Waylon Jennings - Honky Tonk Heroes

Waylon Jennings officially became an "outlaw" with this album. He bucked the Nashville system and took control of his own music, choosing his own musicians and producing his own music. He chose for this first effort the songs of Texas songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, who's become a legend in his own right. Together Jennings and Shaver put together an album of almost indescribable perfection, and the right start to a whole new era of country music.

When Waylon Jennings died I was astonished to read an article describing him as the "least of the Highwaymen." I can't remember a time when I didn't know his songs. But outside of the country music world, people didn't know ol' Hoss the way they knew Kristofferson, Nelson, and Cash. It's a true shame. Because Waylon Jennings, beginning with this album, single-handedly saved country music from corporate doldrums for another decade, paving the way for the neo- traditionalists of the mid-80s and the current crop of alt-country vagabonds and troubadours. Jennings, the original honky-tonk hero, shines on this disc with fellow Texas outlaw, Billy Joe Shaver, who wrote most of the songs. These "loveable losers and no-account boozers and honky- tonk heroes" saved country music, and provide a beacon to all who love real, honest country music today.

The outlaw country movement took its anthems from this album, including "Ride Me Down Easy" (which became a hit for Bobby Bare), "Low Down Freedom," and, of course, the incredible title track. But Waylon wasn't trying to break down walls or start a rebellion or make history; rather, he was simply trying to make music he could be proud of. Simple as that. Because it came from the heart, it made history.

Ol' Hoss himself never claimed to be anything more than a musician. Haunted by a choice he'd made in the 50's (he gave his seat on an airplane to friend Buddy Holly), he always strove to make music that touched the soul. He succeeded.