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50-472: Neither the location of birth nor the location of upbringing seems to calculate in the definition of a Texas Country artist, as long as the origin is not in the corporate Nashville scene as the genre tends to be anti-Nashville. The genre differentiates from Nashville country with its rejection of pop influences that is found in Nashville Country recently, but does not necessarily mean the artist/group

100-614: A Texas Country Music Cruise on the Liberty of the Seas , featuring many Texas music artists such as Cory Morrow, William Clark Green, and Bri Bagwell. Chris Knight (musician) Chris Knight (born June 24, 1960) is an American singer-songwriter from Slaughters, Kentucky . In addition to releasing solo records of his own material, Knight has had a successful career writing songs that have been recorded by Confederate Railroad , John Anderson , and Randy Travis among others. Knight

150-464: A beard to hide the scars, which he has maintained ever since. He also began collaborating with the other outlaws, beginning with his album Hank Williams Jr. and Friends released shortly before he was injured. At the same time as Nelson was reinventing himself, other influential musicians were writing songs and playing in Austin and Lubbock. Butch Hancock , Joe Ely , and Jimmie Dale Gilmore formed

200-526: A degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University . He worked for ten years as a mine reclamation inspector and as a miner's consultant for the Kentucky Department of Surface Mining. Knight started composing when he was 26, but didn't start performing until he was 30. He got his first record deal when he was 37. In 1986, he heard Steve Earle on the radio and decided to start writing songs. After six years he came to Nashville and won

250-474: A laid-back cowboy style, and an eye for detail... combined in [his] songs that are as easy on the ears as they are packed with insight". Keen's home calling came after a short stint in Nashville, where he quickly became uncomfortable. His 1996 live album release truly showcased the “wide range” of the talented Texas musician and popularized the single "The Road Goes On Forever", a song many music fans regard as

300-507: A major influence on Texas Country. For this reason, "Red Dirt Music" is becoming a more popular term for the genre to pay homage to its Oklahoma influence. The term was coined in reference to the miles of red dirt that is common throughout the two states. George Strait has the most songs about Texas. “Amarillo by Morning” and “All My Exes Live In Texas” are his most popular Texas songs. Robert Earl Keen 's No. 2 Live Dinner , released in 1996, had it all; comedy accompanied with "a sharp wit,

350-724: A reaction to the slick production and limiting structures of the Nashville sound developed by Chet Atkins and other record producers. Some country fans consider outlaw country a slightly harder-edged variant of progressive country . The outlaw sound has its roots in blues music , honky tonk music of the 1940s and 1950s, rockabilly of the 1950s, and the evolving genre of rock and roll . Early outlaws were particularly influenced by predecessors like Bob Wills , Hank Williams , Elvis Presley , and Buddy Holly . A greater transition occurred after Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson were able to secure their own recording rights, and began

400-512: A somewhat ragged (especially in later years), all-black outfit that inspired Cash's nickname, the "Man in Black". Kristofferson, in turn, brought in connections to the Chicago folk scene such as John Prine and Steve Goodman . Prine, in particular, became a close associate of Kristofferson's over the years. The outlaw movement's heyday was in the mid- to late 1970s; although the core artists of

450-444: A songwriter in Nashville peaked in the late 1960s. As a songwriter, he had written a number of major pop-crossover hits, including " Crazy " for Patsy Cline and " Hello Walls " for Faron Young , but as a singer, he was getting nowhere. He left Nashville in 1971 to return to Texas. The musicians he met in Austin had been developing the folk and rock influenced country music that grew into the outlaw genre. Performing and associating with

500-524: A spot on a songwriters' night at the Bluebird Cafe . He attracted the interest of music producer Frank Liddell , who signed him to a contract with Bluewater Music. When Decca Records hired Liddell for an A&R position, Knight received a contract and in 1998 Decca released his self-titled debut. Knight still lived in a 10'-x-15' trailer on 90 acres (36 ha) in Slaughters when the album

