Country music, like most genres of music, has never been about “one” sound. For example, among the variations we have Western Swing, Outlaw Country, Country-politan, Honky Tonk, Bluegrass, Country-Rock, and even a Canadian country music sound.
The Bakersfield sound, popularized by the likes of Merle Haggard, Wynn Stewart, Susan Raye, The Mavericks, Marty Stuart, and Dwight Yoakam, was pioneered by Buck Owns.
Johnny Owens grew up living in the shadow of his famous dad. His father was on TV each week on Hee Haw and would eventually be inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
After his dad’s passing in 2006, he decided to honour his dad’s voice and legacy and stepped out of the shadows and onto the stage. He tours with Johnny Owens and the Bakersfield Sound – A tribute to his Father, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and the Bakersfield Sound. Shares stories, songs and video clips – including some from Hee Haw.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of his dad, Johnny Owens recently released a cover of one of his Dad’s biggest hits Together Again. You can hear the subtle tones of Buck Owens in the song, but it also features his son’s distinct sound. Either way, it’s a fitting tribute to the elder Owens and the Bakersfield sound.
In this Vinyl Professor Podcast, Johnny shares stories about growing up in the shadow of his famous father. We also dive into the Bakersfield Sound that his Dad helped pioneer. He also reveals details about a new album coming out 2027 and some new Christmas music coming out later this year.
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Portions of the interview also aired on my weekly radio show Oldies Without Borders.
Copyright Peter J. Maurin, The Vinyl Professor. Published under Creative Commons License: Attribution/Non-Commercial Use.
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