The Story Behind Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam’s “Streets of Bakersfield”
About the Song
Following Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” which was his seventh and final number one country hit, Presley regularly dominated the Billboard Hot 100. That’s why Buck Owens’ achievement of a sixteen-year gap between number one hits is so remarkable—it even surpassed Presley’s nineteen-year span between chart-toppers. After Owens earned his twentieth number one with “Made in Japan” in 1972, it wasn’t until 1988 that he returned to the top, this time alongside Dwight Yoakam with “Streets of Bakersfield.” This officially marked the second-longest gap between two number one singles by the same artist.
The Revival of Buck Owens’ Career
Buck Owens retired from performing in 1980 and had no plans to return to the stage. However, Dwight Yoakam—then a rising star in country music—played a pivotal role in reigniting his passion for performing. Yoakam admired Owens deeply, often dedicating stage time and interviews to praise him more than himself. He even dedicated his debut album to Owens, showing the profound influence Buck had on his artistry.
In September 1987, Yoakam made an unannounced visit to Owens’ office in Bakersfield, California, and persuaded him to join him onstage. This was a significant moment, as Owens had never before performed with another singer. Yet, with Dwight, he felt an immediate and genuine connection.
Choosing “Streets of Bakersfield”
In January 1988, Owens was invited to take part in a Country Music Association 20th anniversary television special celebrating the Bakersfield sound. When Merle Haggard had to withdraw, Owens suggested Yoakam as his partner, and the producers agreed. The CMA also requested that they perform a song highlighting Bakersfield, known as “Nashville West.”
Buck remembered an old track from his 1973 album—“Streets of Bakersfield.” The song had been written by Homer Joy, a songwriter from Arkansas, who had traveled to Bakersfield to pitch his work directly to Owens. After days of waiting just to get an appointment, Joy composed the tune while walking the streets of the city. The heartfelt lyrics and Bakersfield theme made it the perfect choice.
From TV Stage to Chart Success
After the CMA performance, Owens and Yoakam performed “Streets of Bakersfield” again at the Academy of Country Music Awards. The performance caught the attention of radio DJs nationwide, who recorded the broadcast and began playing it on their stations. This strong reception led Yoakam and Owens to record a studio version, later featured on Yoakam’s album Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room.
Released as a single, “Streets of Bakersfield” debuted on Billboard’s Country Chart on July 16, 1988. Just a few months later, on October 15, the song reached number one—earning Owens his twenty-first chart-topping single and giving Yoakam his very first. For Owens, it was a triumphant return after sixteen years, proving that his music remained timeless and relevant.
Legacy
“Streets of Bakersfield” became more than just a hit record. It symbolized a bridge between generations of country music, connecting Buck Owens, one of the architects of the Bakersfield sound, with Dwight Yoakam, one of its modern champions. The song also highlighted the enduring spirit of Bakersfield itself, a city that shaped a distinctive style of country music separate from Nashville. Today, the duet stands as one of the most meaningful collaborations in the history of the genre.
