Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted during 2026, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Jessi Colter, which she submitted to this site on Thursday 16 July 2026.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Jessi Colter who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sean Brady would also like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Arlin Brower (Jessi Colter‘s husband), without whom this Gene Watson ‘Peer’s Quote from Jessi Colter would not have been possible.
Jessi Colter
This quote was submitted on Thursday 16 July 2026.
‘Hi Sean, this is Jessi Colter, thanking you for your dedication to the country music field in Ireland.
By the way, we love Ireland, and I love Gene’s voice and his music, and I’ve enjoyed his version of my song.
I hope he keeps singing, and thanks for including me in this tribute’
Thank you, Jessi Colter, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Jessi Colter…
Jessi Colter was born Miriam Johnson, on Tuesday 25 May 1943, in Phoenix, Arizona and is best known for her collaborations with her second husband, country musician, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), and for her 1975 country music hit single, ‘I’m Not Lisa’ (written by Jessi Colter), which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in 1975.
Miriam Johnson was raised in a strict Pentecostal home; her mother was a Pentecostal preacher, while her father was a race-car driver.
When she was 11 years old, Miriam Johnson became the pianist at her church.
After graduating from Mesa High School in 1961, Miriam Johnson began singing in local clubs in Phoenix.
After marrying guitarist, Duane Eddy (Tuesday 26 April 1938 – Tuesday 30 April 2024) in 1961, and still using her real name of Miriam Johnson, she saw the release of two singles, which were issued on the Jamie Records label.
The first, ‘Lonesome Road’, received scattered airplay in several United States markets in 1961, although not enough to make any national charts.
After a second single, ‘I Think I Cried Long Enough For You’, failed to even get regional airplay, also in 1961, Miriam Johnson did not record again for nearly a decade.
Miriam Johnson continued to tour with Duane Eddy (Tuesday 26 April 1938 – Tuesday 30 April 2024) until their divorce in 1968; they have a daughter, Jennifer.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 – Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Miriam Eddy’s ‘No Sign of Living’ and included the track on ‘Dottie West Sings’ (RCA Victor Records, 1965); this track reached No.30 on the Billboard country music singles chart in July 1965.
Don Gibson (Tuesday 3 April 1928 – Monday 17 November 2003) recorded Miriam Eddy’s ‘How Do You Tell Someone’ and included the track on ‘Great Country Songs’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966).
Nancy Sinatra recorded Miriam Eddy’s ‘If He’d Love Me’ and included the track on ‘Boots’ (Reprise Records, 1966).
(Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002)
In 1969, Mirium Johnson met country music artist, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), who helped her secure a recording contract with RCA Victor Records, and married him on Monday 27 October 1969.
It was at this time that Miriam Johnson adopted her stage name, Jessi Colter; she chose the name based on a story her father once told her about an accomplice of Jesse James’, Jesse Colter.
Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter had one son, Waylon Albright ‘Shooter Jennings, who was born in 1979.
Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter were married until Waylon’s death on Wednesday 13 February 2002.
