I've never heard this sung by them in any other order. It's always been Willie, Chris, Waylon, then Johnny. And I heard the original pressing of their first Highwaymen record. My parents owned it.

@fbm314

Жыл бұрын

That's what I was thinking, I swore I remembered Cash singing the last verse

@frankrodriguez2999

Жыл бұрын

Yeah the music video is this order and all live versions Ive ever heard this is the order. Im confused where she heard it diffrent

@sportkoop

Жыл бұрын

You're correct. I remember when they released this song, and it has never been sung in any other order than what we see here.

@Goathill

Жыл бұрын

I saw them live and this is the way they sang it.

@ZSAZSS09

Жыл бұрын

Damn! 33 years since. The only one who haven't aged is Willie Nelson. I swear he looks the same today. 😂

What’s important about these guys is that they were outlaw country. These were the guys who gave the finger to the traditional recording structure and did their own thing. They were talented, but their attitude and independent spirit made them legendary.

@chrisoliver4663

Жыл бұрын

@ilovejettrooper5922

9 ай бұрын

Can you go into more detail on that?? How were they giving the finger to the traditional recording structure??? What were they "supposed" to be doing??

@matthewmcdaniel5827

9 ай бұрын

@@ilovejettrooper5922 Google "outlaw country" You'll get there buddy.

@basbouwman5139

9 ай бұрын

​@@ilovejettrooper5922these were no pets you could learn a trick for a few dollars more.

@squiddwizzard8850

7 ай бұрын

​@@ilovejettrooper5922 Nashville was developing a specific type of music called the 'Nashville sound' which eventually developed into 'Countrypolitan' and 'Country Pop'. Basically it was becoming more formulaic. Outlaw country rejects that.

No fancy stage. No fancy outfits. Just pure damn talent. Spectacular.

@rimmersbryggeri

Жыл бұрын

Waylon's guitar is pretty damn fancy.

@1320crusier

Жыл бұрын

@@rimmersbryggeri tools of the trade.

@rimmersbryggeri

Жыл бұрын

@@1320crusier I know but waylon's guitar is excessively frilly if you for example compare it to Willies. His Outfit is pretty fancy to which is what the original poster said it wasnt. Doesnt matter thoug as long as the music is good.

@MrCopenhagen113

Жыл бұрын

@@rimmersbryggeri Honestly if you look farther back in Waylons Career that wasnt that fancy for him. he came up in the Rhinestone suit era.

@rimmersbryggeri

Жыл бұрын

@@MrCopenhagen113 Yes but is a moot point because it has nothing to do with wether the artist is good or not. My point was the orginal comment was redundant.

The Highwaymen collab was basically the Rat Pack for bad asses

@1320crusier

Жыл бұрын

Rat Pack, Highwaymen, Velvet Revolver.

@Henry8VIII8

Жыл бұрын

@@1320crusier Traveling Wilburys, Them Crooked Vultures

@joegibbskins

5 ай бұрын

I mean Frank alone was probably more “bad ass” in real life than any particular dude in The Highwayman. Highwaymen was really the biggest outlaw country stars getting to sing with Johnny Cash who was their idol. Same with Traveling Wilbur’s essentially being Roy Orbison fans getting to sing with their hero. That’s not a slight at anyone else in either group, just the size of those late 50s legends in their minds

@BWills32

Ай бұрын

Best supergroup ever

Willie has _always_ been the outlaw... I can't imagine anybody else singing those opening lines.

@wordragon

Жыл бұрын

All these guys really are the Outlaw. Jennings wrote a song professing his revolt with 'Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way. kzread.info/dash/bejne/hoKkrrWac8zYmps.html

@jimschuler8

6 ай бұрын

This would be after Willie did Poncho and Lefty I believe. Maybe Willie was feeling a little more cowboy? It’s also in the time period of few western movies.

The Highwaymen are a special treat for me. I sometimes spend an entire evening listening to them. One reason is that they always bring my older brother to mind. They were a favorite of his and with his passing, they are my connection. Thank you, Beth. (your oldest fan)

Willy Nelson's melody is really subtle and the phrasing is amazing... right on the notes every time..really made me appreciate him more.

Waylon Jennings played in Buddy Holly's band in 1959 and was supposed to be on the plane that took the lives of Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens . Jennings had given up his seat to JP Richardson due to the flu. Don McLean sang it best, it was "The Day The Music Died."

