There are few country musicians who have proven that it takes more than a hat and a guitar to become a country star. Dwight Yoakam is one such singer; his robust career has put him far above many of his contemporaries.
Yoakam impresses with his classic flow, thought-provoking lines, fresh vibes, and above all with his soothing voice and great performances. The iconic singer, who is best described as a legend of country music, can boast two Grammy Awards, over forty nominations, and twenty albums and compilations. He has also sold more than 25 million records worldwide, recorded over thirty hit singles in the Hot Country Songs Billboard charts, recorded about nine platinum albums, twelve gold albums, and other enviable successes.
The country star is definitely one of the biggest stars at the microphone and holds the record as the most-watched music artist in the history of the American late-night talk show The Tonight Show.
Dwight is not only a phenomenal singer but also practices his craft in the film industry. He made his film debut in 1993 in the neo-noir film Red Rock West and his acting debut in the crime thriller P.S.I. Luv U. in 1991. He also appeared in the following films: Panic Room (2002), The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005), The Minus Man (1999), Dirty Girl (2010), Sling Blade (1996), The Newton Boys (1998), and many others.
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Dwight Yoakam Bio (Age)
The country-rock singer was named Dwight David Yoakam after his birth on 23 October 1956. Yoakam was born to David Yoakam (father) and Ruth Ann Yoakam (mother) in Pikeville, Kentucky, in the United States, but grew up in Columbas, Ohio.
It is said that his mother was a key engraver while his father owned a gas station. The country star is said to have attended North High School, where he actively participated in the theater and music events of his school. By the time Dwight graduated from high school in 1974, he already had a basic knowledge of acting and singing, having starred in many classic plays such as Flowers for Algernon.
Outside the walls of North High School, Dwight was known for his singing and guitar playing in several local garage bands. After graduating from high school, he went to Ohio State University to study history and philosophy. However, he dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles in 1977 to pursue a career in record production.
Yoakam’s Daughter; Is He Married, Who Is His Wife?
The Grammy Award-winning singer has never been married to a woman in his life. However, he has had relationships with a number of high-profile women, including Bridget Fonda, Karen Duffy, Sharon Stone, and Wynonna Judd.
Yoakam’s first attempt at a relationship was with Sharon Stone, whom he dated in 1992. After breaking up with her, he started dating Karen Duffy, but later stopped dating after a year. He was also romantically involved with Bridget Fonda, with whom he was dating from 1999 to 2002. The singer is also said to have had a short-lived relationship with Wynonna Judd.
He is currently a conversation partner of Emily Joyce. The couple began dating in 2013 and their relationship has grown stronger with each passing day. Joyce and Dwight do not have children yet, and to the best of our knowledge, the musician does not have a daughter, as his previous relationships with the top hotties mentioned above have not produced children.
Quick Facts about Dwight Yoakam
1. The veteran country singer was awarded an honorary doctorate by Ohio Valley University in Parkersburg, West Virginia, on May 7, 2005.
2. Dwight’s favorite and worst subjects in school were history and math.
3. He taught himself guitar, has two dogs named Uma and Luka.
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4. Yoakam is a vegetarian, he has a food brand called Bakersfield Biscuits.
5. The Pikeville-born singer bought his iconic cowboy hat in 1979.
6. On February 21, 2008, Dwight was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
7. Dwight currently lives in Los Angeles, California. He has lived in the city since 1977.
8. The country musician has two younger siblings. Their names are Kimberly Yoakam (sister) and Roland Yoakam (brother).
9. Dwight Yoakam’s song Ain’t That Lonely Yet earned him his first Grammy in 1994, while his second Grammy award was given in 1999.
