Question for Tom Brumley

Chuck Cusimano · Post by **Chuck Cusimano** » 6 Jan 2005 9:07 am

While watching some old tapings of the Buck Owens Ranch (T.V.) show, I noticed Don Rich was playing a Gold Metal Flake Telecaster,
(Taped March 15th 1966) but by Mar.1967, and then after he was playing a Silver Metal Flake Tele. Any information as to what happened to the Gold one? In my estimation it was a prettier Guitar, and had a Great tone. I noticed that in one show, Buck and Don had Matching identical Tele's. Also, by 1970, the personal and music had changed considerably, and Don Rich is playing a GIBSON!(ES 335 - or 347)

For what it's worth, There was NEVER a better band that the BUCKAROOS when it was Don, Doyle, Willy, and Tom! SOOOOO clean, and uncluttered. I noticed also that Doyle played a LOT of walking bass! Even on songs like, "Tiger By The Tail". Want to share any info on the Gold Tele? Thanks in Advance. cusimusico@hotmail.com

KENNY KRUPNICK · Post by **KENNY KRUPNICK** » 6 Jan 2005 11:04 am

Dosen't Marty Stuart own one of those Telecasters now?

Buddy Blackmon · Post by **Buddy Blackmon** » 6 Jan 2005 11:31 am

>>Dosen't Marty Stuart own one of those Telecasters now?<<

I think Marty used to own one the silver Teles that Buck had the twin to. He will not be here to verify, though......He says steelers are nutso!!

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 6 Jan 2005 12:43 pm

One of the neat issues resolved by the Buck Owens tapes ( I have 3 of 'em) is that TB's bar positions for "Together Again" are undisputable.

Dale Dorsey · Post by **Dale Dorsey** » 7 Jan 2005 5:34 am

I don't think Tom is getting on the forum to often so be patient for an answer.

Eddie D.Bollinger · Post by **Eddie D.Bollinger** » 7 Jan 2005 8:45 am

Hey Chuck!
IMHO those guys were the only REAL Buckaroos. I watch the tapes of the
Ranch Shows and I get chills. They were
the finest blend of country music ever.
I don't play my tele without some little
part of me trying to sound like Don.
I Have met Tom several times and he
is as fine a gentleman as you will ever
find. Long live (THE)

Buckaroos.

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Eddie B.
Carter D-10
8 & 2many
msm@tycom.net

Chuck Cusimano · Post by **Chuck Cusimano** » 7 Jan 2005 12:53 pm

I am going to correct my earlier post: I said that Don was playing the Silver Guitar by March 1967, but when I re-watched the tapes again I found that he was actually playing the Silver Guitar as early as September 1966!

Somewhere between March, and Sept. he swapped the gold one for the Silver one.
Yes, I had heard that Buck gave Don's Silver Guitar to Marty Stewart, so now he's got TWO things I wish I had! Connie Smith IS the greatest Female Country singer ever!
(Marty, If you "LURK" here on the S.G.F., I mean that with the greatest Respect, and Admiration.)
Interesting fact: In late 1971, or early 1972 I actually picked up Don Rich's Silver Guitar and strummed it (unplugged) and played a short version of "Buckaroo" in B.O. studio in Bakersfield, Ca. It was the day after Buck and the Boys recorded "Made In Japan". Bob Morris was in the Studio at the time, and he showed me around, and played it (on tape) for me. He was really a nice guy.
I have to be honest, as good as the Buckaroos were in the sixties, I lost my taste for what was being done with them after Tom was no longer with them. I mean no disrespect to the keyboard player, but, IT AIN'T A STEEL! Fortunately for me, Merle Haggard was continuing the Bakersfield sound, and that's where I went.

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 7 Jan 2005 2:50 pm

After Don Rich died things were kinda screwed with the Buckaroos. Buck hired Don Lee, who was a decent guitar player but had a rock background. A real nice guy. Then he hired Terry Christoffersen, who was a terrific young picker. Terry soon started playing steel in the band and in a short time was playing those Mooney licks. With Jimmy Shaw on piano, who I thought was one of the greatest people I ever met, they were the most versital band I ever heard. They could play any type of music. Of course it was never the same without Don Rich. After Buck had to get rid of his band because he only had forty or fifty million dollars to get by on, I played one night with Buck, Doyle, and Jerry Wiggins on drums. The club owner had hired me, a piano player, and a young David Wright. I wonder if David remembers that?

