Outlaw Country Artists: The Rebels Who Changed Country Music Forever
Outlaw country is a subgenre of American country music that emerged in the 1970s and early 1980s, as a group of iconoclastic artists challenged the Nashville establishment and created their own sound and style. Outlaw country artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and David Allan Coe were among the most influential and successful musicians of their time, and their legacy continues to inspire generations of fans and artists. In this article, we will explore the history, characteristics, and impact of outlaw country, and introduce you to some of the most prominent outlaw country artists of all time.
What is Outlaw Country and How Did It Start?
Outlaw country is a term that describes a movement of country music artists who rebelled against the slick production and rigid structures of the Nashville sound, which dominated the genre in the 1960s and 1970s. The Nashville sound was a style of country music that aimed to appeal to a wider audience by incorporating elements of pop, rock, and orchestral music, and by smoothing out the rough edges of traditional country. However, many artists felt that this approach was compromising their artistic integrity and authenticity, and that they had little control over their own music. ¹
Some of the pioneers of outlaw country were influenced by earlier subgenres of country music, such as Western, honky tonk, rockabilly, and progressive country, as well as by blues, folk, and rock and roll. They also drew inspiration from the counterculture of the 1960s, which challenged the social norms and values of mainstream society. They wrote their own songs, often with personal, political, or controversial themes, and recorded them with the producers and musicians of their choice. They also adopted a distinctive image and attitude, characterized by long hair, beards, leather jackets, denim, and tattoos, and by a rebellious, anti-establishment, and sometimes outlaw lifestyle. ²³
The term “outlaw country” was popularized by the 1976 album Wanted! The Outlaws, which featured Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser. The album was the first country album to be certified platinum, and it showcased the diversity and appeal of the outlaw sound. The album also included a song called “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys”, which expressed the sentiment of many outlaw country artists, who identified with the freedom and independence of the cowboy archetype.
What are the Characteristics of Outlaw Country Music?
Outlaw country music is not a homogeneous genre, but rather a broad umbrella that encompasses various styles and influences. However, some of the common characteristics of outlaw country music are:
- A blend of country and rock elements, such as electric guitars, drums, bass, and keyboards, along with traditional country instruments, such as acoustic guitars, fiddles, steel guitars, and harmonicas.
- A raw, gritty, and authentic sound, often achieved by recording live or in simple studios, and by avoiding overdubs, reverb, and other effects.
- A lyrical focus on personal, social, or political issues, such as love, loss, loneliness, rebellion, freedom, drugs, alcohol, violence, prison, and death.
- A use of humor, irony, sarcasm, and storytelling techniques, such as first-person narration, dialogue, and imagery.
- A vocal delivery that ranges from smooth and melodic to rough and raspy, depending on the mood and message of the song.
Who are Some of the Most Famous Outlaw Country Artists?
Outlaw country has produced some of the most legendary and influential artists in the history of country music, and beyond. Here are some of the most famous outlaw country artists, along with some of their most notable songs and albums:
- Willie Nelson: One of the most iconic and beloved figures in American music, Willie Nelson is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, actor, and activist, who has recorded over 70 studio albums and won numerous awards. He is known for his distinctive voice, his innovative guitar playing, and his eclectic musical style, which incorporates elements of country, folk, blues, jazz, and more. Some of his most popular songs include “On the Road Again”, “Always on My Mind”, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”, and “Crazy”. Some of his most acclaimed albums include Red Headed Stranger, Stardust, and Shotgun Willie. He is also a founding member of the country supergroup The Highwaymen, along with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
- Waylon Jennings: One of the pioneers and leaders of the outlaw country movement, Waylon Jennings was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer, who recorded over 60 studio albums and won several awards. He is known for his deep and powerful voice, his distinctive style of guitar playing, and his rebellious and charismatic persona. Some of his most famous songs include “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”, “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)”, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”, and “I’ve Always Been Crazy”. Some of his most influential albums include Honky Tonk Heroes, Dreaming My Dreams, and Lonesome, On’ry and Mean. He is also a founding member of The Highwaymen, along with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson.