550-757: A strong influence on the outlaw country movement, and that sound and style of recording was centered in Muscle Shoals, Alabama . In the Western United States, the Bakersfield sound was providing a counterpoint to the traditional Nashville sound, and the counterculture was also giving rise to the fusion genre of country rock , with groups such as the Flying Burrito Brothers and The First National Band (whose lead singer Michael Nesmith had similar creative rebellion against

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600-509: A trailer on his property outside Slaughters. Called The Trailer Tapes , they were officially released in 2007. They were one of his best-selling records. It took Knight four years to release Little Victories in 2012. Knight's former Decca labelmate Lee Ann Womack collaborated with him on "You Lie When You Call My Name." Long-time musical hero John Prine sings on the title track. Buddy Miller plays guitar and sings on two tracks: "Missing You" and "Nothing on Me." In 2015, Chris Knight

650-599: Is Texas-based. For example, Chris Knight is considered by some to be a Texas Country musician, despite his Kentucky ties. Adam Hood , an Alabama native, also has had success in the genre. Even international musicians, such as Alberta, Canada native Corb Lund , have been successful in the Texas Country scene. The acoustic guitar is essential in Texas Country Music. However, the use of electric guitars , steel guitars or pedal steel guitars in

700-477: Is a common song type, referencing and sometimes embellishing on the different positive characteristics of the state. Many of these types of songs have been popular on the Texas music charts. The live performance is at the very root of the Texas Country scene. Enthusiasm is the best descriptor for both band and crowd at a live Texas Country performance. "It is not an uncommon sight to see clubs all over Texas packed to

750-399: Is not the only limitation for this theme. The "average man" and his struggle with nature do appear as well. "The songs definitely incorporate a spirit of the times and constitute a spontaneous and fairly comprehensive record of life". Country music from Texas has been popular since the spread of the cowboy culture in the late 1800s. Texas helped popularize Country music through the world and

800-456: Is open to the public and fans alike who cheer on their favorite artist/entertainers and radio stations. Information about the show and voting procedures can be found at https://trrma.net/ Lyrical content is the backbone of Texas country music. Legendary Country Music Outlaw Willie Nelson was inspired by his friend Waylon Jennings , a country legend and inspiration to present Texas country musicians himself, when he said “Your melody goes where

850-492: The "outlaws" abandoned lush orchestrations, stripped the music to its country core, and added a rock sensibility to the sound. At the same time, outlaw country performers brought back older styles that had fallen into disuse, such as honky tonk songs and "cowboy ballads". As well, Nelson and Jennings incorporated more R&B and soul music into their country music by working with Memphis and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section musicians. The outlaw country artists aimed to resist

900-476: The 1970s in favor of their home lives and other pursuits. Jennings had a hit song with " Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand " in 1978, which likewise attributed the decline to pressures from drug use. Some of the outlaws would have a slight career renaissance in the mid-1980s with the neotraditional country revival, which revived the older styles of both mainstream and "outlaw" country music of years past. The Tulsa sound out of Tulsa, Oklahoma

950-635: The Billboard Chart. Many independent artists, which is the fastest growing segment of the global recorded music business, have gained commercial success through the Texas music scene, such as albums debuting in the Top 5 of Billboard's Top Country Album sales. Several regionally syndicated programs feature the format: Radio play in Texas music is tracked and reported digitally by the Texas Country Music Chart and TractionTX using

1000-477: The Flatlanders , a group that never sold huge numbers of albums, but continues to perform. The three founders have each made a significant contribution to the development of the outlaw genre. The Lost Gonzo Band and their work in conjunction with Jerry Jeff Walker and Michael Murphey were integral in the birth of Outlaw Country. Other Texans, like Townes Van Zandt , Steve Earle , and Guy Clark , developed

