Windy

By Bryce Martin

During my upbringing in the Midwest, the term "story" was occasionally referred to as a "windy." An individual who engaged in conversation solely for the sake of talking, without any genuine concern for factual accuracy, was labeled as "Windy." For instance, a father might admonish a young son caught in a falsehood by saying, "I believe you are storying to me." Additionally, the act of passing gas was colloquially termed "letting a windy." That was a different kind of windy.

Regarding the statement: "The Bakersfield sound was a reaction against the slickly produced, string orchestra-laden Nashville sound, which gained popularity in the late 1950s."

It is important to note that this assertion contains numerous inaccuracies. The characterization of the Bakersfield Sound as a "reaction" implies that musicians in Bakersfield collectively decided to consciously reject the Nashville style in favor of a more robust approach. Furthermore, the so-called "string orchestra-laden Nashville Sound" actually originated in the early 1950s, and even earlier. For example, Hank Williams exemplified country music that incorporated string orchestration well before the late 1950s.

Hank Williams exemplified the diversity of country music, presenting a traditional sound in some works while incorporating "string orchestra" elements in others. However, this was merely one facet of the musical landscape emerging from Nashville. The region also embraced a more energetic style in its country records, akin to the sound developed in Bakersfield. This dynamic approach was not limited to Bakersfield on the West Coast; the "rock" influence in country music was evident elsewhere as well. Notably, the Maddox Brothers and Rose were pioneering a lively sound in the late 1940s, while Jimmy Bryant and Speedy West were pushing boundaries in Los Angeles. Wynn Stewart, for his part, was not confined to a single genre; like many of his contemporaries, he explored various musical styles, with his most significant hit leaning towards pop.

Although the term "Bakersfield Sound" has emerged as a recognized genre designation, its prevalence is not necessarily indicative of its merit or necessity. It is more a matter of perception than a definitive classification. To think otherwise is to inhale the vapors of a rear exit windy.