The Highwaymen live on as ‘American Outlaws’
Experience American Outlaws when four of the biggest superstars in country music set their egos aside and performed as a cohesive unit.
In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s the Highwaymen consisted of superstars Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings. Over a 10-year span they released three albums and toured a few times, much to the delight of Outlaw country fans.
Columbia/Legacy has released a definitive Highwaymen set consisting of three CDs plus a live DVD of an entire 1990 concert. In this form, fans will experience a time when the quartet was happy, healthy, and full of piss and vinegar — a time when four of the biggest superstars in country music history set their egos aside and performed as a cohesive unit. Working their way through classics (“Mystery Train”), their individual hits (“Ring Of Fire,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “Good Hearted Woman”), and other Highwaymen tunes, the band has a good time, and the strength of their musical and personal bonds is plain to see.
Today, only Nelson and Kristofferson are still standing, both in their 80s, both still working. But the legacy of Cash and Jennings lives on, and this release proves why. On Fri., May 20 at Chastain Park, Nelson performs with the late Merle Haggard’s two sons — Ben and Noel — as well as Haggard’s band the Strangers. Kris Kristofferson, who’s filling in for Haggard, joins Nelson for hits like “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” which was a big hit for the Highwaymen, and written by the late Guy Clark, who passed away this week.
Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, the Strangers featuring Ben and Noel Haggard. Tonight (Fri., May 20). $35-$85. Chastain Park. 4469 Stella Drive N.W. www.chastainseries.com.