Oildale, CA
Music connected to Oildale
About Oildale
- • Merle Haggard, country music icon, called Oildale his home during his formative years.
- • The "Bakersfield Sound," a subgenre of country music, originated in honky-tonks around Oildale.
- • Oil discovery in the early 20th century spurred Oildale's rapid growth and development.
- • During WWII, the Kern River oilfield surrounding Oildale was heavily guarded against sabotage.
- • The Kern River flooded frequently, impacting Oildale's development and infrastructure.
- • Named for its oilfields, Oildale was founded in 1910 but remains an unincorporated community.
- • Oildale's population is approximately 37,000, smaller than its neighbor Bakersfield.
- • At 459 feet, Oildale's elevation is higher than downtown Bakersfield, but only slightly.
- • Oil extraction and related industries employ a significant portion of Oildale's workforce.
- • There's a resilient, hardworking feel in Oildale, both down-to-earth and a little rough.
- • The Bakersfield Condors, an AHL hockey team, play just south of Oildale.
- • Oildale is near Bakersfield College, whose football team is a perennial contender in the CCCAA.
Artists From Oildale
Songs About Oildale
bakersfield
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Revival
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valley of the san joaquin
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