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Donald Eugene Ulrich (August 15, 1941 – July 17, 1974), best known by the stage name Don Rich, was an American country musician who helped develop the Bakersfield sound in the early 1960s. He was a noted guitarist and fiddler, and a member of The Buckaroos, the backing band of Don's best friend, country singer Buck Owens. Rich was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1974 at the age of 32.[1]

Early life and career

[edit]

Donald Eugene Ulrich was born in Olympia, Washington, on August 15, 1941. The adopted son of Bill and Anne Ulrich,[2] he grew up in nearby Tumwater, living at 6th and Ferry on Tumwater Hill, then later in a log house near Trosper Rd. and Capitol Blvd., next to his father's barbering business. His parents began teaching Don the fiddle as early as age three, his father building a small scale violin for him to play. His parents entered him in numerous talent contests and had him playing at various events. He also began playing the guitar at an early age.

While attending Olympia High School (from which he graduated in 1959), Rich played in various local venues, as well as in the high-school orchestra. In September 1957, at age 16, he opened for Elvis Presley at the Tacoma Lincoln Bowl. He also formed an early rock-and-roll band called the Blue Comets with his friends, drummer Greg Hawkins and pianist Steve Anderson. By 1958, Rich was playing regularly at Steve's Gay '90s Restaurant in South Tacoma. Buck Owens, who was living in Tacoma while working at radio station KAYE, attended one of his shows and immediately went to speak with him; Rich was soon playing fiddle with Owens at local venues.[2] They were featured on the weekly BAR-K Jamboree on KTNT-TV 11, where Loretta Lynn was a guest with them for her television debut. Soon after, Owens' "Under Your Spell Again" made it to number four[3] on the country music charts, and he returned to Bakersfield, California, to do more recording for Capitol Records.[2]

Owens tried to convince Rich to come with him to Bakersfield, but Rich opted to go to Centralia College, where he served as a music tutor; he also continued playing local venues. While at Centralia, he renewed his acquaintance with Marlane Schindler, his future wife. They had met a few years earlier in Morton, a small town in eastern Lewis County, where Marlane reigned as Queen of the Morton Loggers Festival.

After a year of college, Rich decided to drop out and join Owens in Bakersfield, signing on for $75 a week in December 1960. Rich returned to Washington to escort Marlane to Nevada, where they married. Marlane worked in support of keeping Rich, Owens, and his Buckaroos performing. Don and Marlane had two children, Vic and Vance Ulrich.

With Buck Owens and the Buckaroos

[edit]

The first single Rich played on was "Above and Beyond," which peaked at #3. Owens and Rich toured somewhat haphazardly, throwing Owens' acoustic guitar and Rich's fiddle into the back of Owens' old Ford pickup and hopping from bar to bar, dance hall to dance hall, playing with whomever musicians they could find.[4]

Owens and Rich continued recording singles in Bakersfield. In 1961, "Foolin' Around" spent eight weeks in the number-two slot.[3] Up to that point, Owens had stuck to the Texas Shuffle style, with Rich playing the role of the "lonesome fiddler". That sound changed with Owens' 1962 single "You're For Me", a song he had written several years prior. The shuffle on the snare drum moved to a tightly closed high-hat, and the off-beat was accented by an aggressive half-rimshot, half-click on the snare drum. The bass went from upright to electric. Owens dubbed it the "freight train" sound; it is now often referred to as the "Bakersfield sound".

In 1964, for convenience when recording and touring, Owens decided to form a regular backing band, including drums, bass, and pedal steel, with Don Rich as the band leader. Owens' old Ford was replaced with a Chevrolet camper. In the early years of the band, members came and went quickly. Alumni included Ken Presley (who died in a car accident while a member), Jay McDonald, Mel King, Wayne Stone, and Merle Haggard. Before leaving, Haggard dubbed the band "The Buckaroos", and the name stuck.[2]

In early 1963, the Johnny Russell song "Act Naturally" was pitched to Owens. Owens was initially unimpressed, but Rich liked it, and they recorded it with The Buckaroos on February 12, 1963. It was released on March 11 and entered the charts of April 13. By June 15, the single began its first of four nonconsecutive weeks at the number-one position. It was Owens' first number-one hit.[3]