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3
http://www.Charmedmusic.com

Jimmy Youngblood · Post by **Jimmy Youngblood** » 7 Jan 2005 7:00 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
After Buck had to get rid of his band because he only had forty or fifty million dollars to get by on.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You got that right Howard!

Buck had the reputation of being extremely "tight" with his band (not to be confused with the musical term!)

Buddy Blackmon · Post by **Buddy Blackmon** » 7 Jan 2005 9:07 pm

>>Somewhere between March, and Sept. he swapped the gold one for the Silver one.
Yes, I had heard that Buck gave Don's Silver Guitar to Marty Stewart, so now he's got TWO things I wish I had! Connie Smith IS the greatest Female Country singer ever!
(Marty, If you "LURK" here on the S.G.F., I mean that with the greatest Respect, and Admiration.)<<

You ain't wrong, Chuck!

BB

Wade Branch · Post by **Wade Branch** » 8 Jan 2005 4:16 am

In my opinion the buckaroo's died the day Don did,I mean not only did he add such color with his creative trend setting tele lick's and fiddle playing (which I understand he really didnt enjoy playing all that much )but that harmony did and still does everytime I hear it,blows me away.

Bill Pastuch · Post by **Bill Pastuch** » 8 Jan 2005 8:29 am

Chuck, I agree with your asssessment that The Buckaroo Band with Buck, Don, Tom, Doyle and Willy was the BEST country band ever.

The vocal harmony between Buck and Don rivaled sibling harmony and the band's instrumental acuity was unrivaled and is the epitome of "The Bakersfield Sound."

Buck used to refer to Don Rich as his right arm and admitted privately that The Buckaroos sound was permaently and irrevocablly damaged after Don's untimely sudden death.

I posted somewhere else on The SGF that my favorite all-time steel break was by Tom Brumley on his ZB Custom on "Together Again."

I don't think there will be another band like this ever again.

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 8 Jan 2005 9:08 am

I read somewhere that the Tele's mentioned were the first Tele Customs.

Chuck Cusimano · Post by **Chuck Cusimano** » 8 Jan 2005 9:32 am

Howard, I'm not trying to be-little any of the great musicians that came into Buck Owens Band, but, while watching the Tapes, There (to me) is a HUGE difference in the Buckaroos between the first show (1966) and the ones that they taped in 1970. The 1970 shows (I think) were the forerunners of the T.V. show "HEE HAW". But, The whole format of playing styles, instrumentation, and songs changed dramaticly. Songs like "Tiger By the Tail" were being replaced with stuff like, "Who's Gonna Mow Your Grass". In my opinion Buck went through Three different Modes (if you will) with his music. Great songs like "Under Your Spell Again" "A - 11"
for example, Good up tempo Shuffle type music, and Correct me if I'm wrong - These were recorded BEFORE Don Rich, and Tom Brumley were recording with him? Then, the "BUCKAROO" sound we know.
Songs like "Act Naturally", "Tiger By The Tail", "I Don't Care" - A little different beat and DON RICH ON A TELECASTER. That's what made me want to become a Guitar Picker.
I didn't know what I had to have to make THAT sound, but I knew I wanted to learn it, and do it every day for the rest of my life!
Then, Tom Brumley (Steel Guitar)left the band, Buck hired a Key board player, Don Rich was playing a GIBSON! ( Don appears to have gained quite a bit of weight, and just dosen't seem as vibrant,or happy) and the songs were built around the MODern lyrics, and sound. The rip roaring Telecaster rides, and the sweet steel guitar of Tom were GONE! Even the uniforms and hair styles changed for the "MOD" look. (A marketing ploy I'm sure)To me thats when the slide downhill happened. Even before Dons' tragic death.

I seem to remember Buck signing a promise to NEVER record any kind of music other than "COUNTRY". What happened to that?

