Dwight Yoakam is an American singer, songwriter, actor and director best known for his honky-tonk sound, his skinny jeans and cowboy hat and for hits including Guitars, Cadillacs, Honky Tonk Man and A Thousand Miles from Nowhere. With his distinctive voice, his gift for songwriting and his talent for crafting songs that are both deeply personal and universal, Yoakam has built a career that spans more than four decades, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest country singers in American music.
| Full Name | Dwight David Yoakam |
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1956 |
| Age | 70 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Pikeville, Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, actor, director |
| Known For | Guitars, Cadillacs, Honky Tonk Man, Sling Blade |
| Wife | Emily Joyce (married 2020) |
| Children | One son, Dalton |
| Net Worth | Approx. $45 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Dwight Yoakam?
Dwight Yoakam is a musician who became one of the biggest stars in American music. He first found fame with his debut album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. in 1986, which included the hit Guitars, Cadillacs, and he went on to record Hillbilly Deluxe in 1987, which included Little Sister, and Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room in 1988, which included Streets of Bakersfield.
Yoakam also had a successful career as a recording artist, with hits including Honky Tonk Man in 1986, A Thousand Miles from Nowhere in 1993 and Fast as You in 1993. He won two Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance for Ain’t That Lonely Yet in 1994, and he has been praised for his acting in films including Sling Blade in 1996 and Panic Room in 2002.
Early Life & Background
Dwight David Yoakam was born on October 23, 1956, in Pikeville, Kentucky, the son of a coal miner father, and he grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where he attended Northland High School. He began playing guitar as a teenager, teaching himself to play by ear, and he formed a band called the Greaser Band while still in high school.
After graduating from high school, Yoakam attended Ohio State University, where he studied, and he moved to Nashville in 1977, where he worked as a songwriter. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he recorded his debut album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. in 1986.
He has been married to Emily Joyce, a photographer, since 2020, and they have one son, Dalton. He lives in Los Angeles, and he is known for his love of classic cars and for his work with the organisation MusiCares, a charity that supports musicians in need.
Career
Yoakam’s breakthrough came in 1986, when he released Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc., which included the hit Guitars, Cadillacs and Honky Tonk Man. The album was a huge success, and Yoakam went on to record Hillbilly Deluxe in 1987, which included Little Sister, and Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room in 1988, which included Streets of Bakersfield.
After Buenas Noches, Yoakam released If There Was a Way in 1990, which included the hit You’re the One, and he recorded This Time in 1993, which included A Thousand Miles from Nowhere and Fast as You. He has continued to record and perform, and he remains one of the most beloved singers in American music.
Like fellow country stars Travis Tritt and George Strait, Yoakam is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and innovation he brings to every performance. He continues to record and perform, and he remains one of the most beloved singers in American music.
Facts About Dwight Yoakam
- Dwight Yoakam’s debut album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. was one of the best-selling country albums of the 1980s.
- He won two Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance for Ain’t That Lonely Yet in 1994.
- He was born Dwight David Yoakam in Pikeville, Kentucky, in 1956.
- His song Streets of Bakersfield was a duet with Buck Owens in 1988.
- He has been married to Emily Joyce since 2020, and they have one son, Dalton.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dwight Yoakam?
Dwight Yoakam was born on October 23, 1956, which makes him 70 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Dwight Yoakam?
Dwight Yoakam is 6 feet tall (1.83 metres).
Who is Dwight Yoakam married to?
Dwight Yoakam has been married to Emily Joyce since 2020. They have one son, Dalton.
What is Dwight Yoakam’s net worth?
Dwight Yoakam’s net worth is estimated at approximately $45 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth in 2025.
What is Dwight Yoakam best known for?
Dwight Yoakam is best known for Guitars, Cadillacs and Honky Tonk Man.