Buck Owens Takes the Lead: The Story Behind the Country Hit “Act Naturally”
Have you ever been heartbroken and found yourself unexpectedly channeling those emotions into something unexpected? That’s the story behind the now-classic country song “Act Naturally,” a chart-topper that propelled Buck Owens to superstardom in the early 1960s.
The song’s origins lie with Johnny Russell, a Mississippi-born singer-songwriter who found himself in Fresno, California, during the early 1960s. A chance encounter with some friends planning a recording session in Los Angeles led to a broken date – a situation that sparked inspiration.
Russell, needing a quick explanation for his sudden departure, jokingly told his girlfriend, “They are going to put me in the movies and make a big star out of me.” The humor of the situation struck a chord, and Russell quickly crafted a song based on that offhand remark.
This fresh concept, a love song with a dash of Hollywood dreams, didn’t find immediate success. Despite Russell’s best efforts, his producer at the time dismissed the idea, believing movie-themed songs lacked hit potential.
For two years, “Act Naturally” remained unplayed, waiting for its chance to shine. Enter Voni Morrison, a songwriter who crossed paths with both Russell and Buck Owens, the Bakersfield-based country singer. Recognizing the song’s potential for Owens, Morrison championed “Act Naturally” and convinced Russell to share songwriting credit, even though her role was primarily connecting them.
While Owens wasn’t initially drawn to the song, his bandleader, Don Rich, saw the potential in Russell’s demo. Owens eventually warmed up to the idea, and in a surprising twist, called Russell to confirm recording rights before revealing the song was already in the can! Russell, thrilled to see his creation come to life, readily agreed to transfer the publishing rights to secure the recording.
Released in 1963, “Act Naturally” became a smash hit, topping the Billboard Country Singles chart for a record four non-consecutive weeks. The song’s success not only catapulted Owens to superstardom (he went on to secure 19 number one country hits before the decade ended), but it also established Russell as a talented songwriter, paving the way for his own success in the years to come.
“Act Naturally” remains a beloved country classic, a testament to the power of heartbreak, unexpected inspiration, and the right connection to transform a song from a demo to a chart-topping hit.