In April 1970, Miriam Johnson, who was now billing herself as Jessi Colter, saw the release of her debut album, ‘A Country Star Is Born’ (RCA Records, 1970), which was produced by Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001) and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), and included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Ain’t The One’ (written by Miriam Johnson) / this track, which was a duet with Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), was released as a single on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1970, but it did not chart
‘Cry Softly’ (written by Miriam Eddy) / this track was released as a single on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975, but it did not chart
Jessi Colter’s debut album, ‘A Country Star Is Born’ (RCA Records, 1970), also included the following tracks:
‘Too Many Rivers’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘It’s Not Easy’ (written by Frankie Miller)
‘He Called Me Baby’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Why You Been Gone So Long’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
‘If She’s Where You Like Livin’ (You Won’t Feel At Home With Me)’ (written by Miriam Eddy)
‘Healing Hands of Time’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘That’s The Chance I’ll Have To Take’ (written by Jackson King)
‘Don’t Let Him Go’ (written by Miriam Eddy)
‘It’s All Over Now’ (written by Miriam Eddy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s debut album, ‘A Country Star Is Born’ (RCA Records, 1970), included the following:
Jessi Colter (keyboards, vocals)
In 1975, Jessi Colter signed a recording contract with Capitol Records, and saw the release, in January 1975, of ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975), which was produced by Ken Mansfield (Thursday 14 October 1937 – Thursday 17 November 2022) and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I’m Not Lisa’ (written by Jessi Colter) (No.1 for one week in May 1975) / this track, which also reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1975, earned Jessi Colter two Grammy Award nominations, one for ‘Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female’, and another for ‘Best Country Song’
‘What’s Happened To Blue Eyes’ (written by Jessi Colter) (No.5, 1975) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1975, and No.57 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1975 / the B-side of this single, ‘You Ain’t Never Been Loved (Like I’m Gonna Love You)’ (written by Jessi Colter) reached No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1975
Jessi Colter’s ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975) also included the following tracks:
‘Is There Any Way (You’d Stay Forever)’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘I Hear A Song’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Come On In’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Love’s The Only Chain’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘For The First Time’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975)
‘Who Walks Thru’ Your Memory (Billy Jo)’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Storms Never Last’ (written by Jessi Colter)
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975) included the following:
Jessi Colter (lead vocals)
Lea Jane Berinati, Mack Johnson, Marge McMahon, Lee Montgomery, Billy Ray Reynolds, Wendy Suits, Marijohn Wilkin (Wednesday 14 July 1920 – Saturday 28 October 2006) and Sharon Vaughn (backing vocals)
Tommy Coghill (Friday 8 April 1932 – Tuesday 7 December 1982) and Duke Goff (bass)
Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 – Saturday 9 May 2015) (fiddle)
Jim Gordon and Dick Hyde (horn)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (producer, guitar)
Bruce King (backing vocals on ‘Come On In’)
Ken Mansfield (Thursday 14 October 1937 – Thursday 17 November 2022) (producer)
Ralph E. Mooney (Sunday 16 September 1928 – Sunday 20 March 2011) and Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Larry Muhoberac (piano, strings)
Elmo Peeler (strings)
John Buck Wilkins (guitar, backing vocals)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (guitar)
Jessi Colter’s ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975) reached No.1 on the Cash Box Top Country Albums Chart in 1975, No.4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975, and No.50 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1975.
In January 1976, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976), which was produced by Ken Mansfield (Thursday 14 October 1937 – Thursday 17 November 2022) and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘It’s Morning (& I Still Love You)’ (written by Jessi Colter) (No.11, 1976) / this track also reached No.20 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976
‘Without You’ (written by Jessi Colter) (No.50, 1976) / this track also reached No.38 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976
Jessi Colter’s ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘The Hand That Rocks The Cradle’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘One Woman Man’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Rounder’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Here I Am’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Darlin’, It’s Yours’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Would You Walk With Me (To The Lillies)’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘All My Life, I’ve Been Your Lady’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘I See Your Face (In The Morning’s Window)’ (written by Jessi Colter)
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976) included the following:
Jessi Colter (lead vocals, keyboards)
Ritchie Albright (drums)
Duke Goff and Sherman Hayes (bass)
Jim Gordon (horn)
Dick Hyde (trombone)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (guitar, backing vocals)
Mackinley Johnson (trumpet)
Ken Mansfield (Thursday 14 October 1937 – Thursday 17 November 2022) (producer)
Ralph E. Mooney (Sunday 16 September 1928 – Sunday 20 March 2011) (pedal steel guitar)
Larry Muhoberac (piano)
Larry Murray (dulcimer)
Randy Lynn Scruggs (Monday 3 August 1953 – Tuesday 17 April 2018) (banjo, guitar)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (guitar)
Jessi Colter’s ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976) reached No.4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976, No.87 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1976, and No.109 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart in 1976.
On Monday 12 January 1976, ‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976), a compilation album featuring Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013), was released by RCA Victor Records, and consisted of previously released material, with four new songs.
‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976), which was produced by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Richie Albright, Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001), Danny Davis (Friday 29 May 1925 – Thursday 12 June 2008), Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013), Ray Kennedy, Willie Nelson, Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999), was released to capitalize on the new ‘Outlaw Country’ movement, and earned its place in music history by becoming the first country music album to be Platinum-certified, reaching sales of one million copies.
‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976) included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Suspicious Minds’ (written by Mark James) (No.25, 1970 and No.2, 1976) / this track featured vocals from Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter
‘Good Hearted Woman’, which was written by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Willie Nelson (No.1 for three weeks in February/March 1976) / this track, which featured vocals from Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, also reached No.25 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976, and was awarded with the ‘Single of The Year’ Award by the Country Music Association (CMA)
‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys’ (written by Sharon Vaughn) / this track was performed by Waylon Jennings
‘Honky Tonk Heroes’, which was written by Billy Joe Shaver (Wednesday 16 August 1939 – Wednesday 28 October 2020) / this track was performed by Waylon Jennings
‘I’m Looking For Blue Eyes’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track was performed by Jessi Colter
‘You Mean To Say’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track was performed by Jessi Colter
‘Heaven Or Hell’ (written by Willie Nelson) / this track was performed by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson
‘Me & Paul’ (written by Willie Nelson) / this track was performed by Willie Nelson
‘Yesterday’s Wine’ (written by Willie Nelson) / this track was performed by Willie Nelson
‘T For Texas’, which was written by Jimmie Rodgers (Monday 18 September 1933 – Monday 18 January 2021) / this track was performed by Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013)
‘Put Another Log On The Fire (Male Chauvinist National Anthem)’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) / this track was performed by Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976) included the following:
Jessi Colter, Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013), Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Willie Nelson (vocals)
Richard Bennett (guitar, mando-guitar)
Steve Earle (acoustic guitar)
Ray Kennedy (tambourine)
Greg Morrow (drums)
Mickey Raphael (bass harmonica)
Garry Tallent (bass)
Robby Turner (Saturday 7 April 1962 – Thursday 4 September 2025) (pedal steel guitar)
‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976, where it stayed for six weeks.
In November 1976, ‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976) became the first country music album to be awarded the Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which introduced the platinum certification that year.
In July 1976, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘Diamond In The Rough’ (Capitol Records, 1976), which was produced by Ken Mansfield (Thursday 14 October 1937 – Thursday 17 November 2022) and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name’ (written by Lee Emerson) (No.29, 1976) / this track also reached No.48 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976 / the B-side of this single, ‘You Hung The Moon (Didn’t You Waylon)’ (written by Jessi Colter), was also released as a single in 1976, but it failed to chart
Jessi Colter’s ‘Diamond In The Rough’ (Capitol Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘Diamond In The Rough’, which was written by Donald Ray Fritts (Sunday 8 November 1942 – Tuesday 27 August 2019) and Spooner Oldham
‘Get Back’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney
‘Would You Leave Now’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Hey Jude’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney
‘Oh Will (Who Made It Rain Last Night)’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Ain’t No Way’ (written by Tere Mansfield)
‘A Woman’s Heart Is A Handy Place To Be (written by Cort Casady and Marshall Chapman)
‘Oh Will’ (written by Jessi Colter)
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s ‘Diamond In The Rough’ (Capitol Records, 1976) included the following:
Jessi Colter (lead vocals, keyboards)
Richie Albright (drums)
Bill C. Graham (mandolin, violin)
Sherman Hayes (bass)
John Leslie Hug (guitar)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (backing vocals, guitar, producer)
Ken Mansfield (Thursday 14 October 1937 – Thursday 17 November 2022) (producer)
Todd Miller, Craig Ware and Robert Ware (horn)
Ralph E. Mooney (Sunday 16 September 1928 – Sunday 20 March 2011) (steel guitar)
Clifford ‘Barny’ Robertson (backing vocals, keyboards)
Carter Robertson (backing vocals)
Don Robertson (keyboards)
Jessi Colter’s ‘Diamond In The Rough’ (Capitol Records, 1976) reached No.4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976, No.64 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1976, and No.79 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart in 1976.
