Country Calling: Bakersfield, Summer 2020
Welcome to Bakersfield “While ‘Bakersfield Sound’, fairly or unfairly, has come to refer to the sonic qualities of a subgenre of music, I generally use the term to refer to an era. It was, first and foremost, a time and a place.” - Scott B. Bomar, The Bakersfield Sound Bakersfield, California was the last place you would expect to be the epicenter of a musical movement. Or a fashion one. It wasn’t Nashville, and it wasn’t Hollywood. Yet, somehow it became a magnet and launching pad for some of the most notable artists of the era, and it became its own thing entirely. “Bakersfield Sound” became a universally understood term, and its reverberations left an indelible impression on an entire generation. “I have very fond memories of my sisters and me sitting on the couch at our grandparents’s house, watching and singing along to The Porter Wagoner Show,” said Cheryl McMullen, designer for Double D Ranch. “We were mesmerized, stars in our eyes. Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Buck Owens in their wild outfits and Nudie Cohn suits — That was ‘Hollywood’ to us; that was fame, that was glamour. And it was fun. When I started to design this collection, that feeling, that light-hearted happiness, that’s what I wanted the Bakersfield collection to convey.” And that’s what Bakersfield is about. Sure, you’ll see identifiable influences from specific stars — Dolly Parton pinks, Porter Wagoner jackets, Nudie Cohn suits — but this collection isn’t an homage to any one person, or even Bakersfield as a place. It’s a sentiment. It’s an era. It’s a sound. And it’s transcendent. It puts you back in that time and place. The colors are bright. The silhouettes are daring. The accents are dazzling. Bakersfield is a feel-good collection. It’s that outfit you reach for when you’re feeling your best, and the one you rely on to snap you out of it when you’re feeling your worst. Look good. Feel good. Hang a little happy in your closet.
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Cover: Roping the Wind Vest, Rodeo Trails Pant, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Midnight Cowboy Belt This Spread: Roping the Wind Vest, Rodeo Trails Pant, City Slicker Hat, Apache Kid Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Midnight Cowboy Belt
“There’s that old cliché that Nashville country came out of churches and the Bakersfield Sound came out of the bar rooms.” - Chris Shiflett, Guitarist for the Foo Fighters, intro to “The Bakersfield Sound” by Scott B. Bomar
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Walkin’ After Midnight Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry
This Page: Rodeo Trails Jacket, Rodeo Trails Pant, Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Walkin’ After Midnight Top, Rodeo Trails Jacket, Rodeo Trails Pant, Coyote Moon Boot, Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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“The road had lonely times, but I kept myself busy.” - Buck Owens
Rodeo Trails Jacket, Rodeo Trails Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Rodeo Trails Pant, Cass Boot
Hillbilly Band Tunic, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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This Page: Helluva Stud Top, Bakersfield Boot, Midnight Cowboy Belt, Balcones Concho Belt Opposite Page: Queen of the Rodeo Top, Queen of the Rodeo Skirt, Midnight Cowboy Hat, Forever Country Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Midnight Cowboy Belt
Head Over Wheels Jacket, Forever Country Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Head Over Wheels Jacket, Helluva Stud Top, Udderly Fabulous Skirt, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
Head Over Wheels Jacket, Helluva Stud Top, Udderly Fabulous Skirt, City Slicker Hat, Forever Country Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
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Opposite Page: Bobcat Boogie Top, Rodeo Trails Shorts, City Slicker Hat, Long Tall Sally Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry This Page: Bobcat Boogie Top, Rodeo Trails Shorts, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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“I’ll tell you what the public likes more than anything, it’s the most rare commodity in the world - honesty.” - Merle Haggard
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Heart to Heart Top, City Slicker Hat, Forever Country Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Walkin’ After Midnight Top, Old Pawn Hat, Forever Country Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
TANYA MOTHER TUCKER
She’s bucked the rules, she’s defied the odds, and at 61, she’s just getting started. An outlaw attitude and a voice like honey-coated gravel, there has never been anyone quite like Tanya Tucker. In 1972, a barely teenaged Tanya burst onto the country music scene with the release of her first single, “Delta Dawn”, hitting #6 on the charts. She’s been an icon ever since. Last year, Tanya recorded her first album of new music in 17 years, and it seems she came back better than ever. The record, While I’m Livin’, was released to high praise and critical acclaim, and after 14 nominations, it won Tanya her first two Grammy Awards. And she did it wearing Double D Ranch.
