The sun is setting on the original country outlaws. The original risk-takers that made country music how they wanted to in the 70s and 80s have seen their counter-movement blossom and grow. Although outlaw music has become incredibly popular, the messages of freedom and self-expression continue to thrive.
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Not many of our beloved outlaw legends are left. It's an uncomfortable truth, but most have now finally crossed their horizon. While we still have them, we can make sure to appreciate them. Here are three country outlaw legends who still roam these dusty plains.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson needs no introduction. Everyone expected him to be on this list. I'm sure most have skipped past this entry to see who else is still alive.
Ol' Shotgun Willie was born on April 29, 2933, making him 92 years old.
Willie Nelson continues to make music. He has well over 100 albums. His most recent album, Oh What A Beautiful World was released on April 25, only some days before his birthday.
Nelson is often credited with being the pioneer that gave outlaw country the mighty push it needed to get rollin with his Shotgun Willie album.
Bobby Bare
We can't talk about Willie Nelson without talking about who came before him, however. Bobby Bare paved the way for outlaw country, inspiring the legends we know today.
Bobby Bare entered this world on April 7 1935, which makes him 90 years old. It's funny to think he's younger than Willie Nelson considering their legacies.
He may not be as active as Willie Nelson these days, but he did release an EP in 2023.
Before outlaw country had a defined tag, Bobby Bare was out here making the music he wanted to. He created country's first-ever concept album, A Bird Named Yesterday, and gained control over his own production. Without the bold Bobby Bare making the first steps, who knows who would have followed?
Steve Earle
Steve Earle (you know, the "Copperhead Road" guy) is still alive and kicking. He isn't as old as the other outlaws on this list, but just as outlaw.
Steve Earle came into play on January 17 1955. The 70-year-old singer was famously mentored by Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. Their influences on him, and his own outlaw streak, made him into the brilliant artist he is.
He still throws out music, with his latest being a single released in April. He also produced a live album last year.
The "Guitar Town" singer has a brilliantly varied discography, proving that he really did march to the strum of his own guitar.
