Synopsis
Filmed for Austin City Limits on October 23, 1988, this performance captures Dwight Yoakam and his band delivering a fast-moving set rooted in Bakersfield country, honky-tonk, rockabilly, and classic country. Yoakam works through songs from his early albums, including "Guitars, Cadillacs," "Little Ways," "Honky Tonk Man," "Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room," and "I Sang Dixie." The set also includes the Bakersfield anthem "Streets of Bakersfield," performed with Buck Owens and Flaco Jimenez, giving the program a particularly important connection to Yoakam's musical influences.
Factoids & Trivia
- Yoakam appeared on Austin City Limits while supporting his 1988 album "Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room," making the taping a snapshot of his early breakthrough period.
- The full concert was released in 2005 as "Live from Austin, TX," nearly 17 years after it was recorded. The release included a CD and DVD containing 14 songs.
- The performance was remixed and remastered in both stereo and 5.1 DTS surround sound for the home-video release.
- The set combines Yoakam originals with songs associated with Stonewall Jackson, Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, Lefty Frizzell, and Elvis Presley.
- Buck Owens joins Yoakam for "Streets of Bakersfield." Owens was one of Yoakam's key musical heroes, and the collaboration helped renew interest in the veteran Bakersfield performer.
- The Austin City Limits performance is notable for presenting Yoakam's stripped-down, tradition-minded sound in a serious live-music setting rather than framing him primarily as a contemporary country star.