Jessi Colter: Her Life as ‘An Outlaw And A Lady’
Country music is known for its storytelling, often capturing the essence of human experience rather than predicting the future. And in 1970, when RCA released Jessi Colter’s debut album, the title was strangely prescient. The album was called A Country Star is Born, and, as history would show, Colter’s place in country music history was cemented soon after.
Colter was not only a country star, but also one of the few women to break through the male-dominated world of outlaw country in the 1970s. Outlaw country, a genre that rebelled against the polished mainstream country sound, was typically known for its rugged male figures, but Colter made a significant mark with both her music and her unmistakable persona.
Her hit song, “I’m Not Lisa,” went beyond the country charts, crossing over into pop, which cemented her status as one of the era’s defining artists. But it wasn’t just her musical career that drew attention; it was her personal life and her musical partnership with Waylon Jennings, one of the most iconic figures in country music.
A Love Like No Other
Jessi Colter’s marriage to Waylon Jennings, which lasted for over 30 years until his death in 2002, was a defining part of both her personal and professional life. Waylon, the man who helped shape the outlaw country movement, had a personality as powerful and bold as his music. According to Colter, their relationship felt like a scene straight out of a movie. She describes it as “remarkably strong,” with an immediate connection that led them to a lifetime together.
In her memoir An Outlaw and a Lady, Colter reflects on their relationship, explaining that their shared love for creativity and music kept them connected. For Colter, music wasn’t just part of her life; it was everything. She speaks fondly of their musical collaboration, and how their creative chemistry only grew stronger over time. Despite the challenges they faced, including the pressures of the music business and their personal differences, Colter never wavered in her loyalty to Waylon.
A Unique Marriage and Respect for Genius
Colter explains that every marriage is unique, and it’s hard to judge one relationship by another. What made her so loyal to Waylon was his creative spirit. Music, Colter says, was ingrained in him—in every cell of his body. She admired how serious he was about his craft, always working with intent to create music that was meaningful and powerful.
However, their relationship wasn’t always easy. Colter emphasizes that being in a relationship with a genius like Waylon meant that she had to fight through their differences. Yet, her respect for his artistic brilliance and their shared love for music made it worthwhile. She doesn’t romanticize their relationship as perfect but highlights how their shared passion for creativity helped them grow together both personally and professionally.
The Power of Creativity in Their Relationship
One of the things that kept Colter and Waylon’s bond strong was their shared love for creating. Colter recalls the time spent together in the studio and how each of Waylon’s sessions resonated deeply with her. She loved every session he cut, knowing that he was making music with purpose. They had a mutual admiration for each other’s creative output, and this appreciation was a cornerstone of their relationship.
Colter’s own artistry as a musician and songwriter allowed her to connect with Waylon in a way that few could. She was an artist in her own right, and understanding his passion for his work meant she could support him, even through difficult times. Colter doesn’t shy away from acknowledging their struggles, but she holds her husband’s musical genius in the highest regard. In her eyes, Waylon was irreplaceable.
Waylon’s Texas Roots
Jessi Colter also reflects on how Waylon Jennings embodied his Texas roots. Waylon was fiercely proud of his heritage, and Colter lovingly acknowledges this aspect of him. She humorously shares that whenever she couldn’t fully understand him, she would think, “Okay, he’s Texan, cause y’all have a government down there and you can withdraw from the union if you wanted to.”
Waylon’s deep connection to Texas was evident in his personality, music, and outlook on life. He was unapologetically Texan, with a stubbornness and independence that reflected the state’s rebellious spirit. His commitment to authenticity and staying true to his roots in both music and life was something Colter admired.
A Legacy of Outlaws
Jessi Colter’s journey from a rising country star to a beloved outlaw legend is one marked by passion, resilience, and creativity. Not only did she navigate the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, but she also carved out her own legacy while standing alongside Waylon Jennings. Together, they became a power couple in country music, with both their careers intertwined with their love for music and each other.
Colter’s memoir An Outlaw and a Lady is more than just a recounting of her life with Waylon—it’s a celebration of their shared love for music, their unique bond, and their place in the history of country music. Colter’s candid reflections offer readers an inside look at the man behind the outlaw image, and the woman who stood by him through it all.
In the world of outlaw country, Jessi Colter is a rare figure—one of the few female voices to stand alongside the men of the genre. Her contribution to country music, as well as her role as Waylon Jennings’ partner, is a testament to the power of creative collaboration and enduring love.
Her legacy, both as a pioneering female artist and as Waylon’s Lady, continues to inspire country music fans and musicians alike. Through her music and memoir, Jessi Colter proves that the outlaw spirit can live on, not just through the music, but through the stories that define it.
