He’s a native of Pikeville, Kentucky.
Born Dwight David Yoakam on October 23, 1956, Yoakam is the oldest of three children. After he was born, Yoakam and his family moved to Columbus, Ohio – where he spent most of his childhood days. His father worked several odd jobs, including factory work at Westinghouse Electric Corporation and the proprietor of a gas station.
He was in the fourth grade when he wrote his first song.
After being unable to learn to play the guitar himself, his father passed the instrument down to him. He learned to play the guitar himself and wrote his first song.
He’s fond of the songs his parents listened to.
As a child, the tunes Yoakam’s parents listened to on country music radio stations greatly influenced him, as well as the records the family would sing to each other during road trips. This includes compilations of Johnny Cash and Johnny Horton’s songs.
He joined the high school band.
With his mother’s encouragement, Yoakam joined the school’s band as a drummer. The band even competed in the school’s talent show and became famous enough that they started performing at different private parties. He also joined drama class, where he had the opportunity to play the main role in Flowers for Algernon.
