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Author
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Topic: Don Rich July23rd, 1974.....
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Jerry Brightman
Member From:
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posted 23 July 2002 10:17 AM
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I wasn't sure where to post this, but today marked the date that Don Rich died...I know he wasn't a steel player, but I don't think anyone would argue that his presence certainly influenced many a great musician,
including steel players, and the the music!
If you have a story, it would be nice to hear them, if you just want to say something, go ahead and post it as an honor
to our lost friend....I'll tell a story on him and start things
off..Don was always a total member of the
band in addition to being the leader and one
thing you never were, was late..When the
call was for 6:00PM in the lobby, that
really meant 5:55PM. I was left once, and
got the drift of how it was supposed to be.
Well anyway, one time Don over slept, and
being in the spirit that the show must go
on, we left him at the hotel...We started
our sound check and when Don arrived after
catching a cab, you could hear him when he
hit the back door about 6:30PM...I can't or
won't repeat the words used, but he made it
very clear how he felt about what we had
done...We laughed and as typically with Don,
we went forward with things..oh, I forgot to
meantion that we also took his guitar from
the case..and hide it...just to add a little
more fuel to the fire  He was a great man, great player, and I miss
him so much to this day... Jerry http://www.slidestation.com
[This message was edited by Jerry Brightman on 23 July 2002 at 06:32 PM.] |
Jason Powers
Member From: Muncie, IN
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posted 23 July 2002 10:42 AM
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Jerry,
Great story. You must feel very fortunate to have worked with such a special and talented human being. In my opinion, I don't think there was anything he couldn't do musically. Guitar, fiddle, best harmony singer I've ever heard, and you probably have lots of stories and memories from your work together. God Bless You, Don, you are deeply missed. Jason |
Jason Stillwell
Member From: Soper, OK, USA
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posted 23 July 2002 10:50 AM
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I wish I could have known him. He died two months, two weeks, and two days before I was born.  What a picker, and what a legend! |
Joe Henry
Member From: Ebersberg, Germany
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posted 23 July 2002 12:48 PM
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Don Rich is one of my favorite guitar players of all times. He never overplayed, always played with a lot of taste. I think he invented that "low-down twang" on the Tele, he was the original. Don could play some pretty outrageous stuff that noone else even thought of in those days. His licks always touch something inside me, which not many six-stringers can do. May he never be forgotten.Joe H. |
KENNY KRUPNICK
Member From: Grove City,Ohio
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posted 23 July 2002 12:54 PM
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Buck Owens,and Don Rich, a great match! I love that sound. |
Paul Graupp
Member From: Macon Ga USA
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posted 23 July 2002 01:40 PM
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Jerry: I'm not believing this.....Over in Steel Players in a thread titled Ray Price Off The Road, I wrote something about Don just last night. Sometimes I feel rather funny when things like this happen and this is one of them. While I may have misplaced the date in my mind, I still remember what a blow it was to me to hear he had passed away. I didn't want to believe that. Once before I felt that utter lonesome feeling..... I was on a mountain top in Korea when I heard on Far East Network, Japan that Hank Williams had died. The year was l953 and I was so lost I didn't know what to do so I cried. It was 3AM in the morning and I was alone on watch so it was OK. Best Regards, Paul |
Pat Jenkins
Member From: Abingdon, VA, USA
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posted 23 July 2002 03:52 PM
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I only had a chance to meet Don one time. It was at the Jamboree in Wheeling, maybe a month or two before he left us. My brother and I spoke to him for just a few minutes after midnite, just after the late show, and as we got ready to leave, my brother asked if he minded if we took his picture. Don gave us a big smile and we all went on our way. I have been looking for that picture most of the afternoon and have just found it. Some pictures have dates on the back, this one doesn't, but, I suppose it would be spring of 74.
