Introduction
Dwight Yoakam: The Man Behind the Music
When asked to define himself, Dwight Yoakam describes himself as “that kid” from the “Dust Bowl” era, a “tail light baby” who, after his family moved to Columbus, Ohio, frequently traveled south on Route 23 to Kentucky. These trips, which his mother always referred to as “going home,” profoundly shaped his identity. He also attributes his core being to his upbringing in the Church of Christ, where he absorbed acapella music from his earliest memories, noting that we never truly escape who we were as young children. He feels fortunate to have had parents who, though not perfect, instilled in him a good foundation without any “malicious hurdles” to overcome.
The Evolution of California Country Music
Yoakam then delves into the rich, yet often overlooked, history of country music in California, framing his own career as part of a recurring “reawakening” of the genre in the state. He traces its origins:
- Dust Bowl Era (1930s-40s): He highlights the influence of migrating families from places like Oklahoma and Texas, who brought their music traditions. He mentions The Maddox Brothers and Rose and Bob Wills, noting how artists would play in labor camps in the San Joaquin Valley, shaping early performers like Buck Owens.
- Bakersfield Sound (Late 1950s-Early 60s): Yoakam explains that much of the iconic “Bakersfield Sound” (e.g., Buck Owens, Merle Haggard) was actually recorded in Hollywood studios. He humorously points out the irony of Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” – an anthem for the right – being recorded just “down the street from the hippies” on Sunset Boulevard.
- Country Rock (Late 1960s-Early 70s): He credits Chris Hillman of The Byrds for “creating” country rock, despite Hillman’s dislike of the “hyphen term.” This movement, originating in Southern California, led to the stratospheric rise of artists like Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and The Eagles, profoundly influencing pop culture.
- Cowpunk (Early 1980s): Yoakam describes arriving in Los Angeles in the early 1980s and finding a burgeoning “cowpunk” scene. This genre saw former punk bands like The Dils (who became Rank and File) and The Plugs (who became Los Lobos) exploring country music, which resonated with their parents and grandparents who had migrated from the Dust Bowl.
Breakthrough Success with Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.
After nearly a decade of playing LA nightclubs, honing his “neo honky-tonk” style, and enduring constant rejections for being “too country for country” (especially during the Urban Cowboy era), Yoakam’s raw lyrics and ragged guitar playing finally caught the attention of major labels. Warner Brothers signed him, and his debut album, ***Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.***, released in 1986, became a monumental success.
Yoakam confesses his astonishment at how quickly the album went to the top and became a double-platinum hit, earning recognition from Rolling Stone as one of the 100 greatest country songs ever. He and his producer, Pete Anderson, had believed in the music’s potential to resonate, but its impact far exceeded their expectations, marking the beginning of three consecutive number-one Billboard country albums for Dwight Yoakam.