Don Rich honored by Olympia HS Alumni

Named Distinguished Alumnus by alumni of his alma mater, Don Ulrich is inducted into the Olympia High School Hall of Fame in a ceremony May 11, 2009.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Don Rich
• OHS
• Olympia High School
• Alumni
• Distinguished Alumnus
• Donald Ulrich
• Don Ulrich
• Buckaroo
• Buck Owens
• country music
• bakersfield
• tumwater
• guitar
• fiddle
• tenor
• harmony
• hee haw

[wabbitinwed]

My friend Roy and I used to watch the Buck Owens show on TV in Edmonton Alberta in the early 70's. A big part of our reason for watching was Don Rich and the great way he played that telecaster. What a great guy and I still think of him to this day.

[OHSAlumni]

Thanks, Wabbit, for passing along your memories. Folks around here who remember him up through high school remark about his folksy way, totally confident, always a broad smile. Despite his stage presence, he wasn't a hog for the spotlight, he encouraged people to step into the light. The video shows George Barner. On the cutting room floor are George's comments about Don putting George on stage for the first time in high school. George went on to a rock singing career.

[jeffchandler1962]

I remember watching Don Rich on the Buck Owens Show before Hee-Haw. I always remembered 2 things he always was smiling and could play anything. He is an awesome musician and singer. This video is an incredible tribute.

[OHSAlumni]

One correction to the video: Don had just turned 16 two weeks before opening for Elvis in Tacoma, Sept. 2, 1957. The video said he was 17.

[lerb21]

Donald Eugene Ulrich is/was my hero and will always be.

God bless Don Rich, his family, and his friends.

[OHSAlumni]

Don's two sons and his wife were in attendance for the dedication program. Great folks. Don Rich has immortality through his music and the people who enjoyed it.

[georgiaroadgeek]

Don Rich should be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame along with Buck.

[ptcpaul]

who can say anything bad about Buck or Don........they were awesome

[ethelmae43]

I feel like Don should have been in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Of course with the direction Nashville it is going now it probably will never happen. That is Nashville's lose.

[javamonkey1]

Wow... What a great tribute to a true Tele master...I have been a guitar player for many years..I am 46 yrs young.. My first guitar lessons were watching Don play on Hee Haw.. In 1989 I attended The Guitar Institue in Los Angelos...I listed Don Rich as one of my influences on my entry letter.. I was one of the few country guitarist in those days at that school... Again, a great job on this video to honor Don Rich..

[orpharion]

Thanks a lot of making this bio.

[flashbell]

Not very many views or comments for a  one year old upload..Guess Don Rich just doesn't rate up there with the rope swinger, Garth Brooks.

[RSUEMICHIGANUSA]

Thanks for much for sharing this important biography of a man who left his mark on not only country but American music. When people think of country music of that era they hear the Bakersfield sound created by Don and Buck. While Buck was generous in keeping Don's legacy alive as the decades pass its videos like this which will reach the ears of historians and everyone who loves authentic American music. Much appreciated!

[bakkis61]

damned...what a Fender bender

[welshhillbillyful]

Wonderful video.I saw Don and Buck at the London Palladium in 1969.He was the coolest man ever in country music.

[morehairslim]

After watching this, I'm going downstairs and I'll plug my Tele into my Twin.

[mosrite60]

If I ever took guitar lessons Don would be the only guy. Superb guitar player. He really brought a new dimension to c/w music. R.I.P.

[ptcpaul]

WTG Olympis HS alumni