In July 1977, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘Miriam’ (Capitol Records, 1977), which was produced by Ken Mansfield (Thursday 14 October 1937 – Thursday 17 November 2022) and Richie Albright, and included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Belong To Him’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track, which featured guest vocals from Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 – Tuesday 6 December 1988), was released as a single on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977, but it did not chart
Jessi Colter’s ‘Miriam’ (Capitol Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
‘For Mama’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Put Your Arms Around Me’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘God If I Could Only Write Your Love Song’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Consider Me’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘There Ain’t No Rain’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘God I Love You’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Let it Go’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Master, Master’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘New Wine’ (written by Jessi Colter)
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s ‘Miriam’ (Capitol Records, 1977) included the following:
Jessi Colter (keyboards, lead vocals)
Richie Albright (drums, producer)
Johnny Christopher, Gordon Payne and Rance Wasson (guitar)
Jim Gordon (horn)
Sherman Hayes (bass)
Dick Hyde (trombone)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (backing vocals on ‘I Belong To Him’, guitar)
Mackinley Johnson (trumpet)
Gayle Lavant (harp)
G. Merlin (dulcimer)
Ralph E. Mooney (Sunday 16 September 1928 – Sunday 20 March 2011) (steel guitar)
Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 – Tuesday 6 December 1988) (backing vocals on ‘I Belong To Him’)
Clifford ‘Barny’ Robertson (backing vocals, keyboards)
Carter Robertson (backing vocals)
Toni Wine (backing vocals on ‘Let It Go’)
Jessi Colter’s ‘Miriam’ (Capitol Records, 1977) reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.
In November 1978, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978), which was produced by Richie Albright and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Maybe You Should’ve Been Listening’, which was written by Buzz Rabin (Friday 25 October 1940 – Saturday 12 October 2024) (No.45, 1978) / this track also reached No.61 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978 / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, under the title, ‘Maybe I Should’ve Been Listening’, who included it on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981)
‘Love Me Back To Sleep’ (written by Zack Van Arsdale) (No.91, 1979)
Jessi Colter’s ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:
‘Roll On’, which was written by J.J. Cale (Monday 5 December 1938 – Friday 26 July 2013)
‘Black Haired Boy’, which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 – Tuesday 17 May 2016) and Susanna Clark (Saturday 11 March 1939 – Wednesday 27 June 2012)
‘I Was Kinda Crazy Then’, which was written by Susanna Clark (Saturday 11 March 1939 – Wednesday 27 June 2012)
‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’, which was written by Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018) / this track was also recorded by Jacky Ward, who included it on ‘More!’ (Mercury Records, 1980); Jacky Ward’s version of the track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980
‘My Cowboy’s Last Ride’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003)
‘Hold Back The Tears’ (written by Neil Young)
‘Don’t You Think I Feel It Too’ (written by David Ball) / this track was also recorded by Lyle Lovett, who included it on ‘Natural Forces’ (Curb Records / Lost Highway Records, 2009)
‘My Goodness’, which was written by Donald Ray Fritts (Sunday 8 November 1942 – Tuesday 27 August 2019) and Spooner Oldham
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978) included the following:
Richie Albright (drums, producer)
J.J. Cale (Monday 5 December 1938 – Friday 26 July 2013), Fred Carter (Sunday 31 December 1933 – Saturday 17 July 2010) and Gordon Payne (guitar)
Jessi Colter (keyboards, lead vocals)
Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 – Saturday 9 May 2015) (violin)
Sherman Hayes (bass)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (background vocals, guitar, producer)
Ralph E. Mooney (Sunday 16 September 1928 – Sunday 20 March 2011) (steel guitar)
Clifford ‘Barny’ Robertson (background vocals, keyboards)
Carter Robertson (background vocals)
Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018) (guitar, harmonica)
Jessi Colter’s ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978) reached No.46 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.
