Bakersfield,
an oil town that really had its boom
during the heart of the Depression.
And Bakersfield was also destined to become
somewhat of a center for country music.
And even back as early as the 50s,
it began to gain national recognition
for the popularity of songs like Dear John Letter,
Ferlin Husky's Gone,
and a string of novelty hits
from Leonard Sipes,
or better known as Tommy Collins.
Country music is a profession in Bakersfield,
and like all other professions, whether it
be that of a doctor,
or a scientist, or a steady ditch digger,
everyone seems to have
a particular someone who offered that helping hand at the right time.
And country music is no exception.
But in Bakersfield,
that same helping hand kept reaching out time after time to different
people,
such as Jeannie Shepard, Ferlin Husky,
Tommy Collins, Buck Owens,
Billy Myers, Herb
Henson,
Merle Haggard,
and also Red Simpson,
who saw reason to compose this song called
Bill Woods from Bakersfield.
Bill, here's to you.
Let me tell you all a story about a guitar picking man.
To me, he is the greatest picker in the land.
He taught me how to play a G, and he taught me
how to sing in key.
Bill Woods from Bakersfield,
a Bakersfield guitar man.
Well,
Bill gave old Buck the first job he ever had.
Bill must have been a good teacher,
because old Buck didn't do too bad.
He sits up there chewing his cigar,
playing Wildwood Flower on his guitar.
Bill Woods from Bakersfield,
a Bakersfield guitar man.
Well,
Bill never hit it big,
but he didn't miss it far.
But in my books,
he'll always be considered a star.
I followed him,
and he taught me guitar picking and harmony.
Bill Woods from Bakersfield,
a Bakersfield guitar man.
When the role is called up yonder,
and we've all met our quest,
I'll bet he'll be chosen to pick there with the best.
Up there with his gold guitar,
with things to write,
old Bill will be a star.
Bill Woods from Bakersfield,
a Bakersfield guitar man.
Well,
everybody loves old Bill,
because he's quite a man.
And if anybody should need some help,
well, he'll sure lend you a hand.
There's one more thing I'd like to say
before my story's through.
Bill Woods from Bakersfield,
we're all proud of you.