March 26, 2006
In an interview the week before his death, country singer Buck Owens reminisced with the host of a Garden City radio show and talked about his plans for the future.
"I'm shocked about his passing because he seemed fine last week," said Michael Anthony, the host of a classic country show on WHPC/90.3 FM. "For someone who doesn't like to give interviews, he was very talkative."
In the March 17 interview, which is scheduled to air April 2 at 6 p.m., Owens said he was still performing at his club in Bakersfield, Calif., working on an autobiography and planning a concert with Kenny Rogers in Ireland this year.
When Anthony told him he was calling from New York, Owens said he was thrilled to reconnect with the New York audience. He recalled the times he had visited, including his performance at Carnegie Hall in 1966, which was recorded and released on an album.
"Buck was concerned that there weren't enough country fans to sell out his show," Anthony said. "Of course, he was wrong."
When concert-goers wanted him to continue singing, he paid the crew more money so he could sing for another half-hour.
Owens also said he was proud that the Bakersfield school district had put together a biography of him meant to inspire elementary school students to persevere despite growing up poor.
"He was in great spirits," Anthony said. "He was the most likable person."
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