In February 1981, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) & Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘Leather & Lace’ (RCA Records, 1981), which was produced by Richie Albright and Waylon Jennings, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Storms Never Last’ (written by Jessi Colter) (No.17, 1981) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981
‘The Wild Side of Life’ (written by Arlie A. Carter and William Warren) / ‘It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels’, which was written by Joseph Denton ‘Jay’ Miller (Friday 5 May 1922 – Saturday 23 March 1996) (No.10, 1981) / this track also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981
Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter’s ‘Leather & Lace’ (RCA Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘You Never Can Tell (C’est la Vie)’, which was written by Chuck Berry (Monday 18 October 1926 – Saturday 18 March 2017)
‘Rainy Seasons’ (written by Jessi Colter and Basil McDavid)
‘I’ll Be Alright’, which was written by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Jerry Bridges and Michael Lawley
‘Pastels & Harmony’ (written by Gordon Payne and Bee Spears)
‘I Believe You Can’ (written by Jessi Colter and Basil McDavid)
‘What’s Happened To Blue Eyes’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘I Ain’t The One’ (written by Miriam Eddy – also known as Jessi Colter)
‘You’re Not My Same Sweet Baby’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
Personnel involved in the recording of Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter’s ‘Leather & Lace’ (RCA Records, 1981) included the following:
Charlie McCoy (harmonica)
Richie Albright
Ralph E. Mooney (Sunday 16 September 1928 – Sunday 20 March 2011) (steel guitar)
Barney Robertson
Gordon Payne
Jessi Colter (lead vocals)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (lead vocals)
Sonny Curtis (Sunday 9 May 1937 – Friday 19 September 2025)
Jerry Bridges
Bucky Wilkin
Ken Buttrey
Norbert Putnam
Pete Wade (Sunday 16 December 1934 – Tuesday 27 August 2024)
Carter Robertson (background vocals)
Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter’s ‘Leather & Lace’ (RCA Records, 1981) reached No.11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981, and No.43 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1981.
Stevie Nicks wrote the title track of the album, ‘Leather & Lace’ but, after receiving word that Jessi Colter and Waylon Jennings might divorce, Stevie Nicks released her own version of the song as a duet with Don Henley.
‘Leather & Lace’ (written by Stevie Nicks) was included on Stevie Nicks’ ‘Bella Donna’ (Modern Records / ATCO Records, 1981) and, when released as a single, reached No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100 It peaked at number six on pop music singles chart in 1981.
In December 1981, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘Ridin’ Shotgun’ (Capitol Records, 1981), which was produced by Randy Lynn Scruggs (Monday 3 August 1953 – Tuesday 17 April 2018) and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), and included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Holdin’ On’ (No.70, 1981)
‘Ain’t Makin’ No Headlines (Here Without You)’ / this track was released as a single in 1982, but it did not chart
‘Ridin’ Shotgun (Honkin’)’ / this track was released as a single in 1982, but it did not chart
Jessi Colter’s ‘Ridin’ Shotgun’ (Capitol Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘Nobody Else Like You’
‘Somewhere Along The Way’
‘Wings of My Victory’
‘Jennifer’
‘Hard Times & Sno-cone’
‘Fallen Star’
In 1984, Jessi Coltter saw the release of ‘Rock & Roll Lullaby’ (Triad Records, 1984), her first and only release for the record label, which included the following tracks:
‘Rock & Roll Lullaby’, which was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (Friday 18 October 1940 – Thursday 1 June 2023)
‘Wild & Blue’
‘Stormy Weather’, which was written by Harold Arlen (15 February 1905 – Wednesday 23 April 1986) and Ted L. Koehler (14 July 1894 – Wednesday 17 January 1973)
‘I Want To Be With You’
‘I Forgot More Than You’ll Ever Know’, which was written by Cecil Allen Null (Tuesday 26 April 1927 – Sunday 26 August 2001)
‘I’m Going By Daydream’
‘Partners After All’
‘Easy Street’
‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’, which was written by Don Gibson (Tuesday 3 April 1928 – Monday 17 November 2003)
‘Tiger’
On Tuesday 4 April 1995, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘The Jessi Colter Collection’ (Liberty Records, 1995), which included the following tracks:
‘Is There Any Way (You’d Stay Forever)’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track is an album track from ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975)
‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’, which was written by Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018) / this track is an album track from ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978)
‘What’s Happened To Blue Eyes’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975, No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1975, and No.57 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1975 / this track was originally included on ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975)
‘I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name’ (written by Lee Emerson) / this track reached No.29 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and No.48 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976 / this track was originally included on ‘Diamond In The Rough’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
‘I’m Not Lisa’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in May 1975, and No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1975 / this track, which earned Jessi Colter two Grammy Award nominations, one for ‘Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female’, and another for ‘Best Country Song’, was originally included on ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975)
‘Without You’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track reached No.50 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and No.38 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976 / this track was originally included on ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
