Don Rich and the go-go sparkle Tele
Since it’s clear The Adios Lounge hosts a formidable Don Rich fan club, here’s a few more nuggets from the vault. Pure gold, enjoy.
Don Rich Biography
A surprisingly excellent Rich bio courtesy of his … high school alumni association??? True. Great footage, fleshes out Rich’s background, but it’s mildly depressing that the most thorough overview of Don Rich’s life and career is not from a legit video production company or the Country Music Hall of Fame, but from the sons and daughters of Oly. Thank God for the youtube.
Don Rich And The Buckaroos – Guitar Pickin’ Man
“Clarence (White) was a big fan of Don Rich and Don was a big fan of Clarence’s. Later, Don came to some sessions when we were in The Byrds. He was a really nice guy, great guitar player and singer.”
–Gene Parsons
Thanks to reader, Matt Reeves, for pointing out that this “Guitar Pickin’ Man” is different from the “Guitar Pickin’ Man” written by Wayne Moore, Clarence White’s old bassist in The Reasons (aka Nashville West). CW played on Moore’s original 1967 recording during his stint with Gary S Paxton at Bakersfield International.
I’m not sure when Rich’s “Guitar Pickin’ Man” was recorded, but it was the first track on the Buckaroos LP, Boot Hill, released in August 1970. It was also the B-side to the group’s cover of “Up On Cripple Creek,” released a month in advance of the LP. Wait … the Buckaroos covered The Band?!?! Yep. Twice.
Don Rich And The Buckaroos – The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
http://youtu.be/okt9T8mpyoE
Are you kidding me? This is so good and I can’t believe I didn’t know of its existence until RJ pointed it out to me a few days ago. Sweet ghost of Rick Danko, this is a king harvest of badass.
great site, great posts. thanks
Great stuff. My brother told me way back in the '60's that Don Rich was the “Eric Clapton of Country & Western,” and I've always remembered that. We were from NJ and he played lead in various bar bands, so he knew what he was talking about.
The Fender Telecaster website forum 'Tabs, Tips, and Theory” periodically features threads about Don:
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tab-tips-theory-technique/
with great tips and video.
I don't thank you enough for all you do.
Great stuff as always!
I pine for a Silver Sparkle Tele ala Don Rich style.
Lot's of good info on Don/his guitars at TDPRI.
Check out the version of Don and the boys doing “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” on Buck's Live In Scandinavia album! It's awesome if not short!
Love this, thanks so much for sharing his with us.
I Wanted To Say That Wayne Moore Is One Of My Best Friends… My Dad, Jack Reeves, Met Him In 1959 And He Was In My Dad's Band For Years. The Guitar Picking ' Man That Wayne Moore Wrote Is A Completely Different Song Than The One Don Rich Sings On Here… If You Buy Clarence White's Tuff And Stringy Sessions 66-68, It Has Wayne Moore's Song On Here. Clarence Can Be Heard Doing A TON Of Don Rich Licks On This Album.
Matt: Thanks for pointing out the obvious. I've updated the text and credited you appropriately. Sheesh, I only listened to both songs about a dozen times before writing that!
FYI, I've written about Clarence's association with Wayne Moore in the Nashville West days. Check out Clarence White and the Rise of Nashville West: 1966-67 and be sure to let him know about the Adios Lounge!
Thank you for posting the video on Don Ulrich. I produced it in 2009 to honor him as a distinguished alumnus from Olympia High School, where I serve as president of the alumni association. Don’s wife Marlane, and sons Vic and Vance were all on hand for the award and watched the video debut in the auditorium big screen. I didn’t know anything about Don before his nomination, but have been a big fan ever since. Again, thank you for sharing this story about Don. And yes, CMA should be inducting him.