98 Country Classic Bonus — 5 Great Country Outlaws

Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. we take you back to Country Music’s roots on the 98 Country Classic Show.  This week, we're going outlaw on you -- Willie, Waylon, Merle Haggard, David Allen Coe and Jessi Colter.  The sub-genre of "outlaw country" was especially popular from the late 1960s into the early 1980s.

Willie Nelson -- “On The Road Again”

Willie Nelson truly is the King of the Outlaws. Still going strong at age 80, Nelson is a liberal activist and co-chair of the advisory board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.  In 1990 his assets were seized by the IRS which claimed he owed $32,000,000 to the federal government. Today, Nelson lives in beautiful Maui, Hawaii.

Waylon Jennings -- “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean”

Waylon Jennings is best remembered for helping to popularize a grittier and more rock-influenced style of outlaw country music.

David Allen Coe -- “Long Haired Redneck”

David Allen Coe was sent to reform school at age nine and spent 20 years in and out of correction facilities.  He channeled that inner-outlaw and embarked on a music career and made it.

Merle Haggard -- “Okie From Muskogee”

Merle Haggard was a bad boy with minor offenses: he wrote bad checks, got picked-up for shoplifting, rode freight trains, skipped school and eventually did time at San Quentin Prison.  Haggard was aligned with the growing outlaw movement in the 1970’s. “Okie From Muskogee” is a song about losing your freedom, something Haggard learned about the hard way.

Jessi Colter -- “I’m Not Lisa”

Jessi Colter is the widow of outlaw pioneer Waylon Jennings. There were some women that considered themselves outlaws and Jessi Colter was one of them.  She wrote, “I’m Not Lisa” and scored a number one country hit.