Buck White, country music legend and Grand Ole Opry member whose songs ‘touched millions’, dies at 94

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Country music legend Buck White has died at the age of 94. 

His family, including daughters Sharon, Cheryl, Rosie, and Melissa, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement shared through their longtime collaborator Rick Skaggs on Facebook. 

White, who left an indelible mark on the country music scene, died early on Monday morning, January 13, though the family has chosen not to disclose further details about his death.

As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from fellow artists and fans alike, including heartfelt messages from entertainer Randall Franks and WSM Radio, celebrating his remarkable legacy.

This sad news comes just days after the death of beloved actor Billy Byrge, best known for his role as Bobby in the 'Ernest' movies, at the age of 92, and Sam Moore, the R&B icon, who died at 89.

Buck White’s family pays tribute to ‘great dad’

In a touching statement shared on Facebook through Ricky Skaggs, Buck White's family said: "The Lord answered our prayers and took our daddy, Buck White, home peacefully this morning at 8.00 am. We are so thankful for his 94 years on this earth." 

 "He was a great dad who taught us by example to put Jesus first always," the family added.

The statement went on to highlight the central role White played in their family: "His great loves were the Lord, our mother, his family, and music. Most people will remember him not only for being a great musician and entertainer, but also for being fun-loving and full of mischief." 

The tribute concluded, "'He lived a full life and finished well.' --his daughters, Sharon, Cheryl, Rosie and Melissa."

White’s family members haven’t shared any other details about the musician's death.

Buck White's music legacy

Buck White, born on December 13, 1930, in Oklahoma, grew up surrounded by music. While he initially worked as a plumber, he spent his nights playing piano and mandolin. 

In 1961, he moved to Arkansas, where he met his wife, Pat, and together they formed the group Buck White & the Down Home Folks.

Buck became widely known for his work with The Whites, a family band that included his two daughters, Cheryl and Sharon. The family relocated to Nashville in 1971 to pursue a music career, and the trio began performing together, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Their talent earned them numerous accolades, including a CMA nomination for Vocal Group of the Year and the Horizon/New Artist award. 

In 1984, The Whites were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, and Buck became the Opry’s oldest member, holding that distinction with 40 years of membership until his passing.

The Whites’ final album was released in 2000, after which Sharon pursued a solo career. They also collaborated with Ricky Skaggs on 'Salt of the Earth', which won the 2008 Grammy for Best Southern/Country Bluegrass Album. 

Additionally, Buck and Sharon received the 2001 Album of the Year award for their contribution to the 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' album, a collection featuring The Whites alongside other renowned artists.

Buck White’s fellow musicians pay tribute

The death of Buck White prompted heartfelt tributes from his peers and fellow musicians.

The iconic musical institution Grand Ole Opry expressed its gratitude on X, writing: "Thank you for all the music, memories, laughs, and for "Doing It By The Book", Buck White. We will miss you."

WSM Radio, home to the Grand Ole Opry, also shared their condolences on X: "All of us at WSM were saddened today to learn of the passing of Opry member Buck White, and we send our condolences to Sharon, Cheryl, and the entire White family. Thanks for all the music and the memories, Buck. We will miss you."

Entertainer Randall Franks also took to X to reflect on his long friendship with White: "I am saddened to learn of the passing of my long-time friend and Encourager - Grand Ole @opry star Buck White, but comforted in knowing he is with the Lord that he loved, along with his wife Pat."

Franks continued, sharing a personal memory: "I was so honored that he invested some of his star shine in me and played a role in the rededication of my life to Christ many years ago."

He added, "He was a faithful servant of the Lord and richly blessed with the gifts of music that touched millions."

The post also included a description of the image shared in the tweet, "This image from Randall Franks Media is from the early nineties while we were in a Nashville recording studio recording what would be a top country vocal collaboration for us."