Outlaw country is a subgenre of country music that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. It is characterized by its rebellious attitude and rejection of mainstream Nashville sound.
Outlaw country songs often feature themes of drinking, drugs, and anti-authority sentiments. Many of these songs have become classics and continue to be popular today.
One of the most iconic outlaw country songs is “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
Released in 1978, the song became an instant hit and has since been covered by numerous artists. Its catchy melody and lyrics about the cowboy lifestyle make it a timeless classic.
Another classic outlaw country song is “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band.
Released in 1979, the song tells the story of a fiddle-playing contest between a young boy named Johnny and the devil. With its fast-paced fiddle solos and memorable chorus, the song has become a staple of country music and is often played at sporting events and other public gatherings.
Origins of Outlaw Country
Outlaw country is a subgenre of country music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The term “outlaw” referred to the rebellious nature of the artists who rejected the polished and mainstream sound of Nashville country music.
Instead, they embraced a raw and gritty sound that reflected their own experiences and lifestyles.
Defining Outlaw Country
Outlaw country was characterized by its rejection of the Nashville sound, which was becoming increasingly popular in the late 1960s. The Nashville sound was a highly polished and orchestrated style of country music that was designed to appeal to a broad audience.
In contrast, outlaw country was a more stripped-down and authentic sound that emphasized lyrics and storytelling.
Outlaw country was also characterized by its anti-establishment attitude. The artists who embraced this style of music were often seen as outsiders who rejected the conventions of mainstream country music.
They sang about topics that were considered taboo at the time, such as drug use, alcoholism, and anti-authoritarianism.
Key Artists and Their Influence
Some of the key artists who helped define the outlaw country sound include Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash. These artists rejected the conventions of Nashville country music and embraced a more authentic and personal style of songwriting.
Willie Nelson, in particular, was instrumental in popularizing the outlaw country sound. His 1975 album “Red Headed Stranger” was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish him as one of the leading figures of the outlaw country movement.
The influence of outlaw country can still be heard in contemporary country music. Many modern country artists continue to embrace the raw and authentic sound that characterized the outlaw country movement.
Classic Outlaw Country Anthems
Outlaw country is a subgenre of country music that emerged in the 1970s. It is characterized by its rebel attitude, gritty lyrics, and raw sound.
The genre was popularized by artists such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard. In this section, we will take a look at some of the classic outlaw country anthems.
1970s Outlaw Country Hits
The 1970s was the golden age of outlaw country music. It was a time when artists rebelled against the polished Nashville sound and embraced a more raw and authentic sound.
Some of the classic outlaw country hits from the 1970s include:
- “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson
- “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band
- “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” by Waylon Jennings
- “Whiskey River” by Willie Nelson
- “Amarillo By Morning” by George Strait
These songs have become anthems of the outlaw country movement and are still popular today.
1980s Outlaw Country Evolution
In the 1980s, outlaw country continued to evolve. Artists such as Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam, and Randy Travis emerged and brought their own unique twist to the genre.
Some of the classic outlaw country hits from the 1980s include:
- “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle
- “Guitars, Cadillacs” by Dwight Yoakam
- “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis
- “The Chair” by George Strait
- “Seven Spanish Angels” by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles
These songs marked a new chapter in the outlaw country movement and helped to keep the genre alive and well.
In conclusion, the classic outlaw country anthems from the 1970s and 1980s continue to be popular today and have influenced countless artists in the country music industry.
Contemporary Outlaw Country
Revival and Modern Influence
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in outlaw country music, with a new generation of artists putting their own spin on the genre.
While some of these artists draw inspiration from the classic outlaw country sound of the 1970s, others incorporate elements of rock, punk, and other genres to create a more modern take on the style.
One of the key figures in the contemporary outlaw country movement is Sturgill Simpson, whose 2014 album “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music” was a critical and commercial success.
Simpson’s music draws on classic outlaw country themes like hard living and heartbreak, but his sound incorporates elements of psychedelic rock and other genres to create something entirely new.
Other notable contemporary outlaw country artists include Cody Jinks, Tyler Childers, and Colter Wall.
These artists have all gained a following for their authentic, no-frills approach to country music, which emphasizes storytelling and raw emotion over slick production values.
Notable Artists and Albums
Some of the most notable contemporary outlaw country albums of recent years include:
- Sturgill Simpson, “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music” (2014)
- Cody Jinks, “I’m Not the Devil” (2016)
- Tyler Childers, “Purgatory” (2017)
- Colter Wall, “Colter Wall” (2017)
- Margo Price, “All American Made” (2017)
Each of these albums showcases a different aspect of the contemporary outlaw country sound, from Simpson’s psychedelic-infused take on classic country to Price’s feminist perspective on the genre’s themes.
Overall, the contemporary outlaw country movement represents a fresh take on a classic sound, with artists bringing new perspectives and influences to the genre while staying true to its roots.
Check out the following video to learn more about the Outlaw movement in country music:
Top 5 Outlaw Country Songs
| Rank | Songs | Artists |
| 1 | Mama Tried | Merle Haggard |
| 2 | Long-Haired Country Boy | Charlie Daniels |
| 3 | Whiskey River | Willie Nelson |
| 4 | I’m the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised) | Johnny Paycheck |
| 5 | Cocaine Blues | Johnny Cash |
Conclusion
- Outlaw country emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a rebellious subgenre, rejecting the polished Nashville sound for a raw and authentic style.
- Key artists like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash played a crucial role in defining and popularizing outlaw country.
- Classic outlaw country anthems from the 1970s and 1980s, including hits like “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” remain iconic and influential.
- The 1980s saw the evolution of outlaw country with new artists like Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam, and Randy Travis contributing to the genre’s rich tapestry.
- Contemporary outlaw country experiences a revival with artists like Sturgill Simpson, Cody Jinks, Tyler Childers, and Colter Wall, blending classic themes with modern influences.
- Notable contemporary outlaw country albums include Sturgill Simpson’s “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music” and Cody Jinks’ “I’m Not the Devil.”
- The movement continues to offer a fresh perspective on country music, with a focus on authenticity, storytelling, and a rejection of mainstream norms.
- Top 5 outlaw country songs include classics like “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard and “Cocaine Blues” by Johnny Cash.