For me, the charm is because these are some of the greatest icons in country music history. Kristofferson was never revered for his vocal prowess but he was an amazing song writer and I think that alone cemented his place in country music. These men were all widely considered american legends before they came together for this song, so it holds a special place in the hearts of many american country music fans.

It’s funny you mention them all singing different verses. This is the only version I’ve ever heard and I can’t imagine each of them embodying any other verse than what they sing here. It just always seemed to fitting to me

@PREPFORIT

6 ай бұрын

WRONG

@self-righteousideologue9398

5 ай бұрын

I can't find the other version anywhere. I've been searching forever

Art Bell kept this song from dying in obscurity. He was America's 3rd biggest radio personality in his prime. He played this song almost every night of his show. Willie and Kris should send fresh flowers to Art's grave every day.

@theartofflipping

Жыл бұрын

And "The Man Comes Around" was in heavy rotation in the bumper list but that might have been after Art left.

I can't listen to this song without getting goosebumps. The voices are amazing, and you are right, their voices are perfect for the verses they sing.

At Willie's 90th BD the children of these 4 sang this. Fantastic

Stage full of legends and not only the singers but the musicians in the band have played on hundreds of hit records, quite notable themselves. What an event!

Jimmy Webb is an awesome song writer. The work he did with Glen Campbell is amazing.

The Highwaymen are simply a classic collaboration. None better.

Amazing performance! I still get goosebumps every time I hear this song!

When I saw this live version for the first time years ago I got amazing chills / shivers running down my neck/back when Johnny Cash started to sing.

The four of them wanted to collaborate, but couldn't find a song that suited all of them in the way they wanted. Johnny Cash mentioned this to his then-son-in-law, Marty Stuart, who suggested this Jimmy Webb song and gave them their name.

this is one of my fav songs of all time ever!!!

I was fortunate enough to see them live back when this came out. You won't believe me, but they actually sound better live! Best concert ever. They were having such a good time, it was contagious 😅

This song makes me cry every time. It's humanity personified.

The guitar player that's frozen there around 3:40 on your video... He's Reggie Young and he has a storied career as a studio musician. I'm not an important person but I was in the music industry and I was playing a show in tribute of Waylon when he passed in Round Rock Texas. Don't ask me what year. Anyway, Reggie played with Waylon's widow, Jessie, and afterwards, I saw Reggie packing up his guitar in his trunk in the pasture behind the venue. I shook his hand and let him know his guitarwork on Merle's "easy come easy go" was special for me and my wife. He was gracious but admitted he didn't remember the session, ha ha...God bless Reggie Young

Willy just celebrated his 90th birthday. Still singing strong. Chris was there looking frail (mid 80s). Lot's of big stars celebrating.

@tattoorocker

Жыл бұрын

Willie is supposed to release another album this year from what i heard

@oneprizeonegoal

7 ай бұрын

kris is still going afaik

@Wearywastrel

7 ай бұрын

Willie is a treasure.

A little background on Kris Kristofferson he was a a Rhodes scholar, who studied at oxford university, and he later joined the army, and was supposed to be an English teacher at West Point when he decided to leave the army instead of reenlisting and pursue a music career. As for Waylon Jennings, he was originally in Buddy Holly‘s band The Crickets and he was supposed to be on the plane that crashed killing Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. The reason he wasn’t on the plane is because Ritchie Valens was sick so he gave up his seat on the plane and decided to take Richies place on the tour bus.

Willie has a different delivery than any other singer. Willie just turned 90. Kris is 86. Waylon passed 2002 at 64. Johnny passed in 2003 at 71.

@theartofflipping

Жыл бұрын

@Sandralorenz1796 : Yep. Willie sings off the beat. Not so noticeable on this song though. Sinatra is the only other start that signs similarly that immediately comes to mind.

Love this song and their voices are unique and amazing

There was recently an album called The Highwomen with a bunch of young female country and folk singers that is AMAZIN G

@hafizsharani5336

3 ай бұрын

Their rendition of Fleetwood Mac's THE CHAIN is amazing..

Great song + great performers = Something to remember

I've always loved this song. For the reasons you've stated, for the four giants who sang it. Each so unique. I also love all the guitar fills during and between verses. It's kind of a short history lesson. "The bastards hung me in the spring of 25'.........but I am still alive." That, is a lyric. Sad to see it all coming to an end. Watched Willie's 90th birthday celebration. Ugh. What those men have seen and done. Shaped part of a nation.

