Buck Owens

The late king of Bakersfield, Calif., had a voice like no other singer (country or otherwise), especially when covering hits penned by Nashville napkin scribbler (that's how they write 'em in Music City) Harlan Howard. One listen to Owens' romantic take on Howard's "Above And Beyond" and it seems like Howard was writing songs exclusively for Owens' elastic vocal range. The instrumental "Buckaroo" showcases guitar player Don Rich's Telecaster-bending prowess that influenced such greats as Clarence White. "Made In Japan" is a kitschy little number that is as sweet as it is politically incorrect.