The Pioneer of the Bakersfield Sound left an indelible mark on country music in his youthful days. In a rare recording of Buck Owens crooning “Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy,” you get a firsthand taste of the magic. Buck adorned himself in a dazzling Nudie suit, standing before the audience, exuding a timeless charm. His guitar proudly slung across his chest, the strap boldly spelling out “BUCK.”
As Buck stepped onto the stage, a radiant smile painted across his face, you could sense the host’s palpable excitement. Clearly in awe of the legend in their midst, the host nearly ran out of breath proclaiming, “Would you believe it? This maverick right here scored the number two Christmas record among all the artists in the country!”
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Naturally, Buck couldn’t resist treating the crowd to a piece from his hit record. With a knowing twinkle in his eye, he selected “Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy” from the B-side. For loyal Buck Owens fans, it’s a tune engraved in memory, every word etched in their hearts.
Amidst the introduction, you could feel the host’s enthusiasm radiating across the stage. He set the scene for Buck’s performance, underscoring the rarity of having such a legend in their midst. Buck, true to form, delivered the upbeat melody with that infectious grin that captured hearts in the swinging 1960s.
The beauty of the song lies in its timelessness. Originating from Owens’ 1965 recording, “Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy” has weathered the years gracefully. A testament to its enduring appeal, various country artists, including Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, and Brad Paisley, have lent their voices to it. Paisley, in particular, revived the classic in 2006, and in a delightful twist of fate, performed it at the 2021 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting.
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Relive the magic with Paisley’s nostalgic rendition in the video below. It’s the perfect soundtrack as the holiday season draws near, sure to be on repeat as festivities abound.