I've watched the old ranch shows for years and Don always seemed to enjoy what he was doing so much. I know performers are always supposed to put on the big smile, but, with Don it just seemed so genuine. A real musical genius, or a man who just liked to pick a little guitar and sing. I think the former. Pat |
Robert Rogers
Member From: the big town of Petersburg,Tn"Blink and You'll miss it"
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posted 23 July 2002 06:05 PM
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Well Jerry you know how I feel about The legendary Don Rich.To me he will always be remebered wether it be with his red,white and blue barcus-berry fiddle or his Fender Telecaster.To me he's the greatest fiddle,guitar and harmony guy of all time.I just wished I could have meet him.He's my hero.I can just hear Buck Owens know"aw pick it Don boy".
Robert[This message was edited by Robert Rogers on 23 July 2002 at 06:07 PM.] |
B. Greg Jones
Member From: London, KY USA
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posted 23 July 2002 09:03 PM
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I was about 8 years old when Don passed. My Dad and I always watched Hee Haw and the Buck Owens Ranch Show. Don Rich was my "guitar" hero. I always wanted to pick like him. My dad had the "Live in Japan" album. The opening number is "Adios,Farewell,Goodbye,Good Luck, So Long. On the album, Don takes the ride, kind of makes a mistake, and Buck says, "Take you gloves off Don!!" I learned that solo note for note, mistake and all!!! I always wanted to meet Don and I often look through my memorabilia and ask "What If?" It was such a great loss to country music and ALL musicians, regardless of style and tastes. I have a CD project that is in the mix down stages right now. It is all steel instrumentals save for one tune done with my Don Rich Replica Telecaster through my old Fender Twin. The tune is "Chaparral", and is my tribute to one of my heroes and the Greatest Guitar Slinger/Sideman EVER. Don Rich. Thanks for starting this thread Jerry. Greg |
Andy Greatrix
Member From: Edmonton Alberta
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posted 24 July 2002 06:12 AM
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I just plain flat-out idolized Don Rich.
I used to fantisize playing bass in Buck Owens band, just so I could listen to Don pick and sing with Buck.
What a great loss. |
Larry R
Member From: Navasota, Tx.
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posted 24 July 2002 07:13 AM
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Don just acted "Naturally". |
Danny Naccarato
Member From: Ft. Worth, Texas US
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posted 24 July 2002 08:03 AM
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I got to play the Crystal Palace a few weeks right after Buck's show. He played his last 3 numbers on Don's fiddle, which he just had completely restored. Was pretty moving.Danny |
Mike Jones
Member From: Goodlettsville,TN,USA
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posted 24 July 2002 02:37 PM
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Don was one of my favorite guitar and fiddle players. He left us way too young, I meet him at a show in 1969 In Burington Iowa. Buck was at his best and the band was Don, Willie Cantu, Tom Brumley and Doyle Holly. Those guys played alot of good country music between the four of them and Buck sang his tail off. I went home and tried to wear my Fender 2000 out with Brumley licks, |
Kenny Davis
Member From: Great State of Oklahoma
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posted 24 July 2002 03:00 PM
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Jerry - I met Don at the Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City the same time I met you...It was just a casual handshake and introduction backstage, but he was just as nice as he appeared on television. Always a genuine smile! I could kick myself for not trying to get into the tapings of the "Ranch" shows here - |
Hal Higgins
Member From: Denham Springs, LA
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posted 24 July 2002 04:02 PM
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Jerry....I remember meeting Don in 1971 or 2 and he was the nicest gentleman...hugh smile and very jovial. I was working with the late Dick Curless at the time....I was still working with Dick when we got the news that Don had passed on. Someone came to the stage, as we were doing a show in Vermont, and wanted to tell Dick right then....but I told the individual that I didn't want him to know until after the show....Don and Dick were close friends......As I told him after the show....Dick had to excuse himself....this world lost one of the greatest guitar players....I'm sure that he is missed greatly by those whom he worked with....thanks Jerry for reminding us. HAL |
Wayne Morgan
Member From: Rutledge, TN, USA
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posted 24 July 2002 08:28 PM
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I,like everyone, knew Don Rich from TV, never had the honor of meeting him, But I did see him, with Buck, in concert in Knoxville, TN, must have been around '70, the very best concert ever, the whole band goofed around a lot that night, but they play the fastest intertaining show I ever saw, they played for an hour and it seemed like a 10 minute show, never got enough of his great picking, fiddling, and singing.
