Rebel country music and the rise of “The Highwaymen”

L-R – Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson

I’ve loved country music for quite some time, and among all the country greats, you have the likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash. They all had very successful careers spanning decades.

Why is it called rebel country music you may ask? If you didn’t already know they all had run-ins with the law and were in jail or prison at various points throughout their lives. Looking back, this is what gave them more of a following and infamously boosted their careers.

In 1985 they came together to record their first record together but at that time didn’t yet have a name. The album “Highwayman” was credited to the band members individually.

In 1990 they came together again for a second attempt and produced another album of songs, dubbed “Highwayman 2” and toured extensively.

In 1995 they released their final release “The Road Goes on Forever” before Waylon and Johnny’s deteriorating health.

Since Waylon and Johnny both passed, the supergroup has become increasingly more popular. There have been several remasters or original recordings and releases of concert footage on Blueray.

You can read more about the group at AllMusic