Marking 50 years of Wanted! The Outlaws: A Celebration of Country Music’s Defining Rebels
In the world of country music, there are few albums that have had as much impact and influence as Wanted! The Outlaws. Released in 1976, this compilation album brought together the talents of four of the genre’s most rebellious and iconic artists – Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser. It was a groundbreaking album that not only changed the course of country music but also solidified these artists as the defining rebels of the genre.
Now, 50 years later, we look back on this iconic album and its impact on country music. Artists and historians alike revisit Wanted! The Outlaws, reflecting on its significance and paying tribute to the four artists who made it a timeless classic.
The Making of Wanted! The Outlaws
To truly understand the impact of Wanted! The Outlaws, we must first look at the artists who came together to create it. Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser were all established artists in their own right, but it was their shared love for outlaw country music that brought them together.
At the time, country music was dominated by the polished and commercial sounds of the Nashville establishment. But these four artists were determined to break away from the norm and create music that was raw, honest, and unapologetically rebellious. And that’s exactly what they did.
The album was recorded in Glaser’s studio in Nashville, with the four artists taking turns singing lead on each track. It was a collaborative effort that resulted in a seamless blend of their unique styles and voices. The album was released on RCA Records and was an instant success, becoming the first country album to be certified platinum.
The Impact of Wanted! The Outlaws
Wanted! The Outlaws was not just another album – it was a game-changer. It marked the beginning of a new era in country music, one that embraced the rebellious spirit and outlaw image of these four artists. It also paved the way for other outlaw country artists to emerge and find success, such as Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson.
The album’s success also challenged the traditional sound and image of country music, opening the doors for a more diverse and authentic representation of the genre. It gave a voice to the outcasts and misfits, and its impact can still be felt in country music today.
Revisiting Wanted! The Outlaws
As we celebrate 50 years of Wanted! The Outlaws, it’s only fitting that we hear from the artists and historians who were a part of its creation. Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Jessi Colter have all passed away, but their legacy lives on through their music. Tompall Glaser, who passed away in 2013, left behind a rich musical legacy and was a key figure in the creation of the album.
In a recent interview, Jessi Colter reflected on the making of Wanted! The Outlaws, saying, “We were just four friends making music together, not realizing the impact it would have. It was a magical time, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”
Country music historian, Robert K. Oermann, also shared his thoughts on the album, saying, “Wanted! The Outlaws was a defining moment in country music history. It was a rebellion against the slick, commercial sound of Nashville and a celebration of the raw, authentic sound of outlaw country. It’s an album that will always be remembered as a turning point in the genre.”
A Timeless Classic
Wanted! The Outlaws may have been released 50 years ago, but its impact and influence are still felt today. The album has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among country music fans. Its songs, such as “Good Hearted Woman” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” have become country music anthems and are still played on radio stations around the world.
In 1996, a special 20th-anniversary edition of the album was released, featuring bonus tracks and interviews with the artists. And in 2014, a tribute album titled “The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings, Vol. 1” was released
