(KPCC) Dwight Yoakam is best known as a country artist, and his honky-tonk credentials back this up. With his boots and signature cowboy hat pulled low over his eyes, he has scored numerous number one singles, played countless shows and sold more than 25 million albums. But Yoakam is far from a one-trick pony.

After finding it hard to break through with his traditionalist honky-tonk in Nashville’s ‘urban cowboy’ early 80s period, he headed west to Los Angeles and starting sharing bills with punk bands. This unorthodox career move eventually led him to stardom with his debut album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc,. Etc.” in 1986.

Since then Yoakam’s ability to endear himself to country music listeners as well as appeal to fans of rock and roll and other genres has brought him near-legendary status. Cinema fans have also seen his deft work as an actor in films like Academy Award winner for best adapted screenplay “Slingblade,” “Panic Room,” and 2000’s “South of Heaven, West of Hell,” which he also co-wrote and produced.

Yoakam’s newest album, “3 Pears” arrives on September 18th and on it he collaborates with genre-hopping performer Beck and extroverted rock star Kid Rock. (read more)