You see, over the past year, we’ve gotten to make several memories with Ms. Tucker, starting with her memorable visit to “The Mothership” (our outlet store in Yoakum, Texas) last August. She shopped, she sang, she shared some of her signature Cosa Salvaje tequila. “Her team had reached out to us the Saturday before to let us know they were going to swing by and come in,” said DDR’s queen of customer service, Kristen Schley. “I said ‘That’s great! We’ll have the outlet ready!’ And they actually drove in the night before and sort of camped out in the bus overnight until she was ready to come shop.” In September, we loaded up our whole Double D crew and took a charter bus over to Lake Charles, Louisiana to attend her concert at The Golden Nugget Casino. In January, a few of us ventured out to Nashville, where we visited her home, we met her children and her horses, and we were backstage during her performance
at The Grand Ole Opry. And then, when the 2020 Grammy Awards rolled around, we spent four days in Los Angeles with her, clothing her in custom pieces we designed for her performance, the red carpet, and several other events surrounding the show. Most recently, while we were all sheltering in place, Tanya and her darling beau, singer/songwriter Craig Dillingham, performed a Facebook Live concert for us and all of our devoted Double D Addiction group members. She sang, she told stories, she praised God. She made us laugh, and she made us cry, and she made us feel right at home in her living room. It has been a pleasure getting to know her, and an honor getting to dress her. It was a humbling, surreal moment to watch her perform “Bring My Flowers Now” on stage at the Grammys in a suit that we designed. We’ve been lifelong fans of Tanya Tucker. She’s an outlaw. She’s an icon. She’s a friend.
Recently we were able to ask Tanya a few questions – about her new album, about being back on the scene, and about winning her first Grammy Awards. And her answers did not disappoint; she responded with her characteristic humor and candor that we’ve come to know and love. DDR: You released your first album in 19 years, While I’m Livin’. What was it like getting back in the studio after almost two decades? TT: I personally feel like I never went away, but it’s been 17 years since we released a record of new music and we’re having a blast with Brandi [Carlile] and Shooter [ Jennings] promoting it. It’s amazing how Brandi and the twins wrote all these songs about my life, and we didn’t even meet until I was in the recording studio. That’s remarkable. I could never do that. And then, I told Brandi about a song title I mentioned to Loretta Lynn back in the ‘70s, “Bring my flowers now, while I’m livin’…”. Brandi immediately said, “Let’s write it.” I wasn’t so sure, but after I thought about it, I came back and there she was at the piano with the twins. We wrote “Bring My Flowers Now” in 15 minutes. And we titled the record after the chorus in the song. It’s one of my favorite songs of all time because it honors my mom, dad, family, friends, and my beloved horse Jesse Ray that passed away.
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DDR: One of the songs they wrote was “Mustang Ridge”, tell us about that song. TT: Well, “Mustang Ridge” was written specifically for me, by Brandi and the twins, Phil and Tim Hanseroth. Brandi always says, the song, like me, is forthright and mysterious! Ha ha. The narrator is on the run, dogs and devils at her heels, and she has faked her own death – maybe! What’s certain is that she’s gone, in the song. What blows my mind is Brandi and the twins wrote this song for me before ever meeting me! Now that’s talent. DDR: While I’m Livin’ recently won you the Grammy for Best Country Album, and your song “Bring My Flowers Now” won for Best Country Song. After 14 nominations, you’re taking home not one, but TWO, trophies. What was that moment like? TT: That was a whirlwind! I really wanted to win for my team and my kids. I’ve been nominated so many times for so many awards, that I got used to losing. Losing is a lot easier!
