The emphasis on moving one’s feet stood in contrast to the prevailing country music
culture back east at the time. It was a new experience for Rose Lee Maphis who, along
with husband Joe, is credited as a songwriter on
Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud,
Loud Music)
. The song was inspired by the first gig the Maphises played at Bakersfield’s
storied Blackboard Club after relocating to California from southern Virginia, where they
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