Aug 12, 1929

Buck Owens is born in Sherman, Texas. Raised in California, he adds a rock 'n' roll spirit to country music, becoming a major part of the Bakersfield Sound. He co-hosts "Hee Haw" for more than 15 years on his way into the Country Music Hall of Fame

Dec 25, 1942

Buck Owens receives a mandolin for Christmas and teaches himself to play

Aug 9, 1947

Bonnie Campbell joins Buck Owens' band as a background singer. Five months later, she marries the bandleader

Jan 13, 1948

Buck Owens marries background vocalist Bonnie Campbell--four months pregnant with their son, Buddy Alan--in Phoenix

May 22, 1948

Buddy Alan is born in Tempe, Arizona. The son of Buck Owens and Bonnie Owens, he joins Buck on a Top 10 duet in 1968, "Let The World Keep On A-Turnin'," and later goes into country radio programming

Mar 8, 1950

Buck Owens and Bonnie have their second son, Michael Lynn Owens

May 15, 1951

Buck Owens relocates from Phoenix, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, with his family, including wife Bonnie Owens and son Buddy Alan 

Sep 8, 1953

Tommy Collins records "You Better Not Do That," his first hit single, at Capitol's Melrose studio in Los Angeles, with Buck Owens playing guitar

May 9, 1956

Buck Owens' third son, Johnny Dale Owens, is born in California

Sep 10, 1956

Bobby Bare holds the first recording session of his career, at the Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood. His backing band includes Jimmy Bryant & Speedy West, Buck Owens and future Buckaroo drummer Pee Wee Adams