"Act Naturally" marked Rich's first appearance on lead guitar. Over the years, Owens had taught Rich his guitar style, and by 1963, Rich was mainly playing guitar, rather than fiddle, allowing Owens to concentrate on singing and acting as front man.[4]

Owens and Rich followed "Act Naturally" with another 'freight train' rhythm song, "Love's Gonna Live Here", which spent 16 weeks at number one.[3]

During the summer of 1963, The Buckaroos' bassist Kenny Pierce walked out on the band during a tour. Rich called in a bass-playing acquaintance named Doyle Holly. Shortly thereafter, steel player Jay McDonald quit and was replaced by Tom Brumley. The classic Buckaroo lineup was in place.

Owens, Rich, and the band recorded two songs to release as a single in late January 1964. One was a fast song entitled "My Heart Skips a Beat"; the other was a slow ballad called "Together Again". Rich played an excellent ride on "My Heart Skips a Beat", and Tom Brumley played what has been called one of the greatest steel-guitar solos ever on "Together Again". Both songs shot up to number one[3] simultaneously and switched spots multiple times.

Rich hired Willie Cantu, a young Texan, to play drums for The Buckaroos in January 1964. In July of that year, the new band recorded "I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)". This, too, went to number one,[3] and featured another twangy Don Rich guitar solo.

In 1965, Owens and The Buckaroos scored hits with "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail", "Before You Go" (co-written by Rich),[5] "Only You (Can Break My Heart)", and "Buckaroo",[3] which was the only instrumental ever to go to number one on the country charts.

Around this time, musical equipment manufacturers took notice of The Buckaroo's popularity. The Fender company had already given Buck Owens a golden sparkle Telecaster; now they gave Owens a Fender acoustic, Rich a champagne sparkle Fender Telecaster, and Doyle Holly a champagne sparkle Jazz Bass. Willie Cantu received a sparkle drum kit from Rodgers, and Tom Brumley got an 11-string pedal steel from ZB Guitars (This allowed Brumley to play Rich's licks during the choruses of songs, leaving Rich free to harmonize with Buck).

On January 3, 1966, "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line" (written by Owens, Rich, and Nat Stuckey)[5] was released, and went to number one.[3] On March 15, Buck and The Buckaroos began filming a half-hour television show called The Buck Owens Ranch Show. The show was filmed and distributed for several years, eventually being canceled because it came into conflict with another Owens project, the TV show Hee Haw.

In late March 1966, the group performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The show was recorded live and is considered by many to be one of the finest live country music records of all time. Owens later said that the band was so tight that they did not have to go back in postproduction and fix any mistakes, as none could be found.

Owens and Rich continued recording, scoring number-one hits in 1966 with "Think of Me" (written by Don Rich and Estella Olson)[5] and "Open Up Your Heart".[3] In late 1966, bassist Doyle Holly left for a 9-month period, and his vacant spot was filled by Wayne Wilson. Owens and his band scored three number-one hits in 1967 – "Where Does The Good Times Go?", "Sam's Place", and "Your Tender Loving Care"[3] – and recorded another live album, this time in Japan, which also went on to great success.

In 1968, Owens and Rich began experimenting outside of the 'freight train' sound, but their success continued. "How Long Will My Baby Be Gone?" hit number one,[3] and the group recorded a live album at the White House (which was not released until 1972). Buck also signed onto Hee Haw in 1968, with Don Rich named musical director.

In 1969, Owens and Rich hit number one with both "Who's Gonna Mow Your Grass?" and "Tall Dark Stranger".[3] Rich added a new experimental fuzztone guitar part to the former. Hee Haw aired on CBS from 1969 through 1971, and afterward promptly went into syndication. It remained a weekly series through the summer of 1992. The Buckaroos served as the house band, and Owens was suddenly getting national exposure on a weekly basis. Another live record, In London, was also recorded in 1969.

Buck Owens and The Buckaroos continued playing, recording, and filming episodes of Hee Haw. The Buckaroos' lineup changed over time, until Don Rich was the only original member. Owens and Rich together would reach number one, for the last time, with "Made in Japan", which was released in 1972.[3] Owens began turning his music back towards the style he had had in the earlier years. Tragedy struck the music world, though, and the success of this turnaround was cut short in an instant on July 17, 1974.

