Keyword Bakersfield

When the manager of an Italian restaurant chain wins the opportunity to attend the franchise’s educational immersion program in Italy, what she thought would be a romantic getaway devolves into chaos and catastrophe.

Originally recorded on October 23, 1988 and edited for a 30-minute broadcast, Austin City Limits and New West Records have collaborated to release this sparkling performance given by Dwight and his early band, in its entirety. The audio has been re-mixed and re-mastered in stereo and 5.1 surround. Special guests include Buck Owens and Flaco Jimenez.

One man stands between America and anarchy as the War on Nudity battles to the end – here on the streets of Bakersfield.

Haggard actually lived the rambling, gambling, love ‘em and leave ‘em, often brutal life that remains the bedrock of country music lyrics – he hopped his first freight train at the age of 10, became a chronic truant and drinker and was locked up some 17 times as a youngster. Serious criminal charges followed, including car theft. He was, literally, in the inmate audience in 1959, when Johnny Cash gave his New Year’s Day concert in San Quentin – and, as he’s said repeatedly, “my life changed forever.”