1050-536: The Texan in Popular Culture , the term "seems to have sedimented over time rather than exploding in the national consciousness all at once". The term is often attributed to "Ladies Love Outlaws", a song by Lee Clayton and sung by Waylon Jennings on the 1972 album of the same name . Another plausible explanation is the use of the term a year later by publicist Hazel Smith of Glaser Sound Studios to describe

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1100-465: The Texas Country scene later went on to widespread commercial success with gold album Wave on Wave after switching to a "Shania Twain/ Garth Brooks" Nashville style of Country Music. The album's title track hit No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and won a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song. Kevin Fowler , a former hair-metal/glam rocker was Dangerous Toys guitarist from

1150-538: The Texas Music Scene charts. These artists were followed in turn by the work of singer-songwriters such as Robert Earl Keen , Lyle Lovett , Wayne Hancock , Kevin Fowler , Roger Creager , Pat Green , Cory Morrow , Radney Foster , Max Stalling , Wade Bowen George Ducas , Randy Rogers , & Rich O’Toole. While the genre has roots in Texas, Oklahoma artists such as Jason Boland , Stoney LaRue , Mike McClure , and Cross Canadian Ragweed have had

1200-623: The Texas Regional Radio Report hosts the annual Texas Regional Radio Music Awards Show where the Texas Red Dirt artist and radio stations are recognized for the outstanding achievements throughout the year. The winners in 25 categories are nominated and voted on by fans, friends and industry professionals and are awarded the night of the show. The voting membership has grown to over 32,000 voting members in five years and continues to expand every year. The awards show

1250-478: The West Coast music establishment dating to his time with The Monkees ). The movement was named, at various points, "redneck rock", progressive country, or "armadillo country", after the animal which would become the movement's unofficial mascot, before it was termed "outlaw country". The origin of the outlaw label is debated. According to Jason Mellard, author of Progressive Country: How the 1970s Transformed

1300-593: The big "machine" of the Nashville establishment, which "codified" norms of sounds, styles, and even appearance and behavior through influential "tastemaker" shows such as Grand Ole Opry . The Grand Ole Opry, which was "staunchly conservative", used its influence over Nashville's Music Row to control who could play and what types of songs they could perform. Jennings described his experience in that city's recording industry as like working on an assembly line , in which records were produced like "clockwork". In 1973 Jennings produced Lonesome, On'ry and Mean . The theme song

1350-456: The era. Willie Nelson , Waylon Jennings , Merle Haggard , Johnny Cash , Kris Kristofferson , Johnny Paycheck , and David Allan Coe were among the movement's most commercially successful members. The music has its roots in earlier subgenres like Western , honky tonk , rockabilly , and progressive country , and is characterized by a blend of rock and folk rhythms, country instrumentation, and introspective lyrics. The movement began as

1400-414: The fan to attend a band's show more often, thus interacting with the music on a more personal level. Popular venues include, Gruene Hall (Gruene), Billy Bob's (Ft. Worth), Cowboys Red River (Dallas and San Antonio), John T. Floore's Country Store (Helotes), Luckenbach Dance Hall (near Fredericksburg), and Blue Light Live (Lubbock). In addition to local and state wide venues hosting live performances,

1450-476: The first country album to be platinum-certified, reaching sales of one million. As Southern rock flourished, veteran country artists incorporated rock into their music in this genre. Songwriters/guitarists such as Willie Nelson , Waylon Jennings , and Hank Williams, Jr. shed the formulaic Nashville sound, grew long hair, and replaced rhinestone-studded suits with leather jackets. Outlaw country artists spoke openly about smoking marijuana. Fiercely independent,

1500-399: The formation of The Highwaymen ; the four would record and perform as a supergroup in addition to their solo careers through the late 1990s. Cash had also been on good terms with several folk counterculture figures, a fact that irked Nashville and television executives (Cash hosted a variety show from 1969 to 1971). Like the other outlaw singers, he eschewed the polished Nashville look with