Death

[edit]

After finishing work at Owens' Bakersfield studio on July 17, 1974, Rich was killed in a motorcycle accident.[1] He had been en route to join his family for vacation on the central coast of California. For unknown reasons, his motorcycle hit a center divider on northbound Highway 1 at Yerba Buena Street in Morro Bay. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo at 10:55 pm,[6] 50 minutes after the incident was reported. California Highway Patrol officials stated that no skid marks and no apparent mechanical problems were found. Reports indicated that Owens had pleaded with Rich not to take his motorcycle that day, and had been pleading with him for years to quit riding.

Owens was devastated by Rich's death and did not discuss it in interviews for years. In a late-1990s interview, Owens said, "He was like a brother, a son, and a best friend. Something I never said before, maybe I couldn't, but I think my music life ended when he died. Oh yeah, I carried on and I existed, but the real joy and love, the real lightning and thunder is gone forever."[7]

Years after Don's death, Marlane remarried to Larry Dunivent and had two children. She continues to stay involved in Don's legacy and endeavors to keep the love for his music alive.

Musical equipment

[edit]

Don Rich used primarily Fender guitars and amplifiers. In the early days, Rich played Owens' 1951 Fender Telecaster through a Fender Bassman amplifier. In 1964, Fender gave Owens an endorsement deal and the band gained instruments. Rich received a Telecaster that had both its body and headstock finished in champagne metal flake in addition to having checkerboard binding on both sides of the guitar's body. The "champagne metal flake" finish was somewhat rough because it contained crushed glass. The band received other Fender amplifiers, as well, so Rich also played through a Twin Reverb amplifier. At some point, Don had a one-off Telecaster-ish Red Mosrite that is now in possession of the Owens estate. Buck's 1951 Telecaster showed significant signs of being artist maintained rather than by a luthier: for example, there were pieces of paper under strings at the nut in slots that were slotted too deep. Owens and Rich received new guitars in 1966, a pair of Silver Flake Telecasters that were double bound in plain black. Also around 1966, Owens had Bakersfield guitar repairman/technic Gene Moles finish another set of guitars in red, white, and blue. Fender also gave Rich a Gold Sparkle Telecaster in the late 1960s that was bound in plain black. It had no finish on the headstock.

Fender's deal with most of their artists was that they would exchange their instruments for new ones every seven years or so. Owens refused to return the instruments given to them by Fender, so Fender stopped giving them instruments. Gibson picked up on this, and in the early 1970s, they struck up a deal with Owens. Rich received an ES-335 and a Les Paul Professional model. Owens and Rich later went back to playing their red, white, and blue Telecasters.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Album US Country Label
1971 We're Real Good Friends (with Buddy Alan) 36 Capitol
2000 Country Pickin': The Don Rich Anthology Sundazed
2013 Don Rich Sings George Jones Omnivore
2013 Don Rich and the Buckaroos – That Fiddlin' Man Omnivore

Singles

[edit]
Year Single US Country Album
1970 "Cowboy Convention" (with Buddy Alan) 19 We're Real Good Friends
1971 "I'm on the Road to Memphis" (with Buddy Alan) 54

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
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Don Rich

