What do you think the fortune of a country music legend like Buck Owens might be? As we venture into 2023, curiosity piques about the wealth amassed by this iconic singer-songwriter, known for shaping the Bakersfield sound. This article will explore Buck Owens net worth as of 2023 and how he built his fortune.
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What is Buck Owens Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
Detail | Information |
Gender | Male |
Birth Date | August 12, 1929 |
Age | Passed away at 76 (March 25, 2006) |
Birth Place | Sherman, Texas, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Wife/Spouse | Jennifer Smith (m. 1977; div. 1985) |
Net Worth | $100 million (At the time of death) |
Source of Wealth | Music (Singer-songwriter, guitarist) |
Height | 1.83 m |
According to Celebritynetworth, Buck Owens boasts an impressive net worth of $100 million. This substantial fortune can be attributed to his successful career and savvy investments in real estate, radio stations, and other commercial ventures.
In addition to his wealth, Owens established the iconic Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in 1966, a restaurant and concert venue that became a landmark in Bakersfield.
Buck Owens’s Overview
Early Life
Buck Owens was born in Sherman, Texas on August 12, 1929. Growing up in Arizona during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, Buck learned to play various instruments, including the mandolin, guitar, and horns.
At the age of 16, he had his first radio program and later worked with the Mac’s Skillet Lickers, whose lead singer was Bonnie Campbell.
Bonnie would eventually become the first Mrs. Buck Owens, and together they had a son named Buddy. In 1951, Buck and Bonnie moved to Bakersfield, California, where he played at the Blackboard, the center of the vibrant Bakersfield music scene.
Career
Owens’ career took off in 1959 when his song Second Fiddle hit No. 24 on the Billboard Country chart. He continued to produce hit after hit, including Act Naturally, which was later covered by The Beatles, showcasing their admiration for Owens and his influence on their early music.
Throughout the 1960s, Owens was one of the best-selling artists, pioneering the Bakersfield sound that inspired future musicians like Merle Haggard and paved the way for the West Coast Sound and early 1970s country rock.
Besides being a musician, Buck Owens was also a smart businessman. He owned multiple radio stations, started Blue Book Music, and created Buck Owens Enterprises. These ventures expanded his reach beyond music and helped him build his success. He also co-hosted the popular CBS television variety show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1986.
Despite facing personal setbacks, such as the accidental death of his closest friend and bandmate Don Rich in 1974, Owens mounted a comeback in the late 1980s. Throughout his illustrious career, Owens received numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Buck Owens experienced a tumultuous personal life with multiple marriages throughout his career. He married four times, with three marriages ending in divorce and one in annulment.
In 1948, at 19, Owens married country singer Campbell, and the couple moved to California. They had two sons, Alan Edgar Buddy Owens, who became a country singer under the stage name Buddy Alan, and Michael Lynn Owens.
Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce after only a few years. Owens went on to marry three more times, having another son, Johnny Dale Owens, with his second wife. At the time of his death in March 2006, Owens was divorced from his fourth wife, Jana Smith.
Why is Buck Owens Famous?
Buck Owens became a trailblazer in country music, pioneering the distinctive Bakersfield Sound that emerged from California’s honky-tonk bars. Owens’s band, the Buckaroos, captivated audiences with their signature style.
His timeless hits topped the charts and influenced generations of musicians, including the Beatles and Dwight Yoakam. Beyond his musical prowess, Owens was a skilled guitarist and a fixture on television as the co-host of the popular variety.
FAQs about Buck Owens
How old was Buck Owens when he died?
Buck Owens age was 76 years old.
How tall was Buck Owens?
Buck Owens height was 1,83 m.
Where did Buck Owens live when he died?
In 1951, Buck Owens and his new wife Bonnie Owens moved to Bakersfield, California. They saw great opportunities in the city’s plentiful farmland and booming oil industry, especially after escaping the hardships of the Dust Bowl.
What is Buck Owens’s cause of death?
Hours after his performance at his club on March 25, 2006, Owens died of an apparent heart attack at his ranch north of Bakersfield.
What is Merle Haggard net worth?
Merle Haggard of the United States is worth an estimated $40 million.
Conclusion
As we draw the curtain on the net worth Buck Owens, it’s clear that his influence on country music and his savvy business strategies have carved out an impressive legacy.
On Fidlarmusic, we delve into the careers and wealth of numerous other music legends, each with their unique tale of triumph, perseverance, and passion.