New Documentary series “They called us Outlaws

Produced by Waylon Jennings' widow, Jesse Colter, in association with the Country Music Hall of Fame, the production of They called us Outlaws has taken place over a ten-year period.

Under the direction of Eric Geadelmann and his Shadowbrook studios, the series will feature Texas country artist Jack Ingram as narrator.

Over 75 interviews have been done with key figures such as Guy Clark, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver and Tom T. Hall. The producers have also spoken to singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson and Texas actor Matthew McConaughey. Legendary Emmylou Harris is also featured, along with newer artists influenced by outlaw country, such as Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Margo Price.

The Outlaw Movement

The "Outlaw movement" in country music was fronted in the 1970s by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. They didn't conform to Nashville's tight confines of appearance, and the two musicians grew their hair and beards, often performing in jeans and t-shirts.

A key aspect of outlaw country was that the artists took greater control over their musical expressions. The music industry in Nashville had steel control over all stages of a record production, from the selection of material to the selection of musicians, which studies were used and who produced.

The artists connected to the Outlaw movement often chose to rely more on their own material and own touring musicians.

The album Wanted! The Outlaws, released in 1976, became the commercially defining release. This compilation album featuring Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and

Tompall Glaser was the first country album to sell over a million copies.