The 1970s was a decade of musical rebellion, and outlaw country was the perfect soundtrack for those who felt disenfranchised by the polished, commercialized sound of Nashville. The genre was characterized by its raw, honest lyrics, and electrifying live performances, many of which became legendary. Here are the top 5 outlaw country concerts of the 1970s.
1. Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic, College Station, Texas, 1974
Willie Nelson’s Picnic is widely regarded as one of the greatest live concerts of all time. It was held at Texas World Speedway in College Station and featured a lineup of some of the biggest names in outlaw country music, including Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Leon Russell. The show was marked by a sense of camaraderie and spontaneity, with the musicians often joining each other on stage for impromptu collaborations.
The performance of “Good Hearted Woman” by Jennings and Nelson was a standout moment, as was Nelson’s rendition of “Whiskey River.” The concert had a profound impact on the genre, solidifying the outlaw country movement and inspiring generations of musicians to come.
2. Emmylou Harris, The Old Grey Whistle Test, London, 1977
Emmylou Harris’ appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test in London in 1977 is considered by many to be one of the most iconic performances of her career. The Old Grey Whistle Test was a popular music television show in the UK that featured live performances by a variety of artists.
During her appearance on the show, Harris performed several of her most famous songs, including “Luxury Liner” and “Pancho and Lefty”, a duet with songwriter Townes Van Zandt. Harris was accompanied by her backing band, the Hot Band, which included musicians like James Burton on guitar and Glen Hardin on piano.
Harris’ performance showcased her powerful voice and ability to blend elements of traditional country music with rock and roll and other genres. The show also introduced Harris to a wider audience in the UK and helped to further cement her status as one of the most important and innovative artists in country music.
3. David Allan Coe, Tennessee State Prison, 1976
David Allan Coe’s concert at the Tennessee State Prison in 1976 was a pivotal moment in the history of outlaw country music. Coe, who had spent time in prison himself, was asked by the inmates to perform a show at the prison after they had heard his music on the radio. Coe agreed, and the concert became legendary.
The concert took place on October 10, 1976, and was attended by over 1,500 inmates. Coe’s setlist included some of his most famous songs, such as “Longhaired Redneck” and “Willie, Waylon, and Me”. The inmates were completely engaged with the music, cheering and dancing throughout the entire show. The concert was also recorded and later released as a live album, titled “Alive and Well”.
Coe’s concert continued the Outlaw tradition of prison performances popularized by Johnny Cash and helped shine a light on the issues faced by those in the criminal justice system.
4. Waylon Jennings, Texas Opry House, 1975
Waylon Jennings’ Texas Opry House concert in 1975 was a significant moment in his career and a testament to his popularity as one of the leading figures of the Outlaw Country movement. The concert was held at the Texas Opry House in Houston, Texas, on December 3, 1975, and was recorded and released as a live album titled “Dreaming My Dreams.”
The concert featured many of Jennings’ most beloved songs, including “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean,” “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” and “Honky Tonk Heroes.” The concert also featured a number of covers, including “I’m a Ramblin’ Man” by Hank Williams Jr. and “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand” by Billy Joe Shaver.
The concert was notable for its raw energy and unpolished sound, which was characteristic of the Outlaw Country movement. Jennings and his band, The Waylors, played with a gritty intensity that captured the rebellious spirit of the movement and won over audiences with their authentic and uncompromising sound.
The “Dreaming My Dreams” album, which was released the following year, was a commercial and critical success and remains one of Jennings’ most beloved recordings. The album helped to cement Jennings’ status as a leading voice of outlaw country and helped to inspire a new generation of artists who embraced the raw and unpolished sound of the movement.
5. Merle Haggard, The White House, 1973
In 1973, country music legend Merle Haggard was invited to perform at the White House for President Richard Nixon and his guests. The concert, held on the South Lawn, was a historic moment in the history of country music and cemented Haggard’s status as one of the genre’s biggest stars.
Haggard had been a vocal supporter of Nixon, and the President had invited him to perform as a way of reaching out to the rural, conservative voters who made up much of Haggard’s fanbase. But Haggard was not simply a political pawn – he was a gifted musician with a knack for writing songs that spoke directly to the experiences of everyday Americans. And his performance at the White House was a testament to his talents despite the fact, in his biography, Haggard mentions that the audience just sat there like a bunch of, ”department store mannequins..’
Haggard and his band took to the stage and launched into a set of classic country tunes, including “Okie From Muskogee,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” and “Mama Tried.” But Haggard’s performance was not without controversy. Some critics accused him of pandering to Nixon and his conservative agenda, particularly with his songs “Okie From Muskogee” and “The Fightin’ Side of Me,” which were seen as expressions of support for the Vietnam War and opposition to the counterculture of the 1960s. But Haggard himself insisted that he was simply speaking to the experiences and values of the people who made up his audience – many of whom were from rural areas and had conservative views.
Despite the controversy, Haggard’s White House concert was a landmark moment in the history of country music a reminder of the power of music to bridge divides and bring people together – even in the midst of political and social turmoil.
The outlaw country live concerts of the 1970s were a defining moment in the history of country music. These performances were marked by a sense of authenticity, vulnerability, and raw energy that continues to inspire artists today and showcased the best of the outlaw spirit.