Introduction:
Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs” stands as a defining moment in the resurgence of traditional honky-tonk country music during the mid-1980s. Released in 1986 as a single and title track from his debut album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.,” the song became an anthem for those who craved a return to the roots of country, a stark contrast to the prevailing urban cowboy sound.
Yoakam, a Kentucky native who found his musical footing in the Los Angeles club scene, drew heavily from the Bakersfield sound, a style popularized by artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. This influence is palpable in “Guitars, Cadillacs,” with its twangy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and Yoakam’s distinctive vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics evoke classic country themes of heartbreak, hard living, and the allure of iconic symbols like guitars and Cadillacs.
The song’s impact extended beyond the country charts, permeating popular culture. Its inclusion in the 1991 film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” exposed Yoakam’s music to a broader audience, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone. “Guitars, Cadillacs” not only cemented Dwight Yoakam’s place in country music history, but also aided in turning a generation of listeners back to the more traditional sounds of country music.
The song, and the album it came from, were produced by Pete Anderson, who was very instrumental in crafting the sound that made Dwight Yoakam stand out. The combination of Yoakams songwriting and vocals, and Andersons producing and guitar playing, made for a very powerful musical combination. The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying it as a hit.