Buck Owens - 21 #1 Hits: The Ultimate Collection [Remastered] (2006)

Buck Owens's role as co-host of Hee Haw hokum was imprinted so strongly on the public's consciousness that it tends to overshadow his musical legacy. As this set of chart-toppers attests, no country artist dominated the early-to-mid 1960s like the Bard of Bakersfield. His twisted, elongated syllables and twangy interplay with guitarist Don Rich put a signature stamp on material ranging from the uptempo "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail"--a pop crossover smash as well--to the heartfelt balladry of "Together Again" and "Only You (Can Break My Heart)." A late '80s revival of "Streets of Bakersfield" in duet with Dwight Yoakam, Owens's leading disciple, put Buck back atop the charts. Liner testimonials from Chris Isaak and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons attest to the reach of his influence, while his breakthrough hit, "Act Naturally," inspired a popular cover (on the Help! album) by the Beatles. --Don McLeese