Some sad news... One of my favorite musicians, country legend Buck Owens, died earlier today at his home in Bakersfield, California.

To most people of my generation, Owens is known as little more than one of the co-hosts of the goofy variety show "Hee-Haw." Prior to that gig, however, Owens had a spectacular music career and is one of the most influential artists in country music history. He had over 20 No. 1 records during his heyday, and he played a vital role in transforming the country music sound from the heavy orchestration that dominated the genre through the early 1960's (think Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold) to the twangy, electrified approach that would rule from the late 60's forward.

Owens was 76 years old.

[My Way News] 'Hee Haw' Co-Host Buck Owens, 76, Dies