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Don Rich (August 15, 1941 – July 17, 1974) was an American country musician, celebrated as a guitarist, fiddler, and vocalist who co-founded the Buckaroos, the backing band for Buck Owens, and played a pivotal role in pioneering the Bakersfield sound during the 1960s. Born Donald Eugene Ulrich in Olympia, Washington, as the adopted son of Bill and Anne Ulrich, Rich displayed early musical talent, beginning to play a custom-made fiddle at age three under his father's guidance. He honed his skills on guitar and fiddle through local performances in Washington state, opening for artists like Elvis Presley in 1957, before relocating to Bakersfield, California, in 1960 to join Buck Owens full-time for a salary of $75 per week. As the Buckaroos' lead guitarist and fiddler, Rich contributed high harmony vocals and innovative instrumentation to 21 number-one country hits, including "Act Naturally" (1963), "Together Again" (1964), "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail" (1965), and the instrumental "Buckaroo" (1965), the only such track to reach the top spot. His signature twangy Telecaster guitar riffs and fiddle solos helped define the Bakersfield sound's raw, energetic style, which emphasized honky-tonk roots and western swing influences in opposition to Nashville's polished productions. In addition to recording, Rich served as musical director for the country music variety show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1971, showcasing his versatility as a performer and arranger. He earned the Country Music Association's Instrumentalist of the Year award in 1974, recognizing his profound impact on the genre. Rich's life ended abruptly on July 17, 1974, when he was killed in a motorcycle accident near Bakersfield at age 32, an event that led Buck Owens to largely withdraw from recording and touring. His legacy as one of country's most influential multi-instrumentalists persists, inspiring artists such as Dwight Yoakam and Brad Paisley, and earning him posthumous induction into the National Fiddlers Hall of Fame in 2020.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Donald Eugene Ulrich, professionally known as Don Rich, was born on August 15, 1941, in Olympia, Washington. He was adopted shortly after birth by Bill and Anne Ulrich, who raised him in the nearby Tumwater area, a small rural community in Washington's Pacific Northwest amid forests and farmlands that surrounded the state capital region. This setting immersed young Don in the sounds of local country and western music, prevalent in the region's logging and farming communities. Don's parents fostered a musical household from his earliest years, significantly shaping his development as a . His father, Bill Ulrich, an amateur fiddler and craftsman, built a custom small-scale for three-year-old Don and began instructing him in playing, emphasizing technique and appreciation for traditional styles. Anne Ulrich supported these efforts by encouraging music sessions and entering Don in local contests, creating a supportive dynamic where music was a central activity rather than a solitary pursuit. These home-based lessons introduced Don to instruments like the and later the guitar, which he began exploring independently as a . Don received his education in the Olympia area, progressing through local elementary and middle schools before attending Olympia High School, from which he graduated in 1959. Following graduation, Rich briefly enrolled at Centralia College in 1958 with the intention of becoming a teacher, but left after the fall quarter to focus on his career. He also engaged in early local performances around Tumwater and Olympia, often showcasing his and emerging guitar skills at community events and small venues, which built his confidence in front of audiences.

Entry into Music

Rich demonstrated an early aptitude for music, beginning with the fiddle at age three on a small-scale violin built by his father, Bill Ulrich. As he progressed into adolescence, he taught himself to play the guitar, shifting focus from fiddle while continuing to perform on both instruments. His parents, Anne and Bill, supported his development by entering him in numerous talent contests and arranging appearances at local events throughout Washington state, fostering his skills through practical experience. In high school at Olympia High School, Rich formed the rock and roll band the Blue Comets around 1957 with schoolmates Greg Hawkins on drums and Steve Anderson on piano, where he played and contributed to their local performances. That same year, at age 16, he adopted the stage name Don Rich, with the suggested by upon their first meeting—shortening from his birth Ulrich—for professional use, aligning with his growing stage presence. The Blue Comets gained notable exposure by opening for on September 1, 1957, at Tacoma's Lincoln Bowl, an event that highlighted Rich's emerging talent to a larger audience. Beyond school activities, Rich secured early paid gigs, including regular fiddle performances at Steve’s Gay ’90s restaurant in South Tacoma starting in , where he played for dances and entertained patrons. He also appeared on the local television program BAR-K on KTNT-TV Channel 11, showcasing his guitar and work alongside other regional acts. These Washington-based opportunities, including community dances and radio-adjacent broadcasts, provided Rich with essential performance experience and refined his self-taught techniques during his teenage years.

