I still miss Don Ritch

Ed Phipps · Post by **Ed Phipps** » 17 Jul 2012 12:59 am

Today is the anniversary of Don Rich leaving us 38 years ago.
He was just a few days short of his 33rd birthday.

For some of you younger guys he was the Bandleader of the Buckaroos, the backing band for Buck Owens.
While not a steel player, in my opinion he was a great musician, performer and entertainer.

A listen may be found here for their Carnage Hall concert in 1966.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmeuGASUfMo

A short bio is here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Rich

Tim Moe · Post by **Tim Moe** » 17 Jul 2012 5:02 am

Thanks Ed for your post.
I remember the sad news at the time, Buck was devastated. I know a little of Buck died that day as well, I guess more than a little. What a fine young man Don Rich was. I'm glad we can still enjoy him through his music.

Fred Martin · Post by **Fred Martin** » 17 Jul 2012 7:49 am

Was just listening to the Together Again alblum yesterday. Don could make that telecaster ring and made those little runs that seem pretty simple until you try and incorporate them into your playing. How do you get to think like that. And the harmony with Buck made one voice that you cant forget. Thanks for the post.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 17 Jul 2012 8:00 am

Even though the Buckaroos had some great steel players, I really think Don made the Buckaroos and defined their sound.

Dana Blodgett · Post by **Dana Blodgett** » 17 Jul 2012 9:44 am

I agree with Ed and Richard, Don was the Man! He had such a stage prescence that was solid as a rock,he also had a great voice too.I was living in Bakersfield at the time trying to scratch out a living,two years later I had moved to Los Osos which is about 5 miles from where he was killed.
He was one of the first people I noticed who could play more than one instrument well.

Billy Tonnesen · Post by **Billy Tonnesen** » 17 Jul 2012 6:48 pm

If Don had lived, would he have become a Superstar in his own right ? He certainley had the talent, good looks and personality. Would Buck have helped him along or kept him under his thumb and control ?

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 17 Jul 2012 6:53 pm

I don't think so Billy. He seemed like the kind of guy that would like to hang back and make someone else, well Buck, a superstar. He must have known he was a superstar in all musician's eyes.

Ransom Beers · Post by **Ransom Beers** » 18 Jul 2012 12:43 am

Don Rich was one of the best Tele pickers I ever had the pleasure of meeting when I was on the west coast doin' mah thang,I regret I never got to jam with him but I learned a lot just by listening to him.

RIP Donnie boy,you are missed.

Tommy Shown · Post by **Tommy Shown** » 18 Jul 2012 8:58 pm

Don was a super talent. I would love to hear him and old Buck sing together again.
Tommy Shown
SMFTBL

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 19 Jul 2012 2:17 am

I remember as a kid going to the barber shop and seeing Buck Owens pictures on the wall. I had no idea who he was but today I appreciate the music he gave us. Hearing Don and Tom and the guys play demonstrates how unique their sound was. Thanks for the link because I sure had never heard it before and I will be listening again.

Bill Lowe · Post by **Bill Lowe** » 19 Jul 2012 11:54 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aXIEjdC ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3lwfu8OYZ4

Dana Blodgett · Post by **Dana Blodgett** » 19 Jul 2012 12:09 pm

I don't know about anyone else but I love it and appreciate you posting this,still makes me sad, he seemed to have it all goin for him...prescence, good looks, great voice, could play lead & rythym guitar and the violin...

Jaclyn Jones · Post by **Jaclyn Jones** » 19 Jul 2012 5:31 pm

I started playing guitar after I saw Don and Buck at a county fair in WV. I was 12 and it took some doing to get my Dad to buy a guitar. Don and Buck got me going and I have not slowed down yet!

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 25 Jul 2012 8:26 am

I won't count for much, but I do still recall what I was doing the moment I learned of Don's passing. It was a shock, but I'm pleased now to recall his wonderful music and showmanship.

Dale Bennett · Post by **Dale Bennett** » 2 Aug 2012 11:26 am

I had met Don when I was in Ca. Then when I left Ray Price band I Moved to Okc, which is where i am from. After I settled down here and worked clubs,Buck and the guys were taping thier Buck Owens show here in Okc at Channel 4, after the day of taping, Don, Buddy Allen Tony Booth and the guys would come to where I was playing and jam and have a good time, I just loved being around Don and the guys. One day I went out and got in my car, the radio came on and I heard the annoucer say something about the late Don Rich, I was stunned I sat there and listen on and he said what had happened. I couldn't believe it, I just sat there for a while and cried. Like you guy, I still miss him so much and have great memories. I'm still in touch with Tony, Jerry. I'm sorry to make this so long but it hit a soft spot in my heart. db

LJ Eiffert · Post by **LJ Eiffert** » 7 Aug 2012 2:57 pm

Dale, I have that story about you and Al Bruno and myself in my book that time we came to your house and Al almost hit your car driving backward in the snow on a one way street.Don & Buck was always cool with me.I miss them all too! RIP our friends.

Uncle = Leo J.Eiffert,Jr.

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