The
band of
Buck Owens whose
honkytonk instrumental style defined the
Bakersfield sound in the
1960s.
The band was given their name by Merle Haggard, who was with the band only three weeks as a bassist.
The band featured fiddle player Don Rich, who later became lead guitarist with a Fender Telecaster.
Pedal steel guitarist Tom Brumley (son of gospel composer Albert Brumley), brought his sound influenced by the Western Swing pedal steel style of Ralph Mooney. The band also included electric bass player Doyle Holly (who would play rhythm guitar in the studio when Owen's friend Bob Morris played bass), and drummer Willie Cantu. Those who bemoan the use of drums in country music can blame the Buckaroos.