A Walk in The COUNTRY

There are many that fit the songsmith traits listed, but few can be classified as outlaw country.

Davis Allan Coe would fit the bill but be aware that his song content may be objectionable to some. I would start with 'Rides Again'.

Too many great Waylon records to list, but the one I have played the most is 'Live'.

Merle Haggard should also be at the top of the list. As genuine as it gets. Wrote a good chunk of his earlier stuff while in prison at San Quinton. Anything from the 60's through the 70's is a winner.

And the real-deal country outlaw without a doubt is Johnny Paycheck. Look past the "take this Job..." and delve deeper into his catalog. His songwriting came from real life experiences and sings em like he means it. Was convicted of shooting a guy in a bar fight and later pardoned by the governor. Anything up until about the mid-eighties. He cannot be beat in this category IMO.

One of the best things about DAC, Haggard, Paycheck is that they wrote a good portion of their own songs.

Hope this helps. Mike

gram parsons, butch hancock, jerry jeff walker, bobby bare, joe ely, early earl thomas conley.

Thanks--these are all great suggestions. I have a bunch of Merle, but many of the names you all mentioned are new to me. I liked Mofimadness's suggestion about Pandora. Just got a trial subscritpion to MOG, and I'm really digging it--listening to David Allan Coe Radio which is bringing up many of the above mentioned names! I'll go on a CD spree next weekend and let you know what I get!

Since HankIII and Wayne the Train were mentioned, A good source for new music is: Savingcountrymusic dot com. Reviews of new music and bands that you may not be exposed to, stuff you will not hear on the radio.

Two younger bands that I like:
Whitey Morgan and the 78's (second album is the self titled and really good).
Lucky Tubb (Ernest Tubb's great nephew)

I enjoy all the above - although not a country artist per se you might enjoy, John Doe & the Sadies, Country Club