Back in the early
1970s several country music recording artists moved from Nashville to Texas and created
the Outlaw movement in country music.
Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings were the leaders
of the Outlaw revolution, but there were also some great singers songwriters who helped
make Texas Music stand out. Artists like Billy Joe Shaver, who wrote most
of Waylon's "Honky Tonk Heroes" LP and Steven Fromholtz, who gained
recognition for writing Willie Nelson's Number 2 single "I'd Have To Be Crazy."
At the same time Jerry Jeff Walker moved from New
York to Texas and joined the outlaw movement, writing such songs as Mr. Bo Jangles and
recording the million selling LP "A Man Must Carry On." Jerry Jeff was helped
when Waylon and Willie included him in their song about Luckenbach, Texas.
Another Texas
artist who received some recognition in the 1970s is Joe Ely. While not
receiving the radio airplay of Willie and Waylon and the boys, he has over the years gone
from a "rocker" to a balladeer with songs such as "Gallo Del Cielo."
There are a number of Texas artists who claim a loyal following
both in Texas and also outside of Texas thanks to the satellite radio stations playing
alternative country. These artists include:
James McMurtry, who is
considered one of the strongest songwriters of his generation.
Cory Morrow, has
sold over 200,000 CDs and currently tours over 150 dates. He has recorded a duet CD with
Pat Green, who began as a Texas icon and has made some inroads in Music City with a major
record company deal.
Roger Creager has left
his own musical mark throughout the south and Texas over the past seven years.
Robert Earl Keen has
filled dance halls throughout Texas for years and wrote the classic song "The Road
Goes on Forever," which has been covered by The Highwaymen and Joe Ely.
Ray Wylie Hubbard, known
best for his theme song "Redneck Mothers," continues touring and producing high
quality Texas sounds.
Dale Watson, known as the
Texas Troubadour remains popular in Europe and Texas playing traditional country music.
Gary P Nunn, former lead
guitarist for Jerry Jeff and the leader of the Lost Gonzo Band continues to tour
throughout Texas as does "The Anti-Garth" Tommy Alverson.
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