‘Maybe You Should’ve Been Listening’, which was written by Buzz Rabin (Friday 25 October 1940 – Saturday 12 October 2024) / this track reached No.45 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, and No.61 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978 / this track, which was originally included on Jessi Colter’s ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978), was also recorded by Gene Watson, under the title, ‘Maybe I Should’ve Been Listening’, who included it on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981)
‘It’s Morning (& I Still Love You)’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and No.20 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976 / this track was originally included on ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
‘Hold Back The Tears’ (written by Neil Young) / this track is an album track from ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978)
‘Here I Am’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track is an album track from ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
On Monday 1 January 1996, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘Jessi Colter Sings Songs for Kids: Songs From Around The World’ (Peter Pan Records, 1996), her first and only album of children’s music, and her first studio album in 12 years; the album included the following tracks:
‘I’d Like To Sing With Kids’
‘La Cucaracha’
‘Old King Cole’
‘I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony)’
‘A Mouse Lived In A Windmill In Old Amsterdam’
‘The La La Song’
‘Octopus’s Garden’
‘Mary Ann’ (West Indies folk tune)
‘Frère Jacques’
‘Babushka Baio’ (Russian lullaby)
‘Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra (That’s An Irish Lullaby)’
‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’
‘This Land Is Your Land’
‘Choo Choo Ba’
‘London Bridge’
‘Did You Ever See A Lassie’
‘Jasmine Flower’ (Chinese folk tune)
‘Bubbles & Bubbles’
‘Finiculi, Finicula’
‘He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands’
‘Aloha Oe’
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s ‘Jessi Colter Sings Songs for Kids: Songs From Around The World’ (Peter Pan Records, 1996) included the following:
Jessi Colter (keyboards, lead vocals)
David Hummer (development)
Eric Lewandoski (creative director, design)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (guitar, vocals)
Donald Kasen (executive producer)
In 2000, Jessi Colter’s ‘Jessi Colter Sings Songs for Kids: Songs From Around The World’ (Peter Pan Records, 1996) was re-released, by Peter Pan Records, and was re-titled as ‘Around The World’.
In 2000, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) & The Waymore Blues Band saw the release of ‘Never Say Die’ (Columbia Records, 2000); two of the included tracks were ‘I’m Not Lisa’ (written by Jessi Colter) and ‘Storms Never Last’ (written by Jessi Colter), which featured Jessi Colter on piano and guest vocals.
On Tuesday 2 September 2003, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘The Very Best of Jessi Colter: An Outlaw, A Lady’ (Capitol Records, 2003), which included the following tracks:
‘You Mean To Say’ (written by Miriam Eddy) / this track was originally released, on RCA Victor Records, as a non album single in 1971
‘Suspicious Minds’ (written by Mark James) / this track reached No.25 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1970 and, upon re-release, reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976 / this track featured vocals from Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Jessi Colter, and was originally included on ‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976), a compilation album featuring Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013), which earned its place in music history by becoming the first country music album to be Platinum-certified, reaching sales of one million copies
‘Under Your Spell Again’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) and Dusty Rhodes / this track was originally included on Waylon Jennings’ ‘Ladies Love Outlaws’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1972) and featured guest vocals from Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter / Waylon Jennings & Jessi Colter’s version of the track reached No.39 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1971 / the original version of this track was recorded by Buck Owens, who included it on ‘Buck Owens’ (Capitol Records, 1959); Buck Owens’ version of the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1959
‘I’m Not Lisa’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in May 1975, and No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1975 / the track, which was originally included on ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975), earned Jessi Colter two Grammy Award nominations, one for ‘Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female’, and another for ‘Best Country Song’
‘What’s Happened To Blue Eyes’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975, No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1975, and No.57 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1975 / this track was originally included on Jessi Colter’s ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975)
‘You Ain’t Been Loved (Like I’m Gonna Love You)’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track reached No.64 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975, and No.65 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1975 / this track, which was originally included on ‘I’m Jessi Colter’ (Capitol Records, 1975), was the B-side of ‘What’s Happened To Blue Eyes’ (written by Jessi Colter), which reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975
‘Storms Never Last’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track reached No.17 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981, and No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981 / this track was originally included on Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) & Jessi Colter’s ‘Leather & Lace’ (RCA Records, 1981)
