Don Rich

Guitarist

Birthday August 15, 1941

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Washington

DEATH DATE Jul 17, 1974 (32)

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About

Remembered for his key role in the development of the "Bakersfield sound" (a country music sub-genre that originated in California during the 1960s), this fiddle player and guitarist frequently performed with country singer Buck Owens as a member of Owens' backing band, the Buckaroos.

Before Fame

He began playing the violin when he was just three years old. In his teens, he was the opening act for Elvis Presley at a tour stop in Tacoma, Washington.

Trivia

Tragically, he had a fatal motorcycle accident in his early thirties.

Family Life

He grew up in Olympia, Washington, as the adopted child of Bill and Anne Ulrich. His marriage to Marlane Schindler resulted in children named Vance and Vic.

Associated With

He and Merle Haggard both performed with the Buckaroos.