Dwight Yokum
By Charlene Tipton Baker
The Birthplace of Country Music delivers an all-new music experience for fans in the heart of historic downtown Bristol, Virginia, June 1.
The nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music continues to enrich the cultural landscape of downtown Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia, with its innovative new concert experience, In the Pines. The organization is behind the beloved Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival and the esteemed Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as well as WBCM Radio Bristol. BCM is renowned for its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and the music of our region.
In the Pines offers a fresh and immersive concert format, inviting audiences to enjoy live performances in an authentic setting, reminiscent of music’s roots and far-reaching branches. With its dedication to fostering community engagement and celebrating the legacy of country music, BCM continues to be a driving force in shaping the cultural identity of Bristol and beyond.
“In the Pines is a metaphor for the lasting impact Bristol continues to have on music culture worldwide,” said BCM Communications Manager Charlene Baker. “The song itself is known under different titles and lyrics, and crosses genres over generations. It’s like the music being made by artists in Bristol today—a melting pot of influences rooted in Appalachia, but very unique to artist interpretation.”
Why In the Pines? Why now?
“BCM has been interested in creating a new signature event that brings larger touring acts to downtown Bristol for some time,” said Shauna Tilson, BCM director of development. “A big, midsummer concert while we wait in anticipation for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion — it’s an economic driver that encourages an overnight stay and features a lineup that reflects our mission.”
The distinguished line-up includes Dwight Yoakam, Elle King, Paul Cauthen and newcomer Wyatt Flores. Each embody distinct eras and genres of roots music, reflecting the lasting impact of the 1927 Bristol Sessions through their diverse styles and interpretations, encapsulating the evolution and resonance of the music legacy born in Bristol.
“One of the things music fans love about Bristol is its authenticity,” said Baker. “BCM remains true to the songs and the artists who create and perform them. We also love artists with an independent spirit and up-and-coming acts that have the potential for longevity. Our goal is to build an audience who appreciates that authenticity and also create a larger demand for roots music in the zeitgeist.”
The Artists
Dwight Yoakam stands as a towering figure in the realm of country music, his distinct blend of honky-tonk twang and rockabilly flair forging a path uniquely his own. With multiple Grammy Awards adorning his illustrious career, including honors for his pioneering efforts in both vocal and instrumental performance, Yoakam remains an emblem of excellence in the genre. Emerging during a time when mainstream country veered towards polished pop, Yoakam fearlessly embraced the raw, rebellious spirit of outlaw country, channeling the essence of legends like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens into his music. His refusal to conform to industry norms not only solidified his status as a trailblazer but also paved the way for a resurgence of traditional country sounds in a genre that often craved authenticity. Through his chart-topping hits and boundary-pushing artistry, Yoakam continues to inspire generations of musicians, ensuring his legacy as a true icon of outlaw country endures.
Elle King, a versatile musician and powerhouse vocalist, has carved her own path through the music industry with a fearless spirit akin to that of country rebel Yoakam. Initially recognized for her electrifying blend of pop and rock, King made a bold transition into the realm of country music, effortlessly infusing her signature sass and soul into the genre. Much like Yoakam, she defies conventional labels, embracing her rebellious nature to exceed expectations and push boundaries. With a Grammy nomination under her belt and a string of hits that showcase her raw authenticity, King continues to captivate audiences with her unapologetic approach to music, solidifying her status as a modern-day maverick in the vein of country legends before her.
Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Paul Cauthen possesses a voice that echoes with the soulful resonance of Americana’s deepest roots, yet defies categorization with its unique timbre and emotional depth. In a genre often defined by its adherence to traditional sounds, Cauthen stands out as an original, weaving elements of gospel, blues and rock into a tapestry entirely his own. His music transcends labels, effortlessly traversing the boundaries between genres and capturing the hearts of listeners with its raw honesty, subversive humor and unbridled passion. With each melody and evocative lyric, Cauthen reaffirms his status as a visionary artist who refuses to be confined by the constraints of musical conventions, carving a path that is as boundless as it is unforgettable.
Wyatt Flores emerges onto the music scene as a dynamic and promising newcomer, armed with a talent that belies his youth. With a voice that carries both vulnerability and strength, Flores weaves poignant narratives through his heartfelt lyrics and stirring melodies. Drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and the world around him, his songs resonate with purity and emotional depth, captivating listeners with their veracity and infectious energy. As a young artist on the rise, Flores embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity, poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry with his undeniable talent and unwavering passion.
“The Longest Train I Ever Saw”
At the heart of In the Pines is the rich music heritage of the Bristol region, epitomized by the iconic song “The Longest Train I Ever Saw.” Recorded by the Tenneva Ramblers during the 1927 Bristol Sessions, this timeless piece serves as a metaphor for the dynamic and influential music that continues to emanate from our region.
The origin of this traditional folk song is somewhat murky. Historians believe it emerged from two songs, “In the Pines” and “The Longest Train,” dating back to the 1870s in the Southern Appalachian region of the United States. Like so many folk songs, it was passed down by word-of-mouth from generation to generation and interpreted in a variety of ways by many artists.