Professional Career

Formative Years and Early Collaborations

Following his graduation from Olympia High School in 1959, Don Rich briefly attended Centralia College in Washington with aspirations of becoming a music teacher, but he soon shifted focus to professional opportunities in music. Self-taught on guitar during his teenage years, Rich had already gained local recognition through performances in the , including opening for at Tacoma's Lincoln Bowl in 1957. Shortly after graduation, he relocated to Tacoma, where he worked briefly in local radio and television, appearing on KTNT-TV's Bar-K Jamboree alongside emerging artists. In Tacoma, Rich formed the rock and roll band the Blue Comets during high school around 1957-1958 with drummer Greg Hawkins and pianist Steve Anderson, contributing to their energetic performances that blended influences with the regional teen music scene. This period marked his transition from amateur contests to paid gigs at venues like Steve's Gay '90s, where he honed his skills amid the vibrant Northwest club circuit. These early experiences solidified his reputation as a versatile musician capable of adapting to various styles before pursuing larger ambitions. Seeking greater prospects in the industry, Rich moved to , in December 1960, where he established himself as a in local studios, playing guitar and on recordings for up-and-coming acts. He took on brief stints with other regional bands to build his network in the burgeoning Bakersfield scene. This foundational work exposed him to the raw, unpolished sound that would define the area. Rich's path intersected with in 1958, when Owens, then a at Tacoma's KAYE station, heard of Rich's and guitar talents through local broadcasts and club buzz; their initial encounters led to informal jam sessions. Formal collaboration commenced in 1960-1961 upon Rich's arrival in Bakersfield, where he contributed to Owens' Capitol recordings, such as "Above and Beyond" (1962).

Role with Buck Owens and the Buckaroos

Don Rich officially joined Buck Owens' backing band, the Buckaroos, in 1960 as lead guitarist and fiddler, after having first met Owens in 1958 during a performance in Washington state. His multi-instrumental versatility quickly made him indispensable, contributing to the band's polished sound on recordings and live performances. Rich's involvement helped propel the Buckaroos to prominence, as they backed Owens on his breakthrough singles starting with "Foolin' Around" that year. As a key songwriter, Rich co-wrote several chart-topping hits with Owens, including "Before You Go" (1965) and "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line" (1966), both of which reached No. 1 on the country charts. He also co-wrote "Think of Me" (1966) with Estella Olson, another No. 1 single, and contributed to over 20 of Owens' chart-topping releases during the , providing melodic hooks and lyrical ideas that defined their collaborative output. These successes, totaling 21 No. 1 hits for Owens with , underscored Rich's role in crafting accessible, upbeat anthems. Rich played a pivotal role in shaping the Bakersfield sound, characterized by tight, rhythmic instrumentation, electric guitar twang, and a raw energy that contrasted with Nashville's smoother style. His precise guitar riffs and work drove the "" rhythm section, while his high-energy arrangements elevated live shows into dynamic events that captivated audiences. In the studio, Rich's production techniques—emphasizing crisp, layered harmonies and minimal reverb—helped refine this sound, making the Buckaroos' recordings stand out for their clarity and drive. From 1966 onward, Rich assumed leadership of the Buckaroos during Owens' absences, handling arrangements, rehearsals, and touring logistics to maintain the band's cohesion. This included overseeing their triumphant debut in March 1966, where the ensemble delivered a high-octane set of medleys and instrumentals that showcased their precision. The following year, Rich led the group on an international tour to in 1967, resulting in a live album that captured their global appeal through polkas and country standards. Additionally, starting in 1969, Rich served as musical director for the television series Hee Haw, where appeared as the , performing hits and backing guest artists in energetic segments.

Musical Contributions

Style and Innovations

Don Rich's signature guitar style, often referred to as "chicken pickin'," employed a technique that combined a flat pick held in the thumb with fingerpicking to achieve a bright, percussive tone characterized by sharp attacks and open-string resonances. This approach, exemplified in tracks like the instrumental "Chicken Pickin'," became a foundational element of the , emphasizing rhythmic precision and tonal clarity on the . Rich adapted influences from fingerstyle pioneers such as and , translating their acoustic techniques to the electric Telecaster to forge the raw, twangy edge of Bakersfield . His playing featured blues-based pentatonic runs, unique fingerings, and simple yet effective breaks that complemented ' rhythm work, as heard in hits like "" and "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail." This adaptation created a distinctive "" drive, blending traditions with rock-infused energy. Rich's fiddle playing drew from western swing traditions, incorporating lively solos and harmonies that added rhythmic drive and melodic flair to the Buckaroos' arrangements. Tracks like "Buckaroo" showcased his work, blending it seamlessly with guitar riffs to enhance the energetic, feel of the . In band arrangements, Rich innovated by seamlessly integrating , collaborating closely with specialists like to weave its weeping slides and swells into the ensemble's tight, driving grooves. This blending enriched the harmonic texture without overpowering the core guitar-led sound, contributing to ' polished yet energetic performances. As a producer and arranger for ' recordings at Capitol Studios, Rich favored techniques that preserved a live, immediate feel, including strategic use of reverb for spatial depth and rhythmic emphasis, while limiting overdubs to maintain authenticity. He often tuned guitars down a half-step for a fuller tone and employed dual guitar harmonies to heighten the propulsive quality of tracks. These methods helped define the Bakersfield aesthetic's crisp production, contrasting Nashville's smoother polish. Rich's contributions bridged traditional with rock elements, infusing with electric vitality and inspiring subsequent generations, including guitarist , who has cited Rich as a key influence on his Telecaster-driven style. As Owens noted, "Don and I made a sort of where one and one don’t make two," underscoring Rich's pivotal role in evolving the genre.

