Buck Owens was a towering figure in the Bakersfield sound, a subgenre of country music characterized by its twangy guitars, straightforward lyrics, and a rejection of the increasingly polished Nashville sound of the early 1960s. Born Alvis Edgar Owens Jr. in 1929, Buck Owens rose to prominence with a string of chart-topping hits throughout the 1960s and 70s, solidifying his place in country music history. He hosted the popular TV show “Hee Haw” for many years, further broadening his reach and cementing his status as a beloved entertainer. Among his accolades, Owens boasts numerous Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
One of Owens’ most enduring and beloved songs is “Act Naturally,” released in 1963. The song is a clever twist on the themes of heartache and rejection, couched in the humorous guise of a Hollywood hopeful who’s perfectly suited to play the role of someone who’s been jilted. The lyrics tell the story of someone who, while naturally happy, can convincingly portray sadness because of their own real-life romantic struggles. It’s a self-deprecating and relatable narrative that resonated with audiences.
“Act Naturally” climbed the charts, becoming Owens’ first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song’s appeal lies in its catchy melody, simple arrangement, and the inherent humor in its premise. Listeners connected with the song’s vulnerability and the wry wit that Owens brought to the performance. Over the years, “Act Naturally” has become a country music standard, covered by countless artists, most famously by The Beatles, further solidifying its legacy as a timeless classic. Even today, audiences continue to enjoy the song’s charm and clever storytelling.
