Wynn Stewart was an influential figure in the development of the Bakersfield Sound, a movement which added a gritty edge and rockabilly drive to traditional honky-tonk country music. Born in Morrisville, Missouri, on June 7, 1934, Stewart started his music career early, using his gift for songwriting and a charismatically smooth voice that resonated with fans of hard-edged country. His sound was characterized by crisp electric guitars and punchy rhythms which contrasted with the smoother, string-laden country styles popular in Nashville during the same period.

Stewart's contributions to country music remain significant, and his influence can still be felt in the sounds of artists that followed him. Early singles like "Wishful Thinking" and "It's Such a Pretty World Today" carved out his place in the country music pantheon, while his later works, including albums like "The Bakersfield Sound of Wynn Stewart" and "I'd Rather Have America," upheld his relevance in an ever-changing musical landscape. Although he never achieved the household name status of some of his contemporaries, Stewart's music has maintained a dedicated following and continues to receive critical acclaim for its role in shaping the sound and heart of the country genre. Wynn Stewart passed away on July 17, 1985, but his legacy lives on through his music and the artists he inspired.

Genres

Bakersfield Sound

Classic Country Pop

Western Swing

Related Artists

Merle Haggard

Buck Owens

Johnny Cash

George Jones

Dwight Yoakam

Ray Price

Faron Young

Ferlin Husky

Lefty Frizzell

Johnny Horton

Webb Pierce

Randy Travis

Latest Release

The Bakersfield Sound of Wynn Stewart

Wynn Stewart

Album - 12 Tracks - Released July 28, 2023