San Joaquin Sound

San Joaquin Sound

by AJ Rodriguez

Music History Music Interviews

Willie Cantu Part 3: From Buckaroo to The Avant-Guarde - Bakersfield, Toronto, San Francisco, and Nashville

This is Part 3 of a 3 Part series of interviews with Willie Cantu, the Buckaroo. This episode covers his time after he left Buck Owens and the Buckaroos and went on to pursue other musical adventures. He spent time in Toronto as a studio musician, then moved to San Francisco and pursued Jazz while becoming a part of the Avant-Guarde movement. Then he moved to Nashville and continued drumming including starting 2 different Scottish Pipe Bands. Listen to the final chapter of the Willie Cantu story on the San Joaquin Sound podcast.

Willie Cantu Part 2: On the Road with Buck Owens and the Buckaroos

This is Part 2 of a 3 Part series of interviews with Willie Cantu, the Buckaroo. This episode covers his time with Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. Icons of Country music, they took Bakersfield Sound on the road, toured the world, and recorded hit after hit. Stay tuned for Part 3!

Willie Cantu Part 1: From Corpus Christi's Youngest Working Drummer to Buck Owens Buckaroo

This is Part 1 of a 3 Part series of interviews with Willie Cantu, the Buckaroo. This episode covers his time growing up in Corpus Christi, Texas and working the clubs as a drummer while still a teenager. It also talks about him joining Buck Owens and the Buckaroos and moving to Bakersfield and his first experiences there. Stay tuned for part two!

Chris Goodsell: The Adventures of Purdy Spackle and Big Jed

Chris Goodsell has been performing music since he was a child. He got into punk music in the 80s and learned guitar and bass. He was in bands like Big Jed, The Mutilators, Cradle of Thorns, and The Wichitas. He has played shows for decades all over Bakersfield and has gone on multiple worldwide tours. He has opened for Dee Dee Ramone, Willie Nelson, and even Korn.

Norm Hamlet: Ridin' the Frets with Merle Haggard & The Strangers

Norm Hamlet was the Pedal Steel guitarist for 49.5 years with Merle Haggard and The Strangers. He was a pioneer of The Bakersfield Sound. He played on 9 Gold and Platinum albums. He has toured all over the United States and internationally. This interviews covers his beginnings with as a musician, touring with Merle, and his current tours.

Marc DeLeon: Jack of All Trades, Master of Drums

Marc DeLeon promoted many concerts throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He played guitar, bass, and drums in many bands including Hossbruten, Adema, Premonition, American Standard, Cholo Biafra, and the Mentors. He has owned Mad Dog Tattoo for over 30 years. He has played our local American Legion, Gilman, CBGBs, and even the Eindhoven Metal Meeting. This conversation covers Bakersfield scene, San Francisco, and some touring stories.

Billy Haynes: From East Bakersfield Bass Legend to Worldwide Star

Billy Haynes has played Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and even a Cambodian Orphanage. A talented Bassist and Vocalist, Billy has been the bassist for Tina Turner, Lou Rawls, and Paulie Cerra. He started out in East Bakersfield playing The Cotton Club, and The Elks Club, even winning Battle of the Bands at Lake Ming. He has had an incredible career spanning 60+ years and I was honored to interview him.

Burning Image: Bakersfield Deathrock Since 1983

Burning Image is a Deathrock band from Bakersfield, California. By combining diverse influences, Burning Image created a unique sound. Even though protesters picketed their shows, it didn't stop crowds from coming to see them perform. An interview with Moe Adame, guitarist, singer, and songwriter for Burning Image.

The Soda Crackers: Bakersfield's Premier Country & Western Band

The Soda Crackers are Bakersfield's premier Country & Western band. They tour all over the United States as ambassadors for authentic Bakersfield Sound, complete with fiddles and a lap steel guitar. This interview is with Zane Adamo, fiddle player, vocalist, and one of songwriters for The Soda Crackers. We talk about his band and dive into the interesting history of The Bakersfield Sound that inspires him.

GOLD: The Highest Quality Hardcore Punk Band

Hardcore Punk band GOLD has been touring all throughout California representing Bakersfield. We talk about what it's like living in an economic sacrifice zone and what to do about it. An interview with all 5 members, who came up going to shows at the Munoz Gym. BAKERSFIELD RULES. OK?

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