I certainly didn’t expect to win, but I sure hoped it would happen for all the people around me every day. They wanted it to happen so I’m glad I did for them. They’ve all worked so hard on this record and they were all there with me in the audience, so we celebrated together. DDR: You have a loyal, fervent following of fans who eagerly welcomed your return. You’ve been selling out shows all over the country! How does it feel to be on tour? TT: I took some time off around 2012 when my mother passed away, but I was back on the road with a new band and team in 2015, so we’ve been road warriors since. I’m 61 and I’ve been doing this since I was 7. It’s all I know and what I love. If it weren’t for the fans, I wouldn’t be able to eat or have a roof over my head. I thank my God every day for giving me the gift to get back on the road and jump on that stage. Some days are tougher than others. Really tough. But you have to pull up your bootstraps and suck it up.
Walkin’ After Midnight Top, Old Pawn Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
Bakersfield Jacket, Thunderbeing Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
DDR: You can certainly still rock a stage — and rock an outfit! We always love getting to dress you because you’re not afraid to accessorize, and whenever we start to put together looks we always go towards the “more” side. What’s the secret to your style? What’s your relationship with your wardrobe or your “look”? TT: I love statement pieces and spontaneity. I could spend all day picking out Double D Ranch pieces
and styling them with their incredible jackets, vests and pants. Each item is truly a work of art, from the studs, beading and beautiful craftsmanship in the turquoise belts and jewelry. That’s what fun about building my performance outfits and everyday wear – every piece can be mixed and matched for comfort or glam! DDR: Have you always had an eye for a little dazzle in your wardrobe? We seem to remember you telling a
story about your momma and a little gold dress... TT: Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette – all of the trailblazers who came before me sparkled like a diamond on stage, so that’s what all girl singers aspired to look like. I’ll never forget when my mom spent good money on a gold sequin dress – that’s one of my first memories of having something really special to take care of. Today, I really like to have some sparkle and statement pieces in my wardrobe. Double D has so many pieces that pop whether I’m on stage or just going out for dinner. DDR: Tell us how you got connected with Double D Ranch. TT: I’ve been a longtime customer! As soon as I got a little money, I got me some Double D. I’ve been an online shopper for years, but I’m Texan at heart, so whenever the bus is rolling through Houston, San Antonio or in between, we try to swing by the showroom in Yoakum. I’m always fascinated by the collections each season. Cheryl McMullen and her team of designers are true artisans and artists. It’s kind of rock-and-roll country. I feel really hip in it. I feel like I look good in it and it makes me look good. And I feel really comfortable in it. That’s the best feeling of all, being comfortable and looking good at the same time. And they seem to have that down. The first time we went there -- I always call it Dwight, Texas, but it’s Yoakum, Texas -- [to the Mothership], of course, I went wild. And I got to meet all the girls. From the moment we all met, we just kind of connected. And I don’t think there are a whole lot of words to explain it.
Tanya with her boyfriend and singer/songwriter Craig Dillingham. Choctaw Ridge Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
DDR: What’s next for Tanya Tucker? TT: Every day I wake up with a new to do list. I feel more alive and energized than ever. I want to record more music. I want to tour the world. I want to save the elephants in Africa and the gorillas in the bush. I don’t feel like I’m getting older at all, I feel like I’ve just begun.
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Bakersfield Sound The “Bakersfield Sound” is ubiquitous, yet indescribable. You can’t really put it into words, but you sure know it when you hear it. It’s twangy. It’s honky-tonk. It is the first generation of country music to be influenced by rock-and-roll, and it is everything Nashville country wasn’t at the time. Hundreds of hits emerged from that era that embody the iconic Bakersfield sound. Here are a few of the ones we loved and still know by heart:
Cryin’ Time - Buck Owens LA International Airport - Susan Raye Apartment #9 - Tammy Wynette Looking Back to See - Buck Owens & Susan Raye Silver Wings - Merle Haggard Act Naturally - Buck Owens & the Buckaroos The Emptiest Arms in the World - Merle Haggard Together Again - Buck Owens
Visit our blog, Double Talk, on DoubleDRanch.com for other iconic Bakersfield tunes and the stories behind them.
