3 Outlaw Country Artists That Lived Out the Songs They Wrote

It’s one thing to say you’re an outlaw, it’s another to live that truth. Outlaw country artists certainly talk a big game. However, their actions make it more than just meaningless posturing. Many outlaw artists live the lives they sing about in their songs–especially the three artists below.

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Hank Williams Jr.

Hank Williams Jr. has had no trouble maintaining his “family tradition.” Although his father, Hank Williams, didn’t sound like what we’ve come to expect from an outlaw country artist, his actions more than put him in that camp. Williams Jr. is proud of his daddy’s name, following in his footsteps and joining the rough-and-tumble country scene. His track, “Family Tradition,” is one of the most iconic admissions of the outlaw life. Hank, why do you drink? / Hank, why do you roll smoke? / Why must you live out the songs that you wrote, he sings in the chorus. Williams Jr. is as true to his lyrics as any outlaw out there.

Willie Nelson

Because Willie Nelson has been in the game for so long, he’s become somewhat innocuous. He’s an icon, and his music is superb. It’s hard to think about much else when his name is mentioned. However, Nelson didn’t earn outlaw country icon status solely through merit. His outlaw days are legendary. From pot busts to accused tax evasion, Nelson doesn’t just talk the talk. He might have put those wild days behind him now, but fans can’t forget the revelry that got him where he is today.

Waylon Jennings

Waylon Jennings wasn’t afraid to be contrary. He wasn’t pleased with the way the Nashville scene was evolving in the late ’70s. So much so that he wrote a song about it: “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.” Referencing his fellow outlaw country artist, Jennings slights his peers in Music City for focusing on the glitz and glamour of it all, something he more than shied away from. It’s been the same way for years / We need to change, he sang. It may not be the most shockingly irreverent outlaw song ever, but it takes guts to stand up to a mammoth force like the music industry.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Stagecoach)