1941-1974

My personal tribute to 
Don Rich
By Jerry Brightman

I met Don Rich for the first time in 1970, while performing at at the Wheeling Jamboree, in Wheeling, West Virginia. I was asked to join the band in April of 1972...

Don was the Buck Owens sound with his crisp guitar lines and legendary harmony vocals...His definitive sound, influenced players from 1961 and continues still to this day as one on the premier Telecaster players...

Don, Jerry, and Buck rehearsing on the set during the taping of Hee Haw 1972...

Don and the famous red, white, and blue, 1967 Fender Telecaster. Don is tuning Buck's Tele, and Don's is in the lower left hand corner...These guitars were re-painted by the late Gene Moles. The can of Finger-Ease on top of the Peterson tuner, was once used by me when I lost my bar...Click here to see Jerry's Tele from this time period

Don and Jerry in 1973 arriving at our hotel before the show...

Your Questions and Answers about Don 

I've always considered myself to be a second generation Buckaroo...Don, Doyle Holly, Willie Cantu, and Tom Brumley, were the guys that set the standard.  I'm thankful for the time I was allowed to be a part of the history, and for the time I spent with our friend, Don Rich...

Don in Buck's Studio

Click here to email your question about Don...

Jerry Brightman

Promotion Picture 1972