Equipment and Techniques

Don Rich's primary guitar was a custom Fender Telecaster, notably his 1964 gold sparkle model featuring a crushed glass finish and checkerboard binding, which he used extensively to achieve his signature bright, twangy tone by emphasizing the bridge pickup positioned close to the strings. This setup enabled techniques like chicken pickin' through precise hybrid picking and string bends, producing the sharp attack central to the Bakersfield sound. He later adopted a similar gold sparkle Telecaster in the late 1960s, maintaining the stock configuration with minor adjustments for optimal brightness, such as string gauge selection using Ernie Ball nickel-wound sets (.009-.046). For amplification, Rich relied on Fender Twin Reverb combos, delivering pristine clarity and headroom essential for both studio recordings and live performances, often run at high volumes to enhance the Telecaster's natural sparkle without additional processing. In live settings, particularly on television appearances like The Ranch Show, the setup occasionally incorporated amplifiers for added punch and reliability under stage conditions. This combination ensured consistent tonal transparency, allowing his clean, articulate lines to cut through the mix. Rich also employed a Sho-Bud double-neck in his multi-instrumental arsenal, contributing gliding fills and swells to various tracks and arrangements. Complementing this, he played for rhythm duties on select sessions, valuing its solid tone and playability for locking in with the band's groove. Additional gear included custom Fender thin picks emblazoned with studio logos for precise attack, and early effects pedals like the Fuzzrite—used sparingly for distorted solos on late-1960s recordings—to add edge without compromising his core clean sound. Rich maintained his instruments meticulously, employing a Conn Strobotuner for accurate intonation and products like FingerEze to preserve finger dexterity during . His close ties to Fender's production facility stemmed from longstanding endorsements, with the company crafting bespoke models like his sparkle Telecasters directly in Fullerton to support his evolving needs.

Death and Legacy

Circumstances of Death

On July 17, 1974, Don Rich was killed in a accident on northbound Highway 1 at Yerba Buena Street in , while en route to join his family for a planned vacation. Rich had just completed a recording session at ' studio in Bakersfield earlier that day and chose to ride his customized 1972 despite Owens urging him not to due to safety concerns. For unknown reasons, Rich's struck a raised concrete center divider, causing him to be thrown from the bike and sustain fatal injuries. The reported no other vehicles involved, and the incident occurred around 10:00 p.m., with visibility potentially limited by nighttime conditions on the coastal highway. Rich was rushed to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo but was pronounced dead on arrival around 11:00 p.m.; he was 32 years old. The accident was investigated as a single-vehicle crash, with no charges filed against any parties, and road conditions were not cited as a primary factor by authorities. In the immediate aftermath, and canceled several upcoming performances, including a scheduled appearance in Fresno, as Owens grappled with profound grief over the loss of his close collaborator and friend.

