An Outlaw and a Lady

A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon, and the Faith That Brought Me Home

By: Jessi Colter

Narrated by: Devon O'day

Renowned songwriter, singer, and wife of Waylon Jennings writes an intimate, enormously entertaining memoir of American music, of life with Waylon and the Outlaws, and of faith lost and found.

The daughter of a Pentecostal evangelist and a race-car driver, Jessi Colter played piano and sang in church before leaving Arizona to tour with rock 'n' roll pioneer Duane Eddy, whom she married. Colter became a successful recording artist, appearing on American Bandstand and befriending stars such as the the Everly Brothers and Chet Atkins while her songs were recorded by Nancy Sinatra, Dottie West, and others. Her marriage to Eddy didn't last, however, and in 1969 she married the electrifying Waylon Jennings. Together they made their home in Nashville, which, in the 1970s, was ground zero for roots music, drawing Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Shel Silverstein, and others to the Nashville Sound. And Jessi was at the center of it all, the only woman on the landmark Wanted: The Outlaws album, the record that launched the Outlaw Country genre and was the first country album to go platinum. She also tasted personal commercial success with the number-one single "I'm Not Lisa".

But offstage life was a challenge, as Waylon pursued his addictions and battled his demons. Having drifted from the church as a young woman, Jessi returned to her faith and found in it a source of strength in the turmoil of living with Waylon. In the 1980s Waylon helped launch the supergroup The Highwaymen, with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, and the hits kept rolling, as did Waylon's reckless living. Amid it all Jessi faithfully prayed for her husband until finally, at Thanksgiving 2001, Waylon found Jesus, just months before he died.

An Outlaw and a Lady is a powerful story of American music, of love in the midst of heartache, and of faith that sustains.

©2017 Jessi Colter (P)2017 Thomas Nelson

Absolutely Amazing!

Loved this story! I was hooked! as a huge fan I am fascinated! I am so glad Jessi shared this story with us!

Thank you Jessi

I spent years being jealous of Jessi Colter. I have been in love with Waylon Jennings for years of course he was old enough to be my Dad. But hearing how Jessi loved him and stood by him, what an amazing woman. So glad Waylon found you! Thank you for leading him to Jesus!! You are an amazing woman thank you for sharing your story with all of us.

One of my top this year

How unexpected--I am not a country music fan, a Waylon fan--I didn't even know who Jessi Colter was I confess. The outline just appealed to me, that a country music celebrity made a book about spirituality. I absolutely loved this.

An extraordinary life and an easy read.

Much of the Jesus language was difficult to listen to as this language is so generic and cultish almost- she did grow up Pentacostal. It bordered on spiritual arrogance at times I thought, but perhaps this had to do with the reader. The message of spirituality and unconditional love I can definitely relate to. The stories and writing are, of course, nothing short of exceptional.

Wonderful, inspiring story!

Wonderful and inspiring story! Captivating biography about two very different people who made a unique pair. Many levels of insight can be gleaned from Jesse and Waylon's lives.

Real love

I liked the sorry about there first date. What was going thru here mind and almost hit a cow

Jessi and Mariam

Loved it!! I didn't realize the background of Jessi! Inspiring!!! Persistent!! longsuffering!! Relentless love!! Patient!!

An unexpected surprise...

I LOVED THIS BOOK. LOVED. LOVED. I originally picked it up due to I am a HUGE fan of the outlaws...Waylon in particular. and I have always adored Jessi Colter. I had no way of knowing just how inspirational of a woman she is. I laughed, I cried, but I mostly found a spiritual inspiration and connection I didn't even know I was missing. Thank your Mirriam Johnson for blessing us with your story. Superbly entertaining and touching. Highly recommend for the soul.

Inspirational

There is nothing to dislike about this book. This book is a testimony of faith, losing faith, and regaining faith in the Lord. This book is a testament of enduring love between a man and a woman. It is a declaration of God's grace and God's enduring promise. A must read. I know that I will read this book again and again!

Loved thus book and their story. Thank You

I really enjoyed this families story. growing up in the 70s and 80s I loved and respected them all.