Buck Owens, whose real name was Alvis Edgar Owens Jr., was an American country music singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born in 1929 in Sherman, Texas, Owens grew up playing guitar and singing in local churches. He began his musical career in the 1950s and quickly achieved success as a solo artist and in a duet with his long-time partner, Don Rich. Over the years, Buck Owens has had many hits and has pioneered the sound of modern country music.
Buck Owens moved to California in 1951 and began working in the clubs of Bakersfield. He quickly gained a reputation for his energetic performances and guitar skills. In 1957, he signed with Capitol Records and began recording songs solo and with his band, The Buckaroos.
Buck Owens' first big hit came in 1963 with the song “Act Naturally”, which reached number two on the Billboard country singles chart. The song was later covered by the Beatles.
Over the years, Buck Owens has scored many other hits, including “Together Again”, “I've Got a Tiger By the Tail” and “Love's Gonna Live Here”. He also co-hosted the country music television show “Hee Haw” for over 20 years.
Buck Owens was one of the pioneers of the Bakersfield sound, which has become a subgenre of country music. This sound is characterised by loud electric guitars and energetic drumming, as well as lyrics that are more direct and less sentimental than those of traditional country music. The Bakersfield sound has influenced many country and rock artists, including Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam and The Rolling Stones.
Buck Owens was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996 and has received many other honours throughout his career.
The album I've Got a Tiger By the Tail
“I've Got a Tiger By the Tail is a legendary Buck Owens album, perfectly representing the Bakersfield sound and honesty of country music. With its hit singles and catchy songs, the album captured the spirit of the times and remains a favorite of country music fans today. Recorded over 50 years ago, ‘I've Got a Tiger By the Tail' remains a timeless and influential album in country music history, with four singles topping Billboard's country singles chart.
Act Naturally (bonus track)
“Act Naturally” is a song written by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison, and first recorded by Buck Owens in 1963. Since its release, the song has become a country music classic, with covers by artists such as The Beatles and Dwight Yoakam.
They're gonna put me in the movies
They're gonna make a big star out of me
We'll make a film about a man that's sad and lonely
And all I got to do is act naturally
The lyrics of “Act Naturally” tell the story of a man who was abandoned by his girlfriend. He decides to become a famous actor, to show her that he can live without her. However, the narrator admits that he is not good at acting and would rather just be himself. The song's lyrics are simple and straightforward, reflecting the authenticity of country music.
In 1965, The Beatles recorded a cover of ‘Act Naturally' for their album ‘Help! The Beatles' version was sung by Ringo Starr, and was praised for its humour and sense of self-deprecation. The cover was also a commercial success, reaching number 47 on the Billboard singles chart. The Beatles' version is an example of the influence of country music on the Beatles and on pop music in general.
Where to listen to I've Got a Tiger By the Tail?
- Listen to I've Got a Tiger By the Tail on Spotify
- Listen to I've Got a Tiger By the Tail on Deezer
- Listen to I've Got a Tiger By the Tail on Youtube