When I hear his name mentioned, to this day, I feel a void. He will always be remembered.Wayne[This message was edited by Wayne Morgan on 24 July 2002 at 08:31 PM.] [This message was edited by Wayne Morgan on 24 July 2002 at 08:34 PM.] |
Jeff Evans
Member From: Fort Worth (not that other place 30 miles east)
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posted 25 July 2002 04:14 PM
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Jerry--Tell some more Don Rich stories...or write a book of 'em. I'll buy it. I heard somewhere that it was Buck who was more likely to be mad at a band member, and that Don could be kind of a buffer zone and mellow out Buck. True? |
scott murray
Member From: Orange Park, FL
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posted 25 July 2002 06:53 PM
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Don Rich was one-of-a-kind.
He was idolized by some of the best: Roy Nichols, Clarence White, Gram Parsons, and of course, Buck Owens, who refers to Don as his soulmate. And let's not forget how much Don's crisp Telecaster sound influenced the Beatles in the mid-60s.He died way too soon, but I like to think that Clarence White was looking for someone to jam with up there, and he chose Don.
They both died so tragically, and nearly a year to the day from eachother. I've tried to copy Don's guitar licks, his fiddle tunes, and of course his brilliant harmonies. It can't be done, but I can't stop chasing that Don Rich sound. We are much richer because of Don. God rest his soul. |
Tony Davis
Member From: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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posted 26 July 2002 05:15 AM
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Well I didnt get to meet Don,but I thought the world of him,my wife said that he should have been paid as much as Buck for the work he did in that band.
I did get to see him live though,here in Brisbane,and am so glad that I did,and am also so glad that you came down off the side of the stage and spent some time talking to me Jerry...that meant a lot to me.
Tony |
Butch Foster
Member From: Pisgah, Alabama, USA
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posted 26 July 2002 06:16 AM
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In addition to his virtuoso guitar and fiddle work, Don was one of the best harmony singers ever! Don. Bonnie Owens and Skeeter Davis could blend their voices with other vocalists to come with a beautiful sound better than any others,IMO. Paul, I had compiosed a post about Don's vocals on the Buckaroo albums, especially " Number One Fool" with great steel from Tom.Paul, It is uncanny and somewhat eerie how thoughts from different folks from various locations can dovetail at a certain time! |
Paul Graupp
Member From: Macon Ga USA
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posted 26 July 2002 06:52 AM
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Butch: Yes it is uncanny but if you consider how many people Don influenced it isn't all that odd. Still when it happens to you, it certainly is unusual and makes you think a little harder about life.Regards, Paul |
Jerry Brightman
Member From:
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posted 26 July 2002 07:37 AM
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Jason Power:
"Great story. You must feel very fortunate to have worked with such a special and talented human being."
I indeed feel VERY lucky to have been a small part of this history.Jason Stilwell:
"What a picker, and what a legend!"
I couldn't agree with you more! Joe Henry:
"His licks always touch something inside me,
which not many six-stringers can do."
I hear many of today's players influenced by
him. Paul:
"I was on a mountain top in Korea when I heard on Far East Network, Japan that Hank Williams had died. The year was l953 and I was so lost I didn't know what to do so I cried. It was 3AM in the morning and I was alone on watch so it was OK."
It was 4:00AM when I got the call...I too cried. I was supposdly the last person within the family to see him alive. We had a session that day, and we talked outside just as he was leaving to meet his family. I said, well, be careful... Pat:
"I only had a chance to meet Don one time. It was at the Jamboree in Wheeling, maybe a month or two before he left us."
I remember doing that show with Buck and Don. I got the job with Buck as a staff player at the Jamboree and being that close
to home was always a special concert... Robert:
"Well Jerry you know how I feel about The legendary Don Rich.To me he will always be remebered wether it be with his red,white and blue barcus-berry fiddle or his Fender Telecaster."
Well Robert, it's young guys like you who know your history, and it's your job to
carry on with the torch. B. Greg Jones:
"Thanks for starting this thread Jerry."