1927 Bristol Sessions: The Tenneva Ramblers and Jimmie Rodgers
Erika Barker, curatorial manager at the Birthplace of Country of Music Museum, provides an interesting back story on The Tenneva Ramblers and their connection to Jimmie Rodgers:
“On Aug. 4, 1927, a group called the Jimmie Rodgers Entertainers arrived in Bristol to audition and record for Ralph Peer. Though the group formed in Asheville, North Carolina, and played regularly at a nearby resort, all but Jimmie Rodgers were from Bristol. Rodgers and his bandmate, Jack Pierce, found out about the Bristol Sessions coincidentally while visiting Bristol to convince Pierce’s father to help acquire a car for the band. When they returned to Bristol with the rest of the band to audition, Peer recorded them as two separate acts. There is some debate over the reason this decision was made, but it is clear that Peer was impressed with both arrangements. After the Bristol Session, he invited both acts to record with him again. Rodgers recorded just a few months later in New York, a session that would produce his first big hit - ‘Blue Yodel (T for Texas)’ – and solidify his place in country music history. The remaining members of the Jimmie Rodgers Entertainers gave themselves a new name – the Tenneva Ramblers. They went on to record another six songs with Peer in Atlanta in February of 1928.
“The band that played with Rodgers before his debut as a solo artist consisted of Jack and Claude Grant and Jack Pierce. After Rodgers left, they were joined by another Bristol native, Claude Slagle, for their Bristol Session recording and called themselves the Tenneva Ramblers. The Tenneva Ramblers recorded three songs in Bristol - ‘The Longest Train I Ever Saw,’ ‘Sweet Heaven When I Die’ and ‘Miss Liza, Poor Gal.’ One song, in particular - ‘The Longest Train I Ever Saw’ - has stood the test of time and been re-imagined as ‘In the Pines’ by many musicians and in several different genres. The song also appears in‘The American Gods’TV series and in video games such as‹The Walking Dead’andFar Cry 5.’”
A Musical Journey Across Generations
“The Longest Train I Ever Saw” has been reinvented by legendary artists spanning decades across a diverse range of genres. From Bill Monroe to Leadbelly, and even reaching the grunge era with Nirvana, the song has undergone countless transformations, each interpretation capturing the essence of the artist’s unique style. These variations, with different titles and lyrics, reflect the extraordinary essence of Bristol’s music and its influence, proving that its impact transcends time and resonates with audiences across the globe.
In the Pines - Bridging Tradition and Innovation
In the Pines is not just a music event; it’s a celebration of Bristol’s musical legacy, bridging the traditions of the past with the innovation of the present. The lineup promises an eclectic mix of artists, each bringing their own twist to the region’s musical narrative. Attendees can expect a day filled with soul-stirring performances, diverse sounds, and a sense of community that only music rooted in a place as special as Bristol can evoke.
Behind the Scenes
Planning an event on a large scale is nothing new for BCM, the organization has had more than two decades of experience in marketing and logistical tactics surrounding the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival. In fact, it was BCM’s expertise and connections to both city governments of Bristol that Knoxville-based events company AC Entertainment relied upon when they were hired to execute Mumford & Sons’ Bristol Stopover leg of their 2012 Gentlemen of the Road tour.
“BCM helped Believe in Bristol write the proposal to bring Mumford & Sons to Bristol,” said Leah Ross, BCM’s executive director of advancement. “At the time, we only knew that a major international touring act was scouting smaller locations in the U.S. to host their tour. We were told later that the band was immediately drawn to us because of our music history, but our experience in organizing Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion sealed the deal. We made all the introductions and went to all the meetings with AC Entertainment and the cities. AC even set up an office in our board room.
“Cooperation and detailed communications with our city governments and any businesses that may be affected by your event is crucial from the very beginning. Permits for alcohol sales must be acquired well in advance, and plans about road closures, rerouting traffic--even golf cart routes—are carefully drawn. We are so grateful to our cities for everything they provide to help us create a seamless event for our patrons.
“We are very fortunate to have the backing of our city leaders on both sides of the state line. I attend tourism conferences all over the Southeast and have met dozens of professionals in the events industry. They are always amazed at the level of support and cooperation we have from our city governments who go above and beyond.
“Building and maintaining relationships and partnerships is key, bottom line.”
Where is In the Pines?
The concert will be held in the area in front of the Bristol Train Station on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in the city lot area in the same location where Mumford & Sons performed back in 2012. The location is purposeful; at the crossroads where freight trains move back and forth between the states and haloed by the towering Bristol sign. Talks of passenger rail returning to Bristol adds a level of excitement as well, BCM looks forward to the day when visitors can step off the train just steps away from event gates for future In the Pines concerts and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.
What are entry protocols?
Ticket holders can enter and re-enter the grounds until 6 p.m. All tickets will be electronically scanned at the event gates..
Event goers are encouraged to bring camp chairs, sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes for dancing.
Ticket holders are subject to search upon entry. Visit the FAQ section of the event’s website for a complete list of what items are allowed inside the venue.
How much are tickets?
Tickets to In the Pines are $100, general admission. VIP packages are also available for $200 and include one ticket to the event, a VIP t-shirt, preferred viewing section, access to VIP restroom trailer and one drink ticket. Shuttle passes are also on sale now.
Where do I found out more about In the Pines?
Visit InthePinesBristol.com for tickets and more information. Gate times and schedule have not yet been released.