For my tastes, NOTHING musical can ever compare to THE Buckaroos. 1963 - 1968 area.

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 8 Jan 2005 9:53 am

Sorry if it seemed I was disagreeing with you Chuck. Like I said the band was not the same. I was just trying to add some history. And I have good memories of Jim Shaw, in fact the first time I met him was at Track Records studio, and he loaned me his brand new Pontiac to go for burgers when he didn't know me from a bale of hay. I think when Don was killed it took some of the heart out of Buck. Did you know that Buck played the same style guitar as Don, maybe not as polished as Don. In fact I believe he played lead for Wynn Stewart at one time. Not positive but pretty sure.

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3
http://www.Charmedmusic.com

B. Greg Jones · Post by **B. Greg Jones** » 8 Jan 2005 10:11 am

Those Telecasters weren't the 1st Tele Customs, but they were the 1st in the flake finish (the silver ones). They were given to Buck and Don as promotional items from Fender. The finish on them was very unique and HEAVY made by Dupont. Fender kept the Buckaroo's supplied with gear. The guys got the gold ones later and then of course the red,white, and blue guitars showed up.

Jerry Brightman could probably enlighten us a little on this subject. After Don passed, Jerry doubled on steel and Don's silver Tele. There are pics of Jerry playing this guitar on his website.

The Buckaroo's have won several "Band of the Year" awards from the ACM. Hottest band ever??...I think so. The live recordings I think are the best. Wide open, fly by the seat of yer pants pickin. You will also notice that live, Tom carried alot of the band. He did all the fill work when Don sang harmony. Thats how that 11th string came to be to cover the "Act Naturally" licks.

Great topic,

Greg

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 8 Jan 2005 10:21 am

*[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 24 January 2005 at 04:51 PM.]

Mike Brinkmeyer · Post by **Mike Brinkmeyer** » 8 Jan 2005 6:06 pm

Let's not forget that Jay Dee Maness played steel for Buck in 1969 for about a year after Tom Brumley left.

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 9 Jan 2005 6:12 am

Howard, Buck also played lead guitar for Tommy Collins and Ferlin Husky. Don learned how to play pretty much from Buck as he was a fiddle player when they met.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 9 Jan 2005 6:26 am

Hi Howard,
I just now am reading this post, I did work with Buck one night here in Modesto, and remember Buck had no steel player with him and got a call to fill in with him...is this the time your refering to.??heres a pic from that night.
<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-4/144274/Image7.jpg' width=308 height=308 >

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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.msapedalsteels.com">
<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-4/1 ... GP0194.JPG' width=120 height=120 >
M.S.A.

M.S.A. Millennium
S-12 9 & 6
Bb is where it's at!
Peavey-2000-PX-300



<a <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_1_112.gif' border=0></a>
David's Web Page

Ron Whitworth · Post by **Ron Whitworth** » 9 Jan 2005 6:27 am

I have heard this story from some of the guys who were around Buck BEFORE he became a star.One of these guys has showed me pictures of himself & Buck when they were in their very early '20's so i do not think he is pulling my leg..He told me Buck was just a lead guitar player in the band & that the singer did not make a show & Buck stepped up to the mic & started singing but did not want to do it..He also told me when Buck & Don got together that Don was a fiddle player & NOT a guitar player at that time.He says Buck told my friend that Buck & Don shook hands on a deal> Don promised to stay with Buck as long as there was a Buck Owen's IF Buck would teach Don to play lead guitar!!..I know some folks will never believe this story but I have know the man that told me this story for many years & i believe he is telling the truth..
What a band the early years thru the '60's was!!..My .02$ worth. Ron

Bill Pastuch · Post by **Bill Pastuch** » 9 Jan 2005 7:57 am

Boy, I hope Marty Stuart didn't glue the body of Don Rich's tele on the back of his his tacky lookin' brown wood tele to turn it into a double body.

Marty is a great musical talent and vocalist, but he's got to be the hardest person on taking care of musical instruments I've ever seen.

Seems like he can't stand to own a pristine intrument. Has to trash 'em out, carve names and initials in the bodies and give them much more than "character" dings.