1550-417: The genre is not uncommon. Bass and percussion are used in live performances. The sounds of piano , baritone guitar , banjo , accordion , fiddle or harmonica on studio recordings are the norm for the genre. The line of delineation for vocals is unclear. Traditionally, the Texas Country scene has been a male dominated genre, however many women have had chart success in recent years. The Texas "anthem"

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1600-517: The highest level of technology. Radio airplay is still physically reported by the Texas Regional Radio Report. Many of Texas country artists maintain a yearly membership with the Texas Country Music Association, a community of touring and recording artists, songwriters, and many other contributors to the Texas music industry. Royal Caribbean International and Luxx Vacations have partnered with various sponsors to host

1650-400: The late 1980s until 1993, followed by his own founding of Thunderfoot, a Southern rock band based out of Austin. Originally from Amarillo , he self-released his country debut album One For The Road in 1997. This followed with his smash independent follow-up album, Beer, Bait, and Ammo . He has since found national success, on a major label. Texas Country's influence continues to be felt in

1700-477: The likes of Jerry Jeff Walker , Michael Martin Murphey , and Billy Joe Shaver helped shape his future career. Williams Jr. had long spent much of his early career in the shadow of his father Hank Williams Sr. , who died when Williams Jr. was three years old. In 1975, Williams was severely injured in an avalanche while mountain climbing, disfiguring him to the point where he no longer resembled his father; he grew

1750-526: The mainstream music genre with artists such as Jack Ingram , who had already established a name for himself in Texas Country, who won a CMT Music Award in 2007 and the 2008 Academy of Country Music award for New Male Vocalist of the Year. He has also scored top 25 singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart with songs such as " Love You " and his cover of Hinder's " Lips of an Angel ". Another one of his singles, " Wherever You Are ", went to number one on

1800-420: The movement continued to record for many years afterward (Nelson, in particular, was recording hits well into the following decade while Hank Williams, Jr. achieved his greatest success during the 1980s), the outlaw movement as a fad was already declining by 1978. By 1980 mainstream country music was practically dominated by country pop artists and crossover acts. The movement was furthermore falling victim to

1850-540: The music of Jennings and Tompall Glaser . Art critic Dave Hickey, who wrote a 1974 profile in Country Music magazine, also used the term to describe artists who opposed the commercial control of the Nashville recording industry. In 1976, the outlaw movement solidified the term with the release of Wanted! The Outlaws , a compilation album featuring songs sung by Waylon Jennings , Willie Nelson , Jessi Colter , and Tompall Glaser . Wanted! The Outlaws became

1900-552: The outlaw ethos through their songwriting and ways of living. Although Johnny Cash spent most of his time in Arkansas and Tennessee, he experienced a revival of his career with the outlaw movement, especially after his live albums At Folsom Prison and At San Quentin , both of which were recorded in prisons. Cash had working relationships with Nelson, Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson (who considered Cash one of his most influential mentors) in his later career, culminating in

1950-528: The paradigm for Texas 'Country anthems'. Joe Ely and other Texas musicians have recorded cover versions of “The Road Goes On Forever”. Cory Morrow , a Houston native, had been on the Texas scene since the mid-90s. With the release of his fourth album Outside the Lines , Morrow found more mainstream success on the Country Music charts. Pat Green , also an artist from Texas, began his career as part of

2000-453: The rafters; girls and boys in cowboy hats and Wranglers two-stepping next to the mosh pit, where college boys or "Man Fans" in khakis and college girls pressed up against the stage". An important factor Texas Country's success is in the frequency of live performances. It is not uncommon for a Texas Country band to tour 200+ dates a year, all, or nearly all, in the State of Texas. This allows

2050-422: The same pigeonholing and commercialization as mainstream country music; Mickey Newbury , a prominent influence on many outlaw artists, rejected the "outlaw" label, stating "I quit playing cowboys when I grew up." Williams also noted in his song " All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down) " that many of the core "outlaws" were growing up and abandoning the drugs and hard partying that had driven much of their lives in