‘It’s Morning (& I Still Love You)’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and No.20 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976 / this track was originally included on ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
‘Without You’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track reached No.50 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and No.38 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976 / this track was originally included on ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
‘Here I Am’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track is an album track from ‘Jessi’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
‘I Belong To Him’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track, which featured guest vocals from Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 – Tuesday 6 December 1988), was released as a single on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977, but it did not chart / the track was originally included on ‘Miriam’ (Capitol Records, 1977)
‘New Wine’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track is an album track from ‘Miriam’ (Capitol Records, 1977)
‘I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name’ (written by Lee Emerson) / this track reached No.29 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and No.48 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976 / this track was originally included on ‘Diamond In The Rough’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
‘You Hung The Moon (Didn’t You Waylon)’ (written by Jessi Colter) / this track was released as a single on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, but it failed to chart / this track was the B-side of ‘I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name’ (written by Lee Emerson), which reached No.29 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and was originally included on ‘Diamond In The Rough’ (Capitol Records, 1976)
‘Maybe You Should’ve Been Listening’, which was written by Buzz Rabin (Friday 25 October 1940 – Saturday 12 October 2024) / this track reached No.45 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, and No.61 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978 / this track, which was originally included on ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978), was also recorded by Gene Watson, under the title, ‘Maybe I Should’ve Been Listening’, who included it on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981)
‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’, which was written by Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018) / this track was an album track from Jessi Colter’s ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978) / this track was also recorded by Jacky Ward, who included it on ‘More!’ (Mercury Records, 1980); Jacky Ward’s version of the track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980
‘Hold Back The Tears’ (written by Bob Dylan) / this track was an album track from Jessi Colter’s ‘That’s The Way A Cowboy Rocks & Rolls’ (Capitol Records, 1978)
‘The Wild Side of Life’ (written by Arlie A. Carter and William Warren) / ‘It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels’, which was written by Joseph Denton ‘Jay’ Miller (Friday 5 May 1922 – Saturday 23 March 1996) / this track reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981, and No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981 / this track was originally included on Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) & Jessi Colter’s ‘Leather & Lace’ (RCA Records, 1981)
On Tuesday 28 February 2006, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘Out of The Ashes’ (Shout! Factory Records, 2006), which was produced by Don Was, and included the following tracks:
‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’, which was written by Civilla Durfee Holden Martin (21 August 1866 – Tuesday 9 March 1948) and Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (18 August 1856 – Wednesday 14 September 1932)
‘You Can Pick ‘Em’ (written by Jessi Colter and Ray Herndon)
‘Starman’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘The Phoenix Rises’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Out of The Rain’, which was written by Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018) / this track featured guest vocals from Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Shooter Jennings, Tony Joe White, and Greater Apostolic Christ Temple Choir
‘Velvet & Steel’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Rainy Day Women No.12 & 35’ (written by Bob Dylan)
‘You Took Me by Surprise’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘So Many Things’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘The Canyon’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Never Got Over You’ (written by Jessi Colter and Ray Herndon)
‘Please Carry Me Home’ (written by Jessi Colter and Shooter Jennings) / this track featured guest vocals from Shooter Jennings
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s ‘Out of The Ashes’ (Shout! Factory Records, 2006) included the following:
Richie Albright (percussion, drums)
Mike Breen, Alan Cartee and Steve Crowder (engineer)
Jerry Bridges (bass guitar)
Jessi Colter (piano, arranger, Wurlitzer)
Greater Apostolic Christ Temple Choir (background vocals on ‘Out of The Rain’)
Jeff Hale (drums)
Ray Herndon and Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018) (guitar, background vocals)
Jim Horn (saxophone)
Shooter Jennings (background vocals, drums, producer)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) (background vocals, guitar on ‘Out of The Rain’)
Kurt Johnson (harmonica)
Ray Kennedy (bass guitar, organ, percussion)
Jeff Palo (producer)
Barny Robertson (bass guitar, drums, engineer, keyboards)
Carter Robertson (background vocals)
Robby Turner (Saturday 7 April 1962 – Thursday 4 September 2025) (Dobro, pedal steel guitar)
Don Was (producer, upright bass) (background vocals, guitar)
Jenny Lynn Young (cello)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Jessi Colter’s ‘Out of The Ashes’ (Shout! Factory Records, 2006) reached No.61 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 2006.