Remind me to never let Marty borrow any of my instruments.

Bill Pastuch · Post by **Bill Pastuch** » 9 Jan 2005 8:20 am

Somebody brought up the subject of Don Rich's weight gain and I think I might have the reason why.

Back in the '60s when The Buckaroos were playing (2) shows in Chicago; myself, Don and Doyle went out to have a bite to eat between shows. Don and Doyle were very easy to talk to and both, especially Don had a very quick, engaging smile and a sparkle in his eye. Just a super all-around guy.

Don ordered a a double cheese burger with fries and simply loaded the burger and fries with SALT!

I told him that wasn't smart, too much salt in your diet can cause bloating, weight gain,
(via water retention} hypertension, kidney problems and heart problems and more.

He said, "I don't care, I love salt and as long as I feel OK I'm gonna keep on eatin' it." "If I notice it's starting to bother me then I'll cut back."

Doyle and I looked at one another, Doyle hunched his shoulders as if to say, if that's what Don wants to do it's OK with me.

I just shook my head.

During the lunch break we talked about a lot of things other than The Buckaroos, Don's tenure at the Seattle Conservatory of Music, his wife, family and love of motorcycles.

Doyle talked about his project of cutting a vocal record to test the waters of a singles career on his own ABO, (After Buck Owens}.

I think Doyle got his wish and I heard he had marginal success with it. Don't remember the title of the A or B side, maybe someody else can remember them.

Don Ricketson · Post by **Don Ricketson** » 9 Jan 2005 8:24 am

Bill P. Although Toms break on "Together Again" sold many ZB Customs, I believe it was done on a Fender 1000.

------------------
Mullen D10-8/5
Sho-Bud S10-3/4
Evans Amps
"Making The Stars Shine"

[This message was edited by Don Ricketson on 09 January 2005 at 08:36 AM.]

Jason Odd · Post by **Jason Odd** » 9 Jan 2005 9:20 am

For the record, Buck never fired or let the band go, he may have done gigs without the band, and yes indeed David Wright would remeber the one he did because he mentioned on the forum about six years ago.

Doyle Curtsinger has been with Buck since December 1969, Jim McCarty since 1987, Terry Christofferson since 1975, Jim Shaw since 1970.
You see in January of 1980, Buck discontinued his touring and a couple fo the Buckaroos left. As Terry C. once said "We kept on taping Hee Haw shows after that for about 4 or 5 years."
He kept these guys on, they got jobs in the Buck Owens organisation.

Buck, might be tight with a buck, but he rewards loyalty.
Buckaroos
Ken Presley - died
Don Rich - died
Jay Dee Maness - quit
Doyle Holly - quit
Tom Brumley - quit
Willie Cantu - military service
Jerry Wiggins - quit
Merle Haggard - quit
Rick Taylor - quit
Don Lee - quit
Ronnie Jackson - quit
Jana Jay Grief - fired

Now, some earlier members and a few try-out folk got canned, but that happens in any biz, some folks just don't make it through their three month probation.
Let's not forget that guys like deejay and bandleader Larry Daniels and Dusty Rhodes, who gave Buck his first west coast gig, worked for him for many, many years too.

Comparing the mid 1960s to the early 1970s band?.. different group except for Don and Buck, different sound and style.
I'd say Jay Dee's run with the Buckaroos was the last of the real honky-tonk sound, the freight-train Buckaroos.

Buck saw the changes in style, the pop element in country via country-rock and the Countrypolitan sound from Nashville helped influence his sound.
Don Rich enjoyed progressive country and elements of country-rock, he loved the Band and covered their material.

If he'd strongly pursued a solo career and left Buck, I suspect that his albums would have gotten as much accolades as his Austin and West Coast contemporaries. He might have given Waylon, Gram Parsons and Michael Martin Murphey a run for their money.
However, he stayed with Buck and Buck had a more mainstream approach in mind.
Susan Raye and the Hagers played a role in Buck's new sound and approach as well.

If you want to hear how gutsy the Buckaroos would be in the 1970s, their's Don's solo stuff, the Buckaroos last few albums and the backing they did for Tony Booth.