@martymcdermott67

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. The guitar fills are class. Very a la Knopfler/Brothers in Arms. Fantastic playing. Awesome playing all round, of course.

@journeyman6752

11 ай бұрын

@@martymcdermott67 as an aussie who loves dire straights and this song. 100%. The guitarist reggie is a big talent!

I first heard this song as Bumper music on the Art Bell show. The Highwaymen were awesome! Art had both Willie Nelson and Wayland Jennings on different nights and they stayed on all night and gave really great interviews talking to many callers. Us old guys were lucky to have been around to hear such great artists.

So much talent in 1 place.

One of the most interesting comment that I've heard about Willie is that his phrasing is that of a jazz singer. I agree, although you said at the beginning that his singing through was very classical. That's a new thought to me. Thanks.

Ive never heard it sung in any other order...but hope to hear that too if i can find it. I grew up loving all these guys... absolutely love them

Willie's style is like Trigger, his lovingly used guitar, laid back & comfortable.

Love that song. Only discovered it last year. Immortality in a way.

I like the fact that you mention the song's writer, Jimmy Webb. Most people seem to leave him out when talking about Glen Campbell's hits he wrote. I was surprised when I found out he wrote this song considering what I've read about him. Good job as always Miss Beth! 🙂

@lauriepowell3959

Жыл бұрын

@ Patrick Rosenbalm You are right, Jimmy Webb did write some of Glenn Campbell’s songs. I had forgotten. Wichita Lineman and By The Time I Get To Phoenix were both beautiful songs. Every Jimmy Webb song I have ever heard always seemed to have an underlying longing and pathos. I mentioned that Richard Harris recorded a lot of Webb’s work (in post above) but thank you for reminding me of the Campbell music. 👍👩🏻‍🎨

@cambridgeratmom

11 ай бұрын

Not just Glen Campbell. Google his list of songs and for whom he wrote them. You'll be surprised!!

My dad born 1923 bought this tape, played it in his 1986 Silverado a lot. I kinda liked at the time, in retrospect... I miss his great taste in music, but I miss dad even more reminiscing

no circus, just pure talent.....

I absolutely have loved this song since it came out. Everyone was great but I have to say Waylon has always been one of my favorite singers. His voice was so smooth and rich. I can listen to that man all day.

Beth, I don't think I've ever seen anyone enjoy a song so much as you do this one! I grew up on Willie and Waylon (Texas, y'all) and I am so happy to see the happiness you show while watching this video. I also have the same pleasure listening to Irish folk music. Pax from Tomball, Scott.

It is my opinion that this is the best yet recording of this song.

You've got to hear the Highwomen and song of the same name. Brandi Carlile, Maron Morris, Amanda Shire and Natalie Hemby. Brandi reworked the lyrics to this song and it's just stunning.

@groomspups315

Жыл бұрын

👍👍

@richardyoung3462

Жыл бұрын

Their cover of Fleetwood Mac's The Chain is awesome too!

@heathermalcolm7639

Жыл бұрын

Yea, and the live version with Yola is a outstanding. I believe Brandi’s reworking was given the blessing of the remainig Highwaymen.

@aekelly

Жыл бұрын

Their cover of Amy Grant's Somewhere Down the Road is beautiful!!!

@Musesnightmare

Жыл бұрын

The song is Highwoman instead of Highwayman but yes, I really think she'd love it! It would make for an interesting analysis too, the similarities and differences of the two songs. How well the song was reworked!

Beth, you are very good with your reaction to these four great singers. Putting them together as a group when they got older was a brilliant idea. They truly liked each other. Johnny and Waylon had even been roommates. Now Willie and Kris are only ones still alive, and they are in their late 80's, but what a tremendous to remember them all.

There is a hell-of a lot of talent up on that stage!!!!! They are super good at their craft!! Masters!!!!!

What a classic. I grew up listening to them and I love these guys. Thanks Beth!

Beth Speaking of Highwaymen, back in early early to mid 1900's, there were a group of African American painters painted the life of Florida of yester years before modern times took over. During segregation times, these iconic painters were unable to sell their paintings at studios or museums. they sold their paintings along the highway where Highway Men term came to be since now. Only a few painters are still living in their 90's to 100's. Some of their iconic auctioned off from hundreds of thousands to million dollars. Some museums have paintings on display loaned by the owners.

