Buck Owens and the Buckaroos/musicconnection.com
“Crying Time”: From Country to R&B
The 1964 single “Crying Time” was written and originally recorded by country music artist Buck Owens.
Owens recorded the original version of this song and released it as the B-side to the 45 single “I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail” in 1964. However, it failed to reach the music charts.
A cover version of “Crying Time” was then recorded by R&B singer Ray Charles, and his version proved to be a hit.
Featuring backing vocals by the Jack Halloran Singers and The Raelettes, the song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1966. Charles’ version of the song also peaked at number five on the R&B chart. In addition, it spent three weeks at number one on the easy listening chart.
On the other hand, in the UK, the song reached number 50 on the UK Singles Chart.
Moreover, Charles’ version of “Crying Time” won two Grammy Awards in 1967, in the categories Best R&B Recording and Best R&B Solo Performance.
Watch Buck Owens and The Buckaroos perform “Crying Time.”
The Buckaroos
The Buckaroos were a Grammy-winning band led by Buck Owens in the 1960s and early ’70s. They were heavily involved in the development and presentation of the “Bakersfield sound.” Their peak of success was from 1965 to 1970.
In 2005, CMT named the Buckaroos no. 2 on its list of the 20 Greatest Country Music Bands.
Like most backing bands, the Buckaroos didn’t emerge fully formed. In 1962, Owens began assembling his supporting group. It was just after he began his remarkable string of hit country singles.
Early on, Merle Haggard played bass in the band. To note, he was the man who gave the band its name.
But over the course of 1963 and 1964, the Buckaroos were built up around guitarist/fiddler Don Rich. More popularly known as Buck’s lieutenant, Don Rich was part of the band since 1962.
Known for their signature red, white and blue colored guitars and fiddles, the Buckaroos in 1966 became only the second country music band to appear at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Released as Carnegie Hall Concert, the recording of this performance is considered one of the greatest live country music albums.
Additionally, they also recorded and released live albums from appearances in London, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and Las Vegas. The Buckaroos appeared on the Buck Owens Show.
Furthermore, the Buckaroos recorded eight albums from 1967 to 1970, all of which were top sellers. They earned numerous awards, including Grammys and CMA (Country Music Awards).
Most noteworthy, they were nominated as “Band Of The Year” by the Academy of Country Music for eight consecutive years. They won the award four times, 1965–1968. Also, the Buckaroos were nominated as “Instrumental Group of the Year” in the Country Music Awards, for five consecutive years, 1967–1971. They won the honor in 1967 and 1968.