- Johnny Cash: One of the most influential and respected artists of all time, Johnny Cash was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and author, who recorded over 90 studio albums and won numerous awards. He is known for his deep and distinctive voice, his simple and effective guitar playing, and his complex and contradictory image, which earned him the nicknames “The Man in Black” and “The Outlaw”. Some of his most iconic songs include “I Walk the Line”, “Ring of Fire”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, and “Hurt”. Some of his most acclaimed albums include At Folsom Prison, At San Quentin, and American Recordings. He is also a founding member of The Highwaymen, along with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson.
- Kris Kristofferson: One of the most accomplished and versatile artists in the music industry, Kris Kristofferson is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, actor, and former Rhodes scholar, who has recorded over 30 studio albums and won several awards. He is known for his poetic and profound lyrics, his expressive and emotive voice, and his adventurous and eclectic musical style, which spans genres such as country, folk, rock, and gospel. Some of his most renowned songs include “Me and Bobby McGee”, “Help Me Make It Through the Night”, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”, and “For the Good Times”. Some of his most celebrated albums include Kristofferson, The Silver Tongued Devil and I, and Jesus Was a Capricorn. He is also a founding member of The Highwaymen, along with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash.
- David Allan Coe: One of the most controversial and provocative artists in country music, David Allan Coe is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and ex-convict, who has recorded over 40 studio albums and received several nominations. He is known for his outlaw image, his explicit and often offensive lyrics, and his diverse and experimental musical style, which incorporates elements of country, rock, blues, metal, and rap. Some of his most notorious songs include “You Never Even Called Me by My Name”, “Take This Job and Shove It”, “The Ride”, and “Longhaired Redneck”. Some of his most acclaimed albums include Penitentiary Blues, Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, and Rides Again.
What is the Impact and Legacy of Outlaw Country Music?
Outlaw country music has had a lasting impact and legacy on the country music genre, and on the music industry as a whole. Some of the ways that outlaw country has influenced and inspired other artists and genres are:
- Outlaw country has paved the way for other subgenres of country music that deviate from the mainstream, such as alternative country, Americana, Texas country, and red dirt. These subgenres share some of the characteristics of outlaw country, such as creative freedom, authenticity, and diversity, and often pay tribute to the outlaw country artists as their influences. Some of the artists who belong to these subgenres include Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and Chris Stapleton.
- Outlaw country has also left a mark on the culture and society of America, and beyond. Outlaw country artists have been involved in various social and political causes, such as environmentalism, human rights, anti-war, and prison reform. They have also influenced the fashion, lifestyle, and attitude of many people, who admire their independence, authenticity, and courage. Outlaw country has also been the subject of many books, documentaries, films, and TV shows, that explore its history, impact, and legacy.
Conclusion
Outlaw country is a subgenre of country music that emerged in the 1970s and early 1980s, as a group of artists rebelled against the Nashville establishment and created their own sound and style. Outlaw country artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and David Allan Coe were among the most influential and successful musicians of their time, and their legacy continues to inspire generations of fans and artists. Outlaw country music is characterized by a blend of country and rock elements, a raw and authentic sound, a lyrical focus on personal, social, or political issues, and a vocal delivery that ranges from smooth to raspy. Outlaw country music has also influenced and inspired other subgenres of country music, such as alternative country, Americana, Texas country, and red dirt, as well as other genres of music, such as rock, metal, punk, and rap. Outlaw country music has also left a mark on the culture and society of America, and beyond, by being involved in various social and political causes, influencing the fashion, lifestyle, and attitude of many people, and being the subject of many books, documentaries, films, and TV shows.
How Waylon Jennings’ Grandson Is Keeping His Legacy Alive – The Untold Story of Whey Jennings
Source:
(1) List of outlaw country artists – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_outlaw_country_artists.
(2) Outlaw country – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outlaw_country.
(3) Top 10 Outlaw Country Artists – The True Pioneers Of The West. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/top-10-outlaw-country-pioneers/.