I just felt the need to post something... Danny:
"I got to play the Crystal Palace a few weeks right after Buck's show. He played his last 3 numbers on Don's fiddle, which he just had completely restored. Was pretty moving."
That fiddle is like an old family bible, when it's opened by those within the house, it's a very special feeling when shared. Mike:
"Don was one of my favorite guitar and fiddle players. He left us way too young, I meet him at a show in 1969 In Burington Iowa. Buck was at his best and the band was Don, Willie Cantu, Tom Brumley and Doyle Holly. Those guys played alot of good country music between the four of them and Buck sang his tail off. I went home and tried to wear my Fender 2000 out with Brumley licks."
I have no trouble being a second generation Buckaroo and to me, Don, Doyle, Willie, and Tom will always be the "A" team. They influenced us all. I too grew up listening to this music they did.. Kenny:
"I met Don at the Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City the same time I met you..."
That was my first job with them and it was just the best..When Buck kicked into the standards, it was second nature for me because, as Mike stated above, we all listened to the music they did while we were growing up...Buck just smiled when each solo
came...I knew the music and as much as music
was changing, my traditional roots came
through.. Hal:
"Jerry....I remember meeting Don in 1971 or 2 and he was the nicest gentleman...hugh smile and very jovial. I was working with the late Dick Curless at the time...."
I knew Dick very well, again as a staff player at the Jamboree and there was a great relationship with Dick and Don.. Jeff:
"Tell some more Don Rich stories...or write a book of 'em. I'll buy it. I heard somewhere that it was Buck who was more
likely to be mad at a band member, and that
Don could be kind of a buffer zone and
mellow out Buck.
True?" True..I guess because of my age, Buck took me under his wing and instilled values that are still with me to this day...and as for a book, I just couldn't do him justice. He deserves the highest award ever for his talent and position he had in country music. Tony:
"I did get to see him live though,here in Brisbane,and am so glad that I did,and am also so glad that you came down off the side of the stage and spent some time talking to me Jerry...that meant a lot to me."
That was just the way that band was..Buck was quoted at one time as saying Don was like another famous person, He never met a person that he didn't like or visa versa. Thanks to all of you for your posts and the special emails.. honoring this great player and person..I somehow think Don is smiling today about them knowing how many care.. I'm humbled by it all...Please continue these great posts.. Jerry
<[This message was edited by Jerry Brightman on 26 July 2002 at 09:40 AM.]
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Paul Graupp
Member From: Macon Ga USA
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posted 26 July 2002 11:47 AM
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Jerry: That old show biz saying: That's a tough act to follow... surely applies here. Certainly the most moving Thread I have ever read, much less been a part of.THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE !! Regards, Paul |
Junior Knight
Member From: Eustace Tx , where else!
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posted 28 July 2002 07:35 AM
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I was playing bass for Wynn Stewart in 1968
when I met Don.We were opening the shows for Buck. I was 18 yrs old! The Buckaroos were having a jam session...they asked us..Wynns band...the Tourists...to pick some, WOW was all I could say!! Don showed me...a punk kid...how to play Buckaroo!!! I'll never forget that moment! Thanks, Junior. ------------------
Bb is where it's at!