On Tuesday 9 October 2007, Deana Carter saw the release of ‘The Chain’ (Vanguard Records, 2007); one of the included tracks was ‘I’m Not Lisa’ (written by Jessi Colter), which was a duet with Jessi Colter.
(Saturday 6 July 1940 – Friday 1 August 2025)
On Friday 13 January 2017, Jeannie Seely (Saturday 6 July 1940 – Friday 1 August 2025) saw the release of ‘Written In Song’ (Cheyenne Records, 2017); one of the included tracks was ‘We’re Still Hangin’ In There Ain’t We Jessi’ (written by Jeannie Seely), which featured guest vocals from Jessi Colter and Jan Howard (Friday 13 March 1929 – Saturday 28 March 2020).
On Friday 24 March 2017, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘The Psalms’ (Legacy Recordings, 2017), which consisted of Jessi Colter’s favorite Book of Psalms passages put to music; the album was produced by Lenny Kaye, who recalled an evening when Jessi Colter, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Patti Smith, and he were having dinner together in 1995 when Jessi Colter began to sing passages of the Bible.
Lenny Kaye stated that he was ‘transfixed’ and kept the evening in his mind until he convinced Jessi Colter to record those renditions in 2007, with the album being recorded over the course of two sessions, along with a further two recording sessions in 2008. Of the album, Lenny Kaye stated, ‘we tried to choose songs that weren’t about warring peoples, but more about comfort and reconciliation’.
On Tuesday 11 April 2017, Jessi Colter saw the release of a tell-all memoir, ‘An Outlaw & A Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life With Waylon, and The Faith That Brought Me Home’.
On Friday 27 October 2023, Jessi Colter saw the release of ‘Edge of Forever’ (Appalachia Records, 2023), which was produced by Margo Price, and mixed by Jessi Colter’s son, Shooter Jennings, and included the following tracks:
‘Standing On The Edge of Forever’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘I Wanna Be With You’ (written by Basil McDavid) / this track featured guest vocals from Margo Price
‘Hard On Easy Street’, which was written by Bobby Emmons and Lincoln Wayne ‘Chips’ Moman (Saturday 12 June 1937 – Monday 13 June 2016)
‘Lost Love Song’, which was written by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) / this track featured guest vocals from Margo Price
‘Angel In The Fire’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus’, which was written by James Cleveland (Saturday 5 December 1931 – Saturday 9 February 1991) / this track was arranged by Jessi Colter
‘With Or Without You’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘Fine Wine’ (written by Jennifer Eddy Jennings) / this track featured guest vocals from Margo Price
‘Maybe You Should’ve Been Listening’, which was written by Buzz Rabin (Friday 25 October 1940 – Saturday 12 October 2024) / this track featured guest vocals from Margo Price
‘Secret Place’ (written by Jennifer Eddy Jennings and Jessi Colter) / this track featured guest vocals from Jennifer Eddy Jennings
Personnel involved in the recording of Jessi Colter’s ‘Edge of Forever’ (Appalachia Records, 2023) included the following:
Alex Munoz (12-string acoustic guitar, electric slide guitar)
Jamie Davis (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
The Price Tags (backing band)
Kevin Black (bass)
Jenny Lynn Young (cello)
Dillon Napier (drums)
Jeremy Ivey (harmonica)
Micah Hulscher (organ, electric piano)
Luke Sschneider (pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar, Dobro)
Margo Price (vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion)
Jessi Colter (vocals, piano)
On Monday 19 June 2023, Jessi Colter announced via her social media pages, that she had married Arlin Brower in Rio Verde, Arizona, on Tuesday 14 February 2023; they were married on a horse-therapy ranch.
Arlin Brower is a former heavy equipment contractor and a horse breeder.
Visit Jessi Colter‘s official Facebook page
