Buzz Rabin Busby

Buzz Rabin (aka Raybon Busby) a country music singer/songwriter died in his home October 12, 2024, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Bonnie Busby of Nashville, Tn., son Sean Busby, daughter in law Amy Busby, grandchildren Nate and Alana Busby of Kingston Springs, Tn., step grandchildren Jazz and Zeth Gaines, sister Betty Ann Pellerin, brother-in-law Leo Pellerin, niece Angie Pellerin of Shreveport, La., sister-in-law Fay Haney, niece Jessica Tims, nephew Daniel Tims of Ocala, Fla., and great nephew Blake Tims of Nashville, Tn.

Born October 25, 1940, to parents Raymond Isaiah Busby and Bonnie Muriel Owens Busby in Leesville, Vernon Parish, La., his love for country music started as a young boy listening to radio broadcasts of the Louisiana Hayride and WSM’s Grand Ole Opry. He was most influenced by the songs and singing of Hank Williams, Sr. With friends, including Gene Dunlap formerly with Loretta Lynn’s band, he started his career at the age of 15 singing in venues around Alexandria, Louisiana.

He enlisted in the US Navy serving rank of Quartermaster aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVS-10) stationed out of Long Beach, California.

After discharge he remained for a couple of years in California playing in local night spots around Bell Garden. Buzz came to Nashville in 1966. Forming a band, he played at The Wheel on Lower Broad. He later signed on with Pete Drake’s Window Music as writer and managed the publishing company for a while. Drake produced an album featuring Buzz with his songs titled Cross Country Cowboy. Later he affiliated with Mel Tillis’ Sawgrass Music.

Artists who have recorded his songs include Willie Nelson, Ringo Starr, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mel Tillis, Johnny Cash, Bill Anderson, Johnny Paycheck, George Strait, Alabama, Hank Williams, Jr., Jessi Colter, Gene Watson, Clinton Gregory, David Allan Coe, Jim Ed Brown, Rayburn Anthony.

Buzz had songs featured in the movies Tender Mercies, The Villain and Race with the Devil.

A quiet person with a keen sense of humor, Buzz will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Family and friends are welcomed to attend the public visitation which will be at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Avenue, Tuesday October 22nd starting at 9:30AM, funeral mass to begin at 10:00AM. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery located at 1001 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210.