An Outlaw and a Lady by Jessi Colter and David Ritz ~ Review

My Review:

Jessi Colter famous singer, song-writer, child of God, and love of Waylon Jenning’s life, tell her story in this autobiography that tells of her childhood, meeting and loving Waylon, and rediscovering her faith in God.

Born Mirriam Johnson, to a Pentecostal preacher and a racecar driver, she sang in church and her family knew that she was something special. At 17 with her family’s blessing she recorded her first record and met Duane Eddy whom she later married. Those were troubled years, though she seemed to have everything she could have wanted a supportive husband, daughter, and a song-writing career, something was missing. She explored the New Age worldview, liking the self-empowering messages, but finding them oddly empty, soon after her marriage failed and she was divorcee at 24. It was then that she met Waylon Jennings the enigmatic country rocker, who didn’t like to play by the rules. He was a hard living, woman loving man, with a pill problem, just coming out of his third divorce at 31. But when they met they were smitten.

Uncertain years of up and downs followed, Mirriam took the professional name Jessi Colter and had many successes of her own, touring with Waylon on and off, and going to the top of the charts with her song “I’m Not Lisa” as well as with a few other songs that she sang herself, or that were cut by other artists. And even though she lived for loving Waylon, something was still missing.

I've been a long time fan of country music, so this book caught my eye when I saw that it was about the woman who new Waylon best. I realized as I read how little I knew about Jessi beyond her songs. Jessi was a strong woman, and though success came and went through the years her love was always with her family. I liked her honesty as she told her story, she didn't sugar coat Waylon's past and the hurt that he had caused her, despite being the love of her life. 

It's so cool to see looking back how God was working in her life even when she seemed to be running away from Him. Through everything she stayed true to her husband and to the God that gave her strength to keep going and inspired her music. I learned so much about the rich history of outlaw country and the woman beside one of country music's greatest legends and rule breakers. 

Overall all it was a wonderful read and a great intimate look at the life of Jessi Colter and her famous husband Waylon Jennings, and the life that they found together. Highly recommend for fans of Jessi and Waylon, or anyone who enjoys reading about a real life love story. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."