Chris Hillman and Dwight Yoakam, two of the most significant figures in country-rock, make a rare appearance together to discuss their rich and storied careers, their musical influences, and the repercussions of the country-rock movement, which are still felt today. This program, moderated by the Museum’s Erin Osmon, was filmed on August 23, 2025, and offered in support of the exhibition “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” presented by City National Bank, with programming made possible in part by the Academy of Country Music.

The program begins with a clip of Hillman and Yoakam separately performing on the same 1980s episode of “Nashville Now.” Then, the pair engage in an animated discussion about the Museum’s “Western Edge” exhibition, noting its attention to detail and reverence for the artists and players that contributed to the scene. The discussion also touches on Hillman’s impact as a member of both the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, including how he inspired Yoakam. Hillman praises Yoakam for bringing about a country-rock resurgence in the 1980s and ‘90s, as well.

Hillman, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, is a country-rock pioneer who began his career playing bluegrass in California-based bands before joining the Byrds as a founding member in 1964. He went on to co-found the Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and the Desert Rose Band. Yoakam helped lead a welcome return to the gritty, twangy sounds of traditional country music in the 1980s and ‘90s. Beginning in 1986 with his groundbreaking “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” LP, he released a series of gold- and platinum-selling albums and twenty Top Twenty country singles that shook up country music and established him as a distinctive voice and a perceptive songwriter.

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