Interview: Chris Hillman and Dwight Yoakam

Chris Hillman and Dwight Yoakam, two of the most significant figures in country-rock, will make a rare appearance together to discuss their rich and storied careers, their musical influences, and the repercussions of the country-rock movement, which are still felt today. Hillman, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, is a country-rock pioneer who began his career playing bluegrass in California-based bands before joining the Byrds as a founding member in 1964. He went on to co-found the Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and the Desert Rose Band. In the Desert Rose Band, he served as lead vocalist, chief songwriter, guitarist, and guiding light. Of Hillman’s profound influence on country-rock, Tom Petty once wrote: “Every time the Eagles board their private jet, Chris at least paid for the fuel.” Yoakam helped lead a welcome return to the gritty, twangy sounds of traditional country music in the 1980s and 1990s and has continued to carry the torch for a rough-edged brand of country that blends vintage and contemporary sounds. From the start, he revived a dynamic form of honky-tonk and mountain music that disregarded pop-country influences. Beginning in 1986 with his groundbreaking Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. LP, Yoakam released a series of gold- and platinum-selling albums and twenty Top Twenty country singles that shook up country music and established him as a distinctive voice and perceptive songwriter. He also brought a spotlight to bear on the glories of West Coast country music, particularly the music of his good friend, Country Music Hall of Fame member Buck Owens, who cut the #1 hit “The Streets of Bakersfield” with Yoakam. Veteran Los Angeles music journalist Erin Osmon will lead the discussion. Offered in support of the exhibition Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock, presented by City National Bank. Program made possible in part by the Academy of Country Music. Ford Theater. Included with Museum admission. Program ticket required. Free to Museum members.
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