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Gene H. Brown
Member From: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
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posted 29 July 2002 10:40 PM
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I was playing at a club in Portland , Oregon in 1966 when after an Auditorium show Buck and Don and all the guys in the Band, ToM Brumley and Doyle Holly and Willie Cantu all came in. The fellow I played for at that time had a little studio in Vancouver , Washington, just across the bridge and we all went over there after work to Jam all night. We couldn't find a set of drums so Donnie went into the restroom and about 5 minutes later came out with a toilet brush and a cardboard box and everyone laughed, but we taped a lot of the Jam and Willie sounded like he had a full set of drums, Thanks to Don Rich, What a wonderful human being he was. I still think about that quite a lot in my life. We miss ya Donnie. |
Ron Page
Member From: Cincinnati, OH USA
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posted 30 July 2002 08:29 AM
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I was just out of high school that summer, but recall exactly where I was when I first learned of Don's death. My brother and I were in his kitchen and KLAC in Los Angeles was on our stereo. We both looked at each other and simultaneously said, "What did he just say?"Buck's music never was the same -- for him too, I'm sure. Gosh, how I loved to watch Don on stage -- fiddle, guitar banjo, it didn't matter, that infectious smile would shine sooner or later. ------------------
HagFan
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Jerry Brightman
Member From:
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posted 30 July 2002 03:03 PM
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Ron,Nice post. I've had a lot of emails with
stories similar to yours in regard to where
folks were at when they heard the news.. One correction, if I may, Don didn't play
banjo..but then again, he didn't need to Jerry http://www.slidestation.com
[This message was edited by Jerry Brightman on 30 July 2002 at 03:05 PM.] |
Buddy Buddy
Member From: Nashville, Tn. USA
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posted 30 July 2002 06:29 PM
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First time I met Don, was at "The Deemans Den", in the 60's. Back then the "stars" and "superstars", ALL came in and out, during the "good ole' days" of Fan Fair". I forgot who was the featured steel picker, there, at that time, could have been Jimmy or Buddy, but three or four steels, lining the bandstand, with pickers behind them, was the usual norm, in those days. I was standing {or leaning} against the end of the bar, when someone bumped me. I had my back to the individual, and before I could turn around, I heard a voice say, "Hey, i'm sorry, man". When I got turned around, I was looking ol' Don in the face. He had a smile on his face about a mile long, and stuck out his hand. Who couldn't return that handshake! We started talking and kept it up, till the crowd heard he was there. I thought he was going to get swamped. People, fans and pickers alike, couldn't wait to say hello, to him. From then on out, he always slipped up, and gave me the same bump, and the same old, "Hey, i'm sorry, man", every time, we ran across each other. I've got to agree, with all the comments, of ALL the forumites, who have put their posts here, regarding, "Good Ol' Don".
"Little" Buddy. |
Ron Page
Member From: Cincinnati, OH USA
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posted 01 August 2002 12:10 PM
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Jerry,Thanks for the reply and correction. I must have been thinking of Buck Trent on the banjo (ban*o for b0b). He emulated a lot of Don's expressions. ------------------
HagFan
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Jerry Brightman
Member From:
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posted 01 August 2002 12:13 PM
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Hi Ron,No problem, and glad I could help..btw, that was another Buck Jerry http://www.slidestation.com [This message was edited by Jerry Brightman on 01 August 2002 at 12:14 PM.] |
Danny Naccarato
Member From: Ft. Worth, Texas US
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posted 04 August 2002 12:00 AM
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Jerry, I just read your post regarding mine earlier. Boy did I make a typo. I meant to say, I played the Crystal Palace a few weeks ago, and played right after his show. I just re-read it, and it sounded like I said a few weeks after his show. At any rate, I'm back out there 8/10 and hoping he'll have it out again..or something to that effect. Playing with the same guys, and it's his b'day weekend... |
Al Marcus
Member From: Cedar Springs,MI USA
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posted 04 August 2002 01:13 PM
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I remember seeing Don with Buck in Santa Rosa, Calif. It was at Peanuts Charlie Shulze's Ice Arena. That was in 1968 and when JD Maness, just took over for Tom Brumley on steel. He was a very versatile and talented musician........al |
jim milewski
Member From: stowe, vermont
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posted 04 August 2002 01:17 PM
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Years ago in Wheeling, my buddys dad was in a drink line, and was telling this guy in line how his young son just got his first electric guitar, the guy in line handed him some picks and said "give these to your son", my buddys dad just said thanks and shoved em in his pocket, later the main event was on and my buddys dad said the guy who gave him the picks was on stage playin, when he got home he took out the picks gave em to my buddy and they said Don Rich on them, Hal Higgins, this is the same guy who walked to close to the stage on night and his foot caught the mic cord and the mic went flying out of the singers hand faster than the singer knew what happened, Hal, you were the singer, the guy was Bob Ravlin, it was in Charlestown N.H. | |
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