Country music specializes in either “I’m deliriously happy” or “I’m completely miserable” songs, and Buck Owens was great at both. He could sing so you could hear the smile in his voice, and when he told you he was gonna lay around the shack till the mail train came back, you believed it. But he could just as easily turn that grin into a mournful moan, and that’s what made him a king.

For being a songwriting genius who helped invent an entire style of country music, Buck doesn’t seem to be as revered outside of country-music circles as he could be. The blame might rest with “Hee-Haw,” which (while it was a fine show) probably didn’t translate well outside its primary audience…

Spread the word! Beatify Buck! I’ve got the hungries for your love, and I’m waitin’ in your welfare line!

Buck Owens - Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got A Heartache) from most Buck Owens compilations — allmusic recommends The Very Best Of Buck Owens, Vol. 1 (insound / amazon)