Brilliant, absolutely love that song. Gives me goosebumps!♥️

My introduction to this song was in the 80's when Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered here in the US....the promo ad for the show had a couple of clips of Captain Jean-Luc PIcard on screen and Johnny Cash's "I fly a starship" lines playing in the background. I was instantly hooked and have been regularly playing this song for 30 years.

Amazing song and supergroup.

Love it, and I had forgotten all about it! I need to add this to my running playlist again ❤

you really need to check out Whey Jennings and Thomas Gabriel's version of this! (its Waylon and Johnny's grandsons that sing it)

Great live song and amazing artists. It's hard not to hear Waylon Jennings without thinking of The Dukes of Hazzard.

@user-rf8pm1go2s

10 ай бұрын

Yes, he was such a great balladier for Dukes..Soooo many famous artists in that show.

Massive talent on that stage awesome 👏

Awesome that you've got round to the Highwaymen, one of the coolest supergroups there ever was! Just to add a bit of context in case you thought Johnny Cash's delivery might've been a bit more restrained or clipped compared to Willie, Kris, and Waylon, there is a reason behind it: around the time this tour started, Johnny went in for some dental work that went super wrong and he ended up with a partially broken jaw. But ever the consummate showman and crowdpleaser, he decided to forego immediate treatment and recuperation, cause it would've meant cancelling the tour and leaving thousands of fans feeling let down. He eventually did get his jaw sorted, although the effect it had on his speech and singing voice lasted in some ways for pretty much the rest of his life. If you watch an interview or live video of him any time from 1990 to the year he passed, you'll notice his lower half of his mouth is almost a little out of line with the upper half, and that he kinda talks out the side of his mouth a lot, a lasting side effect of his waiting to get treated

Whoever was in this concert is lucky af

Hi Beth, thank you for this one! You should also have a look at the female perspective of this same song by The Highwomen, a woman country super group formed by Brandi Carlile.

@thearab59

Жыл бұрын

They (Brandi) sent sent their version to Jimmy Webb for approval or comments. Jimmy loved it and said he could not improve it. Yola (not a Highwoman) is amazing on her verse.

I was born 1996. Im a Big Cash Fan and because of him and the highwayman I wish I was born in that time when they where in there prime 🙏🏽

Beth, you always treat country music with such respect. I appreciate that. I would love to hear your reaction to George Jones one day. Really any song of his but particularly He Stopped Loving Her Today. which I think is the greatest country song ever written.

These four men would be fit to be, as you said, the Mount Rushmore of Outlaw Country. They were important to country music because they went against the labels. They paved the way for a lot of the artists that are around now. If you like these mixed legends, I might Suggest Seven Spanish Angels, by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, or To All the Girls I've Loved Before, with Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias. Possibly Pancho and Lefty with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard.

What a wonderful song.

Ashley Campbell does a wonderful performance of this

Lyrics.. I was a highwayman Along the coach roads I did ride With sword and pistol by my side Many a young maid lost her baubles to my trade Many a soldier shed his lifeblood on my blade The bastards hung me in the spring of '25 But I am still alive I was a sailor I was born upon the tide With the sea I did abide I sailed a schooner 'round the Horn to Mexico I went aloft to furl the mainsail in a blow And when the yards broke off they said that I got killed But I am living still I was a dam builder Across the river deep and wide Where steel and water did collide A place called Boulder on the wild Colorado I slipped and fell into the wet concrete below They buried me in that great tomb that knows no sound But I am still around I'll always be around, and around and around And around and around and around and around I'll fly a starship Across the Universe divide And when I reach the other side I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can Perhaps I may become a highwayman again Or I may simply be a single drop of rain But I will remain And I'll come back again, and again And again and again and again and again And again

Love that you reacted to this one.

great point about how you can work out how songs should be recorded, instead of just assuming a song should be solely sung by one person. This performance is a great example

Lovely! Great performance 😊

I saw all four of these singers in concert but never together. I did see Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson together twice. One regret I have is that I had seen Johnny Cash with my parents when I was 5 and I don't recall the concert at all. I just wish I had gotten to see him maybe 15-20 years later so I could remember it. I was raised on Johnny Cash by my Dad from my earliest memories.

my fave song. and it really is all about how it is BEST to tell the story of the song~ oh man. this song touches my SOUL! just delve into the HISTORY of what they're talking about! the jobs they're talking about! the first time i heard this song a nearly...ok, i really cried when he sang about the dam builder because it was a VERY DANGEROUS profession back then that NO ONE talks about anymore! THE FEELS IN THIS SONGGGG!!!

