Inclusion of okies in California migrant camps-- The start of something new--The Bakersfield sound

Upon arriving in California, the music of the oikos’s took a drastic shift. The Hollywood scene was producing many famous bands and singers such as the Bog Trotters. These famous artists mainly reflected the lifestyle of the migrant workers of California. In an ethnographic collection by Charles L. Todd and Robert Sonkin, the two write, "while visiting the camps, Todd became aware of the intangible possessions the migrants had brought with them: their cultural heritage and in particular, the ballads and other folksongs they performed and enjoyed" (Library of Congress). However, despite the shift in the sound of the music, there was still remnants of the traditional folk sound. One example of the Bakersfield sound may be heard in this link--https://www.loc.gov/item/toddbib000170/--Similar to that of the Nashville sound and classic country music, the Bakersfield sound had a very upbeat and swing style rhythm. 

In regard to Steinbeck’s novel, examples of the Bakersfield sound may be seen when he writes, “The music rose and fell, and the moving shoes beating in time on the platform sounded like drums. ‘Swing to the right an’ a swing to the lef’; break, now—break back to—back’ the caller sang the high vibrant monotone” (Steinbeck 342). The sound of artists such as Ruby Rains, Bert Rains, and composer Jack Latham also represented the Bakersfield sound. Here is a link to a song by them-- https://www.loc.gov/item/toddbib000173/-- In addition, the Bakersfield sound may also be seen in a song like this--https://www.loc.gov/item/toddbib000173/--What made the Bakersfield sound unique is the combination of the traditional okie sound, which consisted of the fiddle, banjo, drums, and harmonica, along with the more contemporary rock and roll subgenres that emerged during the mid to late 1950’s. Moreover, the sound of the traditional American folk music indeed changed from a simple, “thin tenor” to the more electrified and sanguine tones of the western lifestyle. According to Robin A. Fanslow, the Bakersfield sound “provides a glimpse into the everyday life and cultural expression of a group of people living through a particularly difficult period in American history” (Fanslow). To conclude, here is one last link to the tenacious sound of the migrant workers in Bakersfield, California-- https://www.loc.gov/item/toddbib000172/.

Furthermore, the evolution of the Bakersfield sound illuminates the fact that historical forms of cultural expression, modes of living, ideologies, and life experiences may be preserved through music. This evolution is represented throughout the Grapes of Wrath as the Joads move west. Throughout the novel, the Joads experience a multitude of changes, however, one of the only things that remains by their side is music. From Reverend Casey singing under the tree, to the long Saturday nights of square dancing and "chicken Reel".