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.

You may also like the following events from Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum:

• Next Saturday, 26th July, 02:30 pm, Poets and Prophets: Salute to Songwriter Dennis Morgan in Nashville
• Next month, 13th August, 06:30 pm, Seventeenth Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum Honoring Alison Brown in Nashville

Also check out other Music events in Nashville, Entertainment events in Nashville.