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2100-744: The state’s rich and varied traditions continue to redefine Country music. Texas Country's roots lie in the Outlaw country movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Texan artists such as George Strait , Waylon Jennings , Willie Nelson , David Allan Coe retreated from the Nashville Country Music scene to Austin , Luckenbach , and Houston . Other artists who were inspired by this movement included performers like Guy Clark , Jerry Jeff Walker , Gary P. Nunn , Steve Young , Kris Kristofferson , Joe Ely , Terry Allen , Steve Earle , and Townes Van Zandt . All these stars have rated higher than 43 on

2150-481: The traditional role of the recording artist. They wrote their own material, had creative input in their albums, and refused to conform to what society required of its youth. One author states that the Beatnik movement, from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, was a precursor to outlaw country, as participants in both movements emphasized that they felt "out of place" in mainstream society. At the same time, country music

2200-539: The trend of bucking the " Nashville sound ". According to Michael Streissguth, author of Outlaw: Waylon, Willie, Kris, and the Renegades of Nashville , Jennings and Nelson became outlaws when they "won the right" to record with the producers and studio musicians they preferred. The 1960s was a decade of enormous change, a change reflected in the music of the time. The Beatles , Brian Wilson , Bob Dylan , The Rolling Stones , and many who followed in their wake cast off

2250-723: The words take you”. There are 4 different types of themes in Country Music. These themes include the following categories: "It's All Over" (songs with a core theme of loss or regret), "It's Not Working Out" (songs with a focus on frustration over a relationship), "Love and Devotion" (sappy love songs) and "The Right Way to Live" (songs with a dominant theme of pride and homespun wisdom). Songs about traditional dance halls, open roads, family farms and hometown bars, along with other illustrations of Texas landscape, are all found in present-day Texas country artists' catalogs. The ties of landscape and music seem to serve as remembrance and gratitude, as evident in most songs. Appreciation for surroundings

2300-597: Was born in St. Louis, Missouri , and grew up in Slaughters, Kentucky . His extended family lives in the same area of Kentucky. Knight has three brothers and a sister. His father was a pipe liner. When he was three years old, he asked for a plastic guitar for Christmas. At 15, he became serious and began teaching himself John Prine songs on his older brother's guitar. In an interview, Knight commented "At one point I could play probably 35–40 John Prine songs." Knight earned

2350-404: Was declining into a formulaic genre that appeared to offer the establishment what it wanted with artists such as Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton making the kind of music that was anathema to the growing counterculture. While Nashville continued to be the focus of mainstream country music, cities like Lubbock and Austin became the creative centers of outlaw country. Southern rock also had

2400-482: Was featured in Season 1, Episode 2 of CarbonTV's original series, American Elements. Outlaw country Outlaw country is a subgenre of American country music created by a small group of artists active in the 1970s and early 1980s, known collectively as the outlaw movement , who fought for and won their creative freedom outside of the Nashville establishment that dictated the sound of most country music of

2450-554: Was released. Decca folded at the end of the 1990s, only two years after Knight joined the label. After a couple years without a label, Knight signed with Dualtone Music Group . Knight licensed his music to Dualtone Records for two records, then decided to release his music independently with the help of his manager. Knight is well known and because of his particular fame in Texas, was named an "Honorary Texan" in 2006 by Texas Governor Rick Perry. He recorded his first demo tapes, bootlegged—and then self-released—while living alone in

2500-433: Was written by Steve Young , a songwriter and performer who never made it in the mainstream, but whose songs helped to create the outlaw style. The follow-up album for Jennings was Honky Tonk Heroes and the songwriter hero was Texan Billy Joe Shaver . Like Steve Young, Shaver never made it big, but his 1973 album Old Five and Dimers Like Me is considered a country classic in the outlaw genre. Willie Nelson's career as

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