This date in 2006, my boss n friend,The Chief, Buck Owens passed away. We played our show,7:30pm-9pm as usual,Friday night,March 24. Buck left a little early,seemed a bit tired or just not feeling all that well, but I certainly was not thinking it was his last night. When he was on stage he always had that majestic glow and an energy I have never been around before or since. The band that followed that evening was Raymond McDonald, Mark Yeary, Johnny Harrel, Ron Smith and myself. Right after our last song at closing,the power went off in the entire building. I walked outside and it had been raining. The Bakersfield sign outside was dark as well as the rest of the lights outside. The only thing lite up was The Buck Owens Crystal Palace sign. The next morning when I got the call he had passed,was very sad...still is. I believe he said Lights Out Bakersfield! that night, but let everyone know that the Crystal Palace would still be kickin! He hired me at the end of 2002. What a blessing in my life and as a musician it was, and still is. I miss his musicianship, his stories, his laugh, his energy and legendary talent. Listen to some Buck Owens today...itll make ya smile.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 14:23:17 +0000