Influence on Country Music

Following Don Rich's death in 1974, experienced a profound emotional decline that significantly curtailed his musical output for over a decade. publicly described Rich as his "right arm," emphasizing their inseparable partnership in creating the and crediting him as essential to his success. In interviews, expressed that the loss left him unable to continue with the same passion, leading to a sharp reduction in recordings and performances until his collaboration with in the late 1980s revived his career. Rich's innovative guitar style, characterized by his masterful Telecaster work and vocal harmonies, profoundly influenced subsequent generations of country guitarists. Artists such as have cited Rich's technique as a foundational influence, with Paisley incorporating similar twangy, melodic leads in his own playing. His mentorship approach—focusing on tight band dynamics and instrumental precision—has been emulated by figures like , who adopted elements of Rich's harmony singing and integration in their performances. These influences are frequently highlighted in discussions of guitar evolution within music publications. Despite his pivotal role, Rich's posthumous recognition has been notably limited, with ongoing calls for his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame due to his overlooked contributions to the genre's sound. A 2014 Billboard article argued that Rich's guitar skills, fiddling, and harmonies were as integral to the Bakersfield era as Owens himself, yet he remains uninducted, a gap often described as a significant oversight in honoring sidemen. Owens' 1997 Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony indirectly referenced Rich's impact, noting how his death devastated Owens and altered the trajectory of their shared legacy. Rich's cultural impact endures through his central role in preserving and popularizing the , a raw, to Nashville's polish that continues to inspire revivals. Documentaries such as those exploring ' history and books like Eileen Sisk's Buck Owens: The Biography (2010) detail Rich's innovations and his key role in hits like "Act Naturally" and "Together Again." In 2025, the Centralia College Foundation honored Rich with its Legacy Award for his contributions to . Meanwhile, 2020s reissues by Recordings, such as expanded collections, spotlight Rich's guitar and work to introduce his contributions to new audiences.

Discography

Key Albums

Don Rich's contributions to the Buckaroos' discography began with their self-titled debut album, Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, released in 1965 on . As the lead guitarist, Rich provided the signature Telecaster riffs and fills on every track, helping to define the raw, energetic that distinguished the group from Nashville's smoother countrypolitan style. The album featured a mix of Owens' originals and covers, with Rich's intricate picking adding propulsion to songs like "Buckaroo" and "Close Up the Honky Tonks." A pivotal release in Rich's career was I've Got a Tiger by the Tail, also from 1965, where he not only played but co-produced alongside , shaping the album's tight arrangements and lively instrumentation. This collaboration highlighted Rich's growing influence in the studio, as his guitar work intertwined seamlessly with Owens' vocals on tracks emphasizing upbeat tempos and swing. The following year's Roll Out the Red Carpet for Buck Owens and His Buckaroos further showcased Rich's arranging skills, with co-writing credits on several cuts and his adding texture to the instrumental breaks. These early albums established Rich as an indispensable creative force, contributing to the ' polished yet gritty aesthetic. Rich's arranging credits became more prominent starting with 1966 releases like Concert, a live recording that captured the band's dynamic interplay, including his standout guitar solos and harmonies. Over the course of his tenure, Rich provided input on more than 20 albums, blending his guitar, , and vocal harmonies to elevate the material. In 1970, the instrumental album Guitar Pickin' Man highlighted Rich's guitar work on tracks composed and arranged by , showcasing his versatility. Later, That Fiddlin' Man (1971) compiled tracks emphasizing Rich's playing from various albums. Later, Rich's solo inclinations culminated in the unreleased sessions for Don Rich Sings , recorded in the late 1960s at Studios, featuring his interpretations of Jones classics backed by ; these tracks were eventually issued posthumously in 2013. Through these works, Rich's multifaceted roles—from to arranger and —cemented his legacy in shaping ' catalog.

Notable Singles

Don Rich played a pivotal role in ' breakthrough single "," released in 1963, which topped the Hot Country Singles chart for one week starting June 9. As the lead guitarist for , Rich provided distinctive guitar fills and contributed to the co-arrangement, helping convince Owens to record the song after initial hesitation. The success continued with a string of hits, including "Love's Gonna Live Here" in 1964, which held the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for 16 weeks, showcasing Rich's signature Telecaster leads and harmony vocals. Another highlight was the 1966 instrumental track "Streets of Laredo," featured prominently in live performances and recordings, earning Rich instrumental credit for his fiddle and guitar work amid the Buckaroos' rising popularity. Rich co-wrote several key singles that achieved chart-topping status, such as "Before You Go" in 1965, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line" in 1966, also a No. 1 hit. His songwriting collaborations with Owens contributed to 21 No. 1 singles on the Billboard country charts overall, establishing the Bakersfield sound's commercial dominance. In the post-1970 era, Rich remained integral to hits like "Tall Dark Stranger" in 1970, which climbed to No. 1 on the Hot Country Singles chart, with his guitar and production touches evident throughout. His final involvement came with "Big Game Hunter" in 1974, a Top 10 single (#8) on the Hot Country Singles chart released shortly before his death, marking the end of an era for ' signature sound. Key releases like these often appeared on albums such as The Best of , Vol. 5, underscoring their broader impact.

