Introduction
A Glimpse Back: Young Dwight Yoakam’s Breakthrough Interview with Ralph Emery on Nashville Now (1985)
In 1985, the landscape of country music was shifting, and a fresh-faced artist named Dwight Yoakam was helping to lead the charge. His unique blend of traditional honky-tonk with rock ‘n’ roll swagger set him apart from the polished Nashville sound of the era. It was during this critical moment in his career that Yoakam sat down for an unforgettable interview with legendary broadcaster Ralph Emery on the widely viewed talk show Nashville Now.
Clad in his signature cowboy hat, tight jeans, and denim jacket, Dwight Yoakam appeared somewhat out of step with the more conservative country stars of the time. Yet that was precisely what made him so captivating. During the interview, Ralph Emery — known for his easygoing style and deep knowledge of country music — seemed genuinely curious about this young newcomer with a California drawl and Bakersfield roots.
Emery began the conversation by asking Yoakam about his influences, and Yoakam was quick to name Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Elvis Presley. “I grew up on the edge of country and rock,” Yoakam explained, flashing a crooked grin. “I never saw a reason why they couldn’t live together in the same song.”
The discussion also turned to Yoakam’s struggles breaking into Nashville’s tightly controlled scene. He candidly spoke about how Music City had initially rejected his sound, prompting him to take his act west to Los Angeles, where the underground roots music scene embraced him. Emery listened with interest, occasionally nodding and smiling at Yoakam’s earnest passion and determination.
What made the interview truly special was the mutual respect that developed between the seasoned host and the rising star. Emery, who had seen countless hopefuls come and go, seemed to recognize something different in Yoakam — a sincerity and boldness that were rare even in the ever-evolving world of country music.
To cap off the segment, Yoakam performed a live rendition of “Honky Tonk Man,” his debut single and a cover of the Johnny Horton classic. His performance was electric, drawing cheers from the live studio audience and even a few surprised chuckles from Emery himself. It was clear that Dwight Yoakam wasn’t just another cowboy with a guitar — he was a true original.
Looking back now, that 1985 interview marked a pivotal moment in Dwight Yoakam’s career. It was one of his first introductions to a national television audience and helped solidify his image as both a rebel and a revivalist. For fans of country music, the interview remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when tradition met innovation — and a young man in a wide-brimmed hat proved he was here to stay.