The Highwaymen and a lovely rose colleen.💥❤

All fabulous singer songwriters, who write great 'story' songs, and see the value in them. My niece at 6 or 7 asked her Grandad to put the 'story songs' on in car ( Johnny Cash), they never get old because of that...

Wonderful!! Thanks!!

Absolutely love this song

Really cool video. In my opinion the 90's was the end of their prime. A bit older but still full of energy on stage and they all still had their great vocals from their younger years. I am not saying they didn't do great work in their twilight years because they did but this was their prime coming to a end and they sure did rock it!

Can’t believe it took y’all this long to hear the legends I grew up listening to!!! Glad you got to though!

Beth You pick the most interesting music. I have seen this, and I think it was the Johnny Cash version. Both versions are very cool. Jimmy Webb was a fascinating song writer, it seemed the music and the lyrics spun dreams. I heard a very tiny clip of him doing PFSloan. That was enough, he definitely needed someone else to do the vocals! The actor Richard Harris did at least one, possibly two albums of Webb compositions in the early 1970s. All I remember is the title The Yard Went On Forever. “There were houses, there were hoses, Checkered shirts and white Levi’s There was an ironing board and she would [something, something, something] and the yard went on forever.” Speaking of singers making another writer’s song their own, Johnny Cash did a touching and very powerful cover of the song HURT by Trent Reiner (Nine Inch Nails)and nobody else touches its power.

Not just country singers, but some of the original outlaw country singers.

Great video Beth.

This was amazing live. Saw them so many years ago in Buffalo (Agri center in Hamburg NY)

One Of My Favorit Songs.

Great concert from willie waylon and the boys yer ive got this on original dvd had it some years now great to own like good video upload 👍

Thank you Beth. for another wonderful reaction, to four 'country' legends.

One of my fav songs.

Probably my favorite CW song , thanks Beth for reviewing

These four weren't called the 'Outlaws' for nothing. They bucked the Nashville hierarchy for most of their careers.

I'm 66 and really like music. I have over 400 live concert DVDs, and the Highwaymen Live in Nassau Coliseum is in the top 5. As Kris Kristofferson says, "It doesn't get any better than this!".

In the official music video and on the album cut, the order is Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash.

Fantastic sound.

amazing job

I hear this song in my day's work and I just think about what a joy to have made a difference in the world. I'm a highway man.

Such a great concert, definitely worth watching all the way through. Until watching the concert i didn't know that Kris Kristofferson wrote me and Bobby Mcgee.

He's one of the best writers ever. Listen to my favorite by Kris....loving her was easier than anything I'll ever do again maybe the best lyrics ever

I saw them back in 1992 in Berlin. My second concert ever. Thank you dad .

One wouldn’t think a single stage could hold such talent

Great choice. One of my favorites of all time.

The Highwaymen were a great put together back in the mid to late 80s, and early 90s. American Remains is another such tune like this one they made fantastic

Very interesting backstory to the writing of the song- never knew that before. Makes me think of the well-known story of Paul McCartney writing “Let It Be” right after a dream. I’ve learned as an amateur artist, that when inspiration strikes, the thing to do is harness and use it.

What a wonderful treat indeed. I'm into a bunch of stuff.... classic rock, grunge rock, R&B, oldies and classic country, even the Hip Hop bit. But this is one of my all time favorites. Thanks so much, it's not a popular reaction. P.S. If you are looking to review classic country voices, I think you would love "It's Four in the Morning" by Faron Young. AMAZING voice. Or just a suggestion for your personal pleasure.

4 LEGENDS !!!

I have always enjoyed this song... so much so that when I sing at karaoke I do this song... while imitating all 4 voices... though I do the 2nd verse a bit deeper for the contrast... Highwayman, folsom prison blues, your man, honky tonk badonkadonk, and blue on black are the 5 songs I get the most requests to sing.

For another interesting juxtaposition of singing styles, check out "Seven Spanish Angels", a duet between Willie Nelson and Ray Charles. Just phenomenal.