Don Rich, rest in peace

scott murray · Post by **scott murray** » 17 Jul 2003 2:28 pm

He was as good as they come. Better, actually.

Thanks for the inspiration, Don.

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 17 Jul 2003 4:18 pm

Scott; When I was in Germany in the 60's, Buck and the Buckeroos did a tour over there. I went to meet Tom Brumley at a big hotel in Franfurt and when I knocked on the door, Don answered it. He became an instant hero with me by his wonderful outgoing personality and that was what made him a star on stage as well. Me too, Don !! Thanks a million where ever you may be !!

Regards, Paul

Alvin Blaine · Post by **Alvin Blaine** » 17 Jul 2003 10:11 pm

29 years ago today. I still remember when it happened. I got to see him play just a few months before, and it helped shape my life.

Andy Greatrix · Post by **Andy Greatrix** » 18 Jul 2003 6:25 am

The other day I was doing a harmony over-dub
for Jess Lee (a singer in the lefty tradition ).
I thought to myself, what would Don Rich do, and nailed it. I never met the man, but I owe him so much.[This message was edited by Andy Greatrix on 26 July 2003 at 11:38 AM.]

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 18 Jul 2003 10:30 am

Being a motorcycle guy, I think of him at times others might not. Late nights/early mornings..

Musically, a band I'm in was doing a couple Buck tunes with a real good, bright young guy singing harmonies. He didn't really ask me, but I suggested that he do the harmonies "more like Don R." I told him that by that I meant to sing so well that the vocalist is actually following him with the melody.

Those old clips of him and that "Buck Guy" show me what it was and IS all about.

The Magic was there.

Mr. Owens sure knew it. Don brought out the best in him.

Nothing timid or demure about that band.

I miss that type of thing.

EJL

John Rickard · Post by **John Rickard** » 20 Jul 2003 3:30 am

I love "Big Note" Telecaster. Thanks Don!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 20 Jul 2003 1:36 pm

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 20 Jul 2003 5:03 pm

Nice touch, DVA ! I appreciate that !!

Regards, Paul

Red Kilby · Post by **Red Kilby** » 20 Jul 2003 11:13 pm

My favorite guitar players of all time are, James Burton, Roy Nichols, and Don Rich.

You are very missed Don, and God Bless and RIP.

Geoff Brown · Post by **Geoff Brown** » 23 Jul 2003 6:14 am

Thanks for this thread. Nice of you to remind us of the greatness that was Don Rich. I wish I was older, maybe I would have been fortunate enough to have seen him.

Eddie D.Bollinger · Post by **Eddie D.Bollinger** » 23 Jul 2003 7:42 am

The first time that I remember hearing Don,
I was about 8 or 9 years old. I started
noticing his music then. Many forms of
music will come and go, but his music
will forever be my favorite format. He
simply ruled any stage he was on. Thats not
bad considering he was a "second" man.

Upon receiving the EARLY "Ranch"shows on video, I was hooked again. True country in its purest form. This so called "New Country" is a slap in the face to real country music. Soothing, sensible, soulful
country music can't be found on any powerful
radio station in Mississippi.
Most of the "good" CD's that I find are in
the bargain bin. (With the exception of a
few). Long live Don's memory and his music.

------------------
Eddie B.
Carter D-10
8 & 2many
msm@tycom.net
[This message was edited by Eddie D.Bollinger on 23 July 2003 at 08:45 AM.]

Jason Powers · Post by **Jason Powers** » 23 Jul 2003 4:41 pm

Even though Don passed on before I was born, I am proud to count myself among his countless fans and admirers. The one thing I've always noticed while watching old film clips of Don, It seems as if he is absolutely THRILLED to be on stage, almost as if there was no place he would have rather been. For my money the best harmony singer/frontman/musician combination ever!!! RIP Don, you are deeply missed.

I think I'll go play the CD with "Close Up The Honky Tonks" on it now!!!

GaryHoetker · Post by **GaryHoetker** » 25 Jul 2003 4:40 pm

Jason:

You said it all about the great one. Whenever I need my Don Rich fix, it's either Close Up The Honky Tonks, Sweethearts In Heaven or Diggy-Liggy Lo. I still get chills whenever I play those. There never was a greater country artist and harmonizer than Don and it's a travesty that he isn't in the CM Hall of Fame. He is the truth!! Don, we miss you very much. Thanks to all of you who remembered Don with your posts.

Jerry Brightman · Post by **Jerry Brightman** » 26 Jul 2003 9:03 am

I'm quite sure that Don would be smiling down on all of you with your fine tribute to his talent, and to the person he was...

I do miss playing with him, and probably more selfish on my part, I miss being able to talk with him...
http://www.slidestation.com/Don%20Rich.htm

Jerry
http://www.slidestation.com

Geoff Cole · Post by **Geoff Cole** » 1 Aug 2003 6:53 pm

The greatest part of the greatest country band that ever existed .IMHO.

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 2 Aug 2003 12:00 pm

Geoff: When I was with them as I mentioned in an earlier post; I kept saying to myself: Here's the greatest band in country music today and they have time for me !! It was a lesson in humility well learned.

Regards, Paul

Geoff Cole · Post by **Geoff Cole** » 5 Aug 2003 5:40 pm

As always , thanks Paul.

Jerry Brightman · Post by **Jerry Brightman** » 5 Aug 2003 6:39 pm

Geoff,

I noticed that your from Austrailia, and we did a live album, with Don, at the Sydney Opera House around 74 for Capital Records...I'm not sure if it's still available, but I think you would enjoy it if you could find a copy as it was only released in Austrailia.

Jerry
http://www.slidestation.com [This message was edited by Jerry Brightman on 05 August 2003 at 07:41 PM.]

Geoff Cole · Post by **Geoff Cole** » 6 Aug 2003 4:42 pm

Hi Jerry,
Thanks very much,I did see you, Buck and the Buckaroos in 1974 in Launceston in Tasmania,I think that would have been the same trip you mentioned. I tried to get back stage to meet you but you were gone when I got there.It's a small world isn't it? we get to talk on the net 30 years later.Amazing.
You also mentioned about the album recorded live at the Sydney opra house, well I've been trying to get that ever since with no luck I'm afraid, however I'll keep trying.
Great to hear from you Jerry and thanks for your tribute to the great man Don. Wonderfull.