Trucker

In the Golden Age of the LP, country music reputedly was the most popular idiom in North America, although sales may not have so reflected. One of the most enduring offshoots of country proper, "truck driver's music" continues to percolate interest, and not just among country or rockabilly fans. As with biker and hot-rod music, trucker songs reflect the inherent macho quality of a fiercely independent and rugged lifestyle, filled with diesel and dangers on the road. On the other hand, few occupations lend themselves as readily to the contemplative; rambling reflections on waitresses, hitch-hikers, and even phantoms abound.

Trucker music ranges every place from weepers about lost loves and family to hard-driving rockabilly and bluegrass instrumentals. Anything that rolls or merely exists down the road becomes fair game as subject matter. Any great yarn distilled to perfection through endless truckstop retellings makes a candidate for song. There are "answer" songs to several of the many hits and spoofs of all kinds, such as the "gay" smokie ruse in Rod Hart's idiom-killing "C.B. Savage." No activity or icon of restlessness, such as a piece of apple pie, pinball machine, or teddy bear, could be considered safe from the sages of the asphalt.

The major country labels knew and cultivated their audience from the beginning. Truckers and the roadside institutions supporting them consumed a great deal of country records. Though marginal, music for "gear jammers" came into its own partly as tribute to the first major users of America's then-new interstate highway system. The leading lights of Nashville recognized trucking music in awards and new songs long before "Convoy" canonized the idiom in the 1970s. Since the mid-1970s, however, truck driving songs have been negligible despite incredible growth in trucking itself.

Trucker songs are fun, and no punches are pulled. If a man means to confess he has a stimulant habit, he does so directly. But among all the tawdriness and sensationalism, the underlying message is that truckers, those mysterious strangers in intimidating rigs, are mainly just normal people paying their dues -- while hearing, telling, and inacting great tales of the American road. Then when you get C.W. McCall rapping about hippies and proto-New Age jive, hoo boy!

Buying: Compilations and reissues are common, with much overlap. The King/Starday (& Nashville/Gusto) material is the most collectable, but equally good are several acts with other labels such as MGM and Capitol. For the advanced collector, 45s are fertile territory.

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