Buck White, the legendary country musician and founder of the family band The Whites, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on January 13, 2025. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement shared by fellow musician and son-in-law Ricky Skaggs.
White’s daughters—Sharon, Cheryl, Rosie, and Melissa—expressed their gratitude for his remarkable life:
“The Lord answered our prayers and took our daddy, Buck White, home peacefully this morning at 8:00 a.m. 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. 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. He lived a full life and finished well.”
A Musical Legacy
Born in Texas, Buck White built his career as a versatile musician, often accompanying major stars like Hank Snow and Ernest Tubb in his early days. By the 1960s, White had formed a family band known as Buck White and the Down Home Folks, featuring his wife Pat and daughters Sharon, Cheryl, and Rosie.
The family eventually renamed themselves The Whites in the early 1980s, just as traditional country sounds were enjoying a resurgence. Their timeless hits include “You Put the Blue in Me,” “Hangin’ Around,” and “Keep On The Sunny Side.” The group was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1984 and earned prestigious accolades, including Grammy, CMA, and International Bluegrass Music Association awards. Their final album, a collaboration with Skaggs, was released in 2007.
Tributes Pour In
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum paid tribute to Buck White on social media, praising his versatility and impact:
“His versatility was a key ingredient in his success. In his early years in Texas, he sometimes backed major stars like Hank Snow and Ernest Tubb onstage, and in time he became the leader of his famed family band, the Whites.”
The post included a black-and-white photograph of White alongside daughters Cheryl and Sharon, capturing a moment from the family’s peak in the 1980s.
A Life Well Lived
Buck White’s legacy extends beyond music. As his daughters noted, he was a man of faith and devotion to his family, leaving behind a legacy of love and joy that will continue to inspire fans and fellow musicians alike. His passing marks the end of an era in country music, but his contributions will live on in the hearts of those who admired his talent and spirit.
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