Born April 26, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of songwriter Marijohn Wilkin and Sam
Frevert. The couple divorced shortly after his birth and she married Art Wilkin, Jr.
Buck Wilkin started his music career at only 8 years old, appearing on the Ozark Jubilee
with Brenda Lee. The family later moved to Nashville where Marijohn gained acclaim writing
for Jim Denny’s Cedarwood Publishing Company. After about six years she started
Buckhorn Music Publishing, which is still active today with both Buck’s and Marijohn’s hit
songs.
While still in high school, Wilkin wrote and recorded “GTO” taking the stage name Ronny
Dayton to tour with his band “Ronny and the Daytonas”. “GTO” was released in the
summer of 1964, going to #4 on Billboard charts, selling over one million copies. The Box
Tops, The Hondells, The Beach Boys and numerous other groups covered the song (often
titled “Little GTO”). Countless local bands played the song in “Battle of the Bands” events
in the mid to late 60’s and beyond. To this day the car and the song it inspired are
considered classics. Several of Wilkin’s songs were also recorded by other artists,
including Ray Charles and Bobbie Gentry.
Wilkin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Vanderbilt University. He recorded
solo albums for Liberty Records and United Artists Records. Songs written by Wilkin were
featured on the soundtrack of THE LAST MOVIE (directed by Dennis Hopper) and the
documentary of the making of the film THE AMERICAN DREAMER. Wilkin and Hopper
became good friends.
In 2006, “GTO” was featured in the soundtrack of the movie “RV” starring Robin Williams
introducing a new generation to the song.
Buck will be remembered by industry greats including Kris Kristofferson who in the late 60’s
shared an apartment with Wilkin where they often took part in guitar pulls with other
aspiring songwriters; and Buzz Cason, longtime friend, band member and co-writer who
appeared with Wilkin as “Buzz and Bucky”.
“I will always remember our popular, multi-talented classmate from Hillsboro High,” said
life-long friend, Lee Kraft who, in high school, played and toured in the Daytonas.
Wilkin never married. He leaves behind the legacy of his music and the generation who
lived, loved and breathed “GTO”.
A celebration of John Buck Wilkin’s life will be announced at a later time.
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