We talk to Johnny in the Bakersfield studio where he’s recreating his dad’s music
Johnny Owens, youngest son of Country Music Hall of Fame member Buck Owens, pays tribute to his father’s enduring legacy and the iconic Bakersfield Sound with the release of his new single, “Act Naturally,” available now. Premiered by The Music Universe, the recording celebrates the timeless style that made Buck Owens a country music legend while showcasing Johnny’s commitment to preserving the traditional sound that has defined his family’s musical heritage for more than two decades after his father’s passing.
The Music Universe recently visited the Bakersfield studio where Johnny Owens is recording new versions of his father’s legendary catalog. Our exclusive sit-down interview covers Buck Owens’ enduring legacy, the Bakersfield Sound’s impact on Nashville, the recent closure of the Crystal Palace, and Johnny’s plans for the future.
“To the world, Buck Owens was a country music icon, but to me, he was simply Dad. This year marks the 20th anniversary of his passing, the 60th anniversary of his landmark album Live at Carnegie Hall, and on August 12th, he would have celebrated his 97th birthday. Releasing ‘Act Naturally’ felt like the perfect way to honor him because no one ever took the stage more naturally than my dad. I miss him every day, and I hope this song reminds fans why his music and the Bakersfield Sound continue to mean so much to so many people.”
“Act Naturally” is the first release from Johnny Owens’ forthcoming full-length tribute album honoring the extraordinary career of Buck Owens. The ten-track collection will celebrate the music that helped define the Bakersfield Sound, featuring beloved classics from every era of Buck’s career, including “Big in Vegas,” “Together Again,” “Streets of Bakersfield,” and more. Through these timeless songs, Johnny continues his mission of preserving his father’s legacy and introducing a new generation of listeners to the storytelling, authenticity, and traditional country sound that made Buck Owens one of the genre’s most influential artists.
Raised alongside the creation of the legendary Buckaroos and surrounded by some of country music’s greatest artists, Johnny developed an authentic appreciation for the Bakersfield Sound that can only come from living its history. After spending years supporting his father’s career, Johnny stepped into the spotlight to honor Buck’s legacy through his own performances, captivating audiences with a voice that recalls the timeless sound of classic country. Performing everywhere from the Buck Owens Crystal Palace to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Johnny continues to celebrate the music that defined a generation.