This Page: Head Over Wheels Jacket, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Bakersfield Jacket, Queen of the Rodeo Skirt, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
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Bakersfield Jacket, Queen of the Rodeo Skirt, City Slicker Hat, Capistrano Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
This Page: Bakersfield Jacket, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Bakersfield Jacket, Queen of the Rodeo Skirt, City Slicker Hat, Capistrano Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
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Head Over Wheels Jacket, Rodeo Trails Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Double D Ranch Jewelry
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This Page: Saltillo Cowboy Poncho, Sealy Shorts, Country Calling Hat, Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Just Another Cowboy Dress, Capistrano Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
This Page: Rodeo Trails Pant, Midnight Cowboy Boot Opposite Page: Just Another Cowboy Dress, Capistrano Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
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“Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied. That leaves only me to blame, ‘cause Mama tried.” - Merle Haggard
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Roping the Wind Vest, Rodeo Trails Pant, Midnight Cowboy Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
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Fortunate One Tee, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Western Swing Top, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
Oklahoma Joe Tee, Sealy Shorts, Midnight Cowboy Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Porter Wagoner Whether you grew up watching him, or his show completely predated your existence, when you hear the name Porter Wagoner, you can picture him. His blonde pompadour. His even blonder sidekick, Dolly. And man oh man, his colorful blinged-out suits. The Porter Wagoner Show ran the entirety of the 1960s and 70s, during an era when fashion was getting a lot more colorful and a lot more funky. Silhouettes had flare and skirts had swing, and the world of Western wear was now full of twang. It also coincided with the emergence of Nudie Cohn onto the mainstream scene. The illustrious tailor who got his start making undergarments for showgirls, had gotten a foothold in the western world via the musician Tex Williams, and evolved into creating garments for some of the era’s biggest music stars, like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Elton John. Porter Wagoner was one of them. At the time, The Porter Wagoner Show was averaging about three million viewers a week. So, Nudie made Porter a suit, free of charge, knowing that if he wore it on air, it would be better advertising than money could buy. This was 1962, and he wasn’t wrong. Porter’s style almost became synonymous with Nudie Cohn, and the two rose to stardom in tandem. Nothing was too over-the-top -- there were bright colors and big embroidery and all the beading and rhinestones one suit could handle. We had to bring that to the Bakersfield collection. You’ll see influences of Porter in vests, in jackets, and even some sassy Nudie-inspired suits. If the Bakersfield Sound had a look, this is definitely it.
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Head Over Wheels Jacket, Helluva Stud Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt
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“I believe there is a different kind of beauty, the beauty of being honest, of being yourself, of singing like you feel it.� - Porter Wagoner
Head Over Wheels Vest, Sing Dixie Top, Bakersfield Blanket Serape Skirt, Almost Famous Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Both Pages: Bakersfield Serape Dress, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Bakersfield Serape Scarf, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Juke Box Judy Tank, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Selena Saltillo Tee, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Buenos Noches Top, Sealy Shorts, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Bakersfield Boot
Porter’s Thunderbird Top, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Honky Tonk Cat Top, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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This Page: Honky Tonk Cat Dress, Apache Kid Boot, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Walkin’ After Midnight Top, Rodeo Trails Pant, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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This Page: Sing Dixie Top, Queen of the Rodeo Skirt, Double D Ranch Jewelry, Vintage Double D Ranch Belt Opposite Page: Queen of the Rodeo Top, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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This Page: Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Rodeo Trails Jacket, Rodeo Trails Shorts, Stockyards Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Bakersfield Boogie Dress, City Slicker Hat, Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Bakersfield Boogie Dress, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
This Page: Chief Kitty Woo Tee, Honky Tonk Cat Skirt, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry Opposite Page: Dach Cowboy Tee, Sealy Shorts, Country Calling Hat, Cass Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Bobcat Boogie Tee, Bakersfield Jacket, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Honky Tonk Sock, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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Hello Trouble Jacket, City Slicker Hat, Little Joe Boot, Double D Ranch Jewelry
Hello Trouble Jacket, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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These Pages: Double D Ranch Jewelry Back Cover: Bakersfield Jacket, City Slicker Hat, Double D Ranch Jewelry
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