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The “Bakersfield Sound,” you say?

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia editor

What is the “Bakersfield Sound?”

That is one of the tireless questions music fans have asked and argued over for years.

Just try taking a stand on any of your own thoughts about this is topic, and find out what happens. You’re either going to get a long-winded speech about musicians you’ve never heard of, or a short response with two names in the same breath … “Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.”

But that’s the easy way out - you certainly don’t want to go toe to toe with someone you think may have the secret of the “Bakersfield Sound” locked up like a secret weapon - or do you?

With all the recent pageantry surrounding Merle Haggard getting his own road, and the second anniversary of Buck Owen leaving us for the great Crystal Palace in the sky there was only one thing left to do....

Another tribute!

No, not another street or statue - we took it to our Web site: www.bakotopia.com, your local home of free thinking, for answers. We’re on a quest for knowledge - Buck would be proud. Merle (if you’re reading this or even care), we hope to have your blessing.

Yes, we included KORN in the discussion, for as a “Bakersfield” connected band they have carved their niche into rock n' roll history and always cause a cool ruckus.

So, what did Bakotopia.com users have to say?

Story originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, issue 24, 3/20/08

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