Victoria Hallman's year-long romance with country music legend Buck Owens may have been brief, but its impact, and the music they created together, has resonated through the decades. Hallman, known for her role as a "Hee Haw Honey" on the popular variety show co-hosted by Owens and Roy Clark, recently saw the release of a long-lost album produced by Owens, titled "From Birmingham to Bakersfield."

Hallman's journey began in Nashville at the tender age of six with her first record deal. Her career blossomed, leading to appearances on "The Merv Griffin Show" and "The Steve Allen Show." Following a suggestion from Bob Hope, she relocated to California, where she met Owens, joined his touring band, and eventually became a "Hee Haw" cast member in 1979.

Their connection, Hallman explains, began as a deep intellectual bond, evolving into a romance in 1979. She describes their evenings together, filled with conversations ranging from politics to existentialism, alongside the more typical couple activities like watching television and enjoying dinners. Hallman emphasizes that their mental connection was the foundation of their relationship.

The romance concluded a year later when Hallman met her future husband. Despite this, their friendship remained strong. Hallman recounts Owens' surprise at her engagement and his prediction that the marriage wouldn't last. Although her marriage did eventually end, the friendship with Owens endured until his passing in 2006.

A year after her marriage, Owens contacted Hallman about a song he felt would be perfect for her voice, leading to the recording of an entire album. While both were pleased with the outcome, personal circumstances for both of them led to the project being shelved indefinitely. The master recordings seemingly vanished, leaving Hallman heartbroken at the loss.

Years later, after publishing her memoir, "Hollywood Lights, Nashville Nights," a record collector miraculously discovered an acetate of the album at a yard sale. He returned it to Hallman, who then partnered with Omnivore Recordings to restore and release the album. "From Birmingham to Bakersfield" is now available, a testament to a unique musical collaboration and a cherished friendship.