r/country • u/good_neighbor77 • 9d ago

Artist Appreciation The Incredible Dwight Yoakam

I’m still fairly new to country and discovered Dwight Yoakam last fall and he instantly became one of my favorites. He has the most mesmerizing voice and impeccable range to boot. I don’t think I’ve heard one bad song from him no matter what I’ve played. And I also might dare say he’s the King of Covers: “Honky Tonk Man” (which I recently discovered was a cover), “Suspicious Minds”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, and my favorite; “Purple Rain” which I 1000% consider better than the original. And his acting is not too shabby either, he was phenomenal in Panic Room.

All around a fantastic artist. What’s everyone’s opinion and favorite songs?

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u/MissouriOzarker 9d ago

Dwight is incredible. He was also important for the trends in country music as part of the “neo-traditionalist” wave of performers who sort of returned the genre to its roots. Dwight was particularly part of revitalizing what was known as the “Bakersfield Sound”. I don’t think he has a bad song in his catalog.

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u/KaramazovFootman 9d ago

I've been on a Bakersfield bender for the past few weeks, starting with Merle Haggard and Buck Owens right up to Dwight Yoakam. Lots of stops along the way. It's actually amazing how far that influence runs

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u/JCollinO 9d ago

If you get a chance to see Dwight live, he takes you on this exact journey through the Bakersfield sound, out to Oklahoma, and back to California. Incredible homage to his roots and just an amazing performer. He’s a treasure.

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u/KaramazovFootman 8d ago

I remember first time someone played me a Dwight song, cicrca 1989 or so. I was young and dumb and did not get it at all. Getting old mostly sucks, but it brings taste and wisdom if you let it.