Dwight Yoakam has returned to his musical home in Nashville at Warner Music Group to record new music. The multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter, actor and director first signed with the label group's Reprise Records, where he released his debut album, 'Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.,' in 1986. He has since recorded 27 albums under both Reprise Records and Warner Bros. Records imprints. Yoakam has quietly been working on a new studio album, which is slated for release in the early part of 2012.

“Dwight Yoakam is country music. His voice is immediately recognizable and his artistry is iconic,” says John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville’s President and CEO, in a press release. “When I heard his current music, I was blown away. I think that it is some of the best music he has ever done and I’m incredibly proud to have him back at Warner Bros. Records.”

The singer's highly anticipated new record is expected to be co-produced by Joe Chiccarelli (My Morning Jacket, The Shins, The Strokes) along with producer Yoakam, who has recently finished recording several tracks with musician Beck.

"I'm pleased to be back in partnership with Warner Music Group for the release of my new music,” says Yoakam. “I'm excited about the enthusiasm they've expressed in their desire to once again be the conduit for my songs and recordings as well as the ensuing musical journey that it will take us on."

Throughout his career, Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums and has had 12 gold albums and nine platinum or multi-platinum albums, including the triple platinum 'This Time.' Five of his albums have topped Billboard’s Country Albums chart, with another 14 landing in the Top 10. More than 30 singles have charted, with 22 going Top 20, including the fan favorites 'Honky Tonk Man,' 'Please Please Baby,' 'Little Ways,' 'I Sang Dixie,' 'It Only Hurts When I Cry,' 'Fast as You' and 'Thousand Miles From Nowhere.'  Yoakam has won two Grammy Awards and earned 21 nominations.

Watch Dwight Yoakam Perform 'Guitars and Cadillacs' Live

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