References

  1. http://www.nationalfiddlerhalloffame.org/donrichbio.html
  2. https://savingcountrymusic.com/50-years-ago-the-tragic-death-of-don-rich/
  3. https://www.coffeehouseguitars.co.uk/pages/guitarist/don-rich
  4. https://www.jango.com/music/Don%2BRich/_full_bio
  5. https://jivetimerecords.com/northwest/don-rich/
  6. https://cocaineandrhinestones.com/buck-owens-don-rich-open-up-your-heart
  7. https://www.centralia.edu/about/news/2025legacyaward.aspx
  8. https://olympiahistory.org/don-ulrich-11815/
  9. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1110595615993343/
  10. https://www.nationalfiddlerhalloffame.org/donrichbio.html
  11. https://www.vintageguitar.com/26610/don-rich/
  12. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/don-rich/3922762
  13. https://www.amazon.com/21-1-Hits-Ultimate-Collection/dp/B000G1R3BM
  14. https://www.billboard.com/music/country/country-music-hall-of-fame-dangerous-don-rich-6164920/
  15. https://www.jango.com/music/Don%2BRich%2BThe%2BBuckaroos/_full_bio
  16. https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/Buck%2520at%2520Carnegie%2520Hall--FINAL.pdf
  17. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/flashback-buck-owens-conquers-carnegie-hall-178418/
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/2068055-Buck-Owens-And-His-Buckaroos-Buck-Owens-And-His-Buckaroos-In-Japan
  19. https://www.guitarworld.com/uncategorized/tele-bration-telecaster-celebrates-60th-anniversary
  20. https://www.amazon.com/Country-Pickin-Don-Rich-Anthology/dp/B0000560ES
  21. https://www.vintageguitar.com/3458/buck-owens-and-the-buckaroos/
  22. https://www.musicradar.com/news/15-pioneering-pickers-who-invented-country-guitar
  23. https://www.wideopencountry.com/don-rich-buckaroo-and-bakersfield-sound-pioneer/
  24. https://reverb.com/news/the-history-of-dual-guitar-harmonies-in-14-songs
  25. https://www.premierguitar.com/artists/brad-paisley-proud-gearhead
  26. https://guitars.com/archived-inventory/tele-crush/EF6677.html
  27. https://www.fender.com/articles/instruments/buck-owens-and-the-silver-sparkle
  28. https://www.tdpri.com/threads/don-rich-guitar-gear-info.196373/
  29. https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=83298
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBeOddejiGw
  31. https://www.tdpri.com/threads/don-rich-guitar-gear-info-from-old-thread.454758/
  32. https://vintageking.com/blog/fuzz-sounds/
  33. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bakersfield-californian-don-rich-do/8746013/?locale=en-US
  34. https://www.amazon.com/Buck-Owens-Biography-Eileen-Sisk/dp/1613743351
  35. https://omnivorerecordings.com/the-buckaroos/
  36. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-buckaroos/1533858717
  37. https://americana-uk.com/classic-americana-albums-buck-owens-and-his-buckaroos-ive-got-a-tiger-by-the-tail
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/7999813-Buck-Owens-And-His-Buckaroos-Roll-Out-The-Red-Carpet
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/1651119-Buck-Owens-And-His-Buckaroos-Carnegie-Hall-Concert
  40. https://www.thevinyldistrict.com/storefront/graded-on-a-curve-buck-owens-and-the-buckaroos-the-complete-capitol-singles-1957-1966-don-rich-and-the-buckaroos-guitar-pickin-man/
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/6151402-Buck-Owens-Accompanied-By-The-Buckaroos-The-Guitar-Player
  42. https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/that-fiddlin-man/
  43. https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/don-rich-sings-george-jones/
  44. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/buck-owens/act-naturally
  45. https://kxrb.com/story-behind-the-song-act-naturally-by-buck-owens/
  46. https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/artist/buck-owens
  47. https://www.musicvf.com/Buck+Owens.songs
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