Yoakam "Sings" tribute to Owens on new album

NEW YORK (Billboard) - A longtime admirer of the style and songs of Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam has crafted a tribute to the country bard, who died in California last March aged 76.

"Dwight Sings Buck," due October 23 via New West, includes covers of all 11 of Owens' top five country hits, including "Act Naturally," "My Heart Skips a Beat" and "I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)."

"After his death, it was the clearest way I could express my love for him and acknowledge the depth of our friendship" said Yoakam.

Yoakam released two albums in 2005, both through New West: "Blame the Vain," which peaked at No. 54 on The Billboard 200 and No. 8 on Top Country Albums, and "Live from Austin, TX."

Reuters/Billboard