The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opens a new exhibit, The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country, on Saturday, March 24, 2012. Slated for a two year run, the exhibit will explore the significance of the Bakersfield Sound and follow the timeline of its development. The exploration is specifically geared toward the careers of Country Music Hall of Fame members Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
Narrated by Dwight Yoakam, the exhibit is an exploration of how Owen, Haggard, the Buckaroos and the Strangers played a significant role in developing the Bakersfield sound. The exhibit will additionally focus on publishing houses, recording studios, booking, management agencies, performance venues and Bakersfield’s music businesses. Ken Nelson’s role will also be a focal point, as the Capitol Records producer recorded many of Owen’s and Haggard’s songs. Key musicians include steel guitar innovator Ralph Mooney, Telecaster ace Roy Nichols and lead guitarist/harmony vocalist Don Rich.
“Long before the Outlaws or alternative country, the Bakersfield Sound evolved specifically to suit a time and a place, made an indelible mark on popular music, and spawned two of the most charismatic stars in the firmament.” said Museum Director Kyle Young.
The Bakersfield Sound will be a part of an ongoing series of school and family programs. The series involves live performances, panel discussions, films, instrument demonstrations and more. The exhibit will run from Mar. 24, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2013.
