The Original Outlaws of Country Music

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

The Original Outlaws of Country Music were a group of artists who rejected the traditional Nashville sound in the 1970s. These artists paved the way for a new generation of country music.

The Original Outlaws

Before there was Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, the original outlaws of country music were Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, and The Carter Family. These artists set the foundation for what would become one of the most popular genres of music. Let’s take a look at the music of these original outlaws.

Hank Williams

Hank Williams was one of the original Outlaws of Country Music. He was a rebellious performer who broke away from the traditional country sound and created his own unique style. His music was filled with passion and emotion, and he had a vast repertoire of songs that spoke to the human condition. Williams was also a prolific songwriter, and his songs have been covered by many artists over the years. He died at the age of 29, but his legacy has continued to live on through his music.

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was one of the original outlaws of country music. His career spanned five decades and he released over 70 albums. Cash was a rebel who didn’t conform to the norms of the country music industry. He was arrested seven times and was even incarcerated for three days in 1965. Despite his brushes with the law, Cash was a highly respected musician and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980.

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson is an American country music singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and producer. He was born in Abbott, Texas, on April 29, 1933. Though he started out singing western and honky tonk songs, he later switched to country music and wrote some of the most famous country songs of all time. “Crazy,” “Night Life,” and “Hello Walls” are just a few of his well-known hits. In addition to his successful musical career, Willie Nelson has also appeared in over 30 films and TV shows.

The Outlaws Today

While the outlaws of country music may not be as prevalent as they were in the 1970s, there are still a few of them around today. These artists are the ones who are keeping the true spirit of country music alive. They’re the ones who are making music that is true to their roots and true to their hearts.

Jason Isbell

Jason Isbell is an American singer-songwriter and musician from Greenhill, Alabama, in north Alabama’s Florence-Muscle Shoals metropolitan area. He is best known for his solo career, as well as being a former member of the Drive-By Truckers for six years. Isbell has won five Grammy Awards, two of which were for his 2013 album Southeastern and his 2015 album Something More Than Free.

Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson is one of the most recent additions to the outlaw country genre. His music is a refreshing mix of country, rock, and blues, with just a hint of psychedelic twang. Simpson first burst onto the scene with his 2013 album High Top Mountain, and he has been impressing critics and fans alike ever since. In 2016, he released A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Album. Simpson is currently touring the US in support of his latest album, Sound & Fury.

Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton is one of the outlaw country music stars of today. His music is a mix of country, rock, and blues. He has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and has won four.

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