like peanut butter and jelly from the way they harmonized vocally to the way Rich’s lead licks accentuated the lines of the song. More importantly, the clip doesn’t just show a pair of country legends singing a classic tune. It’s a clip of two old friends having a good time on stage.
[RELATED: Ringo Starr Recalls How The Beatles Came to Record the Buck Owens Classic “Act Naturally”]
Penned by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison, a member of the Buckaroos, Owens released “Act Naturally” as a single from his 1963 album The Best of Buck Owens. It became his first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, giving him his first chart-topper. It also kicked off a string of 14 consecutive No. 1 singles that included classics like “Love’s Gonna Live Here,” “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail,” and “Your Tender Loving Care.”
The Beatles Covered This Buck Owens Classic
The Beatles recorded “Act Naturally” in 1965 for their album Help!. It was one of the few songs on which Ringo Starr sang vocals. Starr, a longtime fan of country music, was the perfect fit for the track. The Fab Four released it as the B-side of the iconic hit “Yesterday.”
Later, “Act Naturally” became Starr’s showcase song, according to Songfacts. The fact that he could sing while keeping up the song’s quick shuffling beat was a testament to his prowess as a musician.
The Beatles were far from the only group to cover “Act Naturally.” Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells, Charley Pride, George Jones, Moe Bandy, and many more put their spin on it over the years. Gonzo even performed a version of the song on The Muppet Show.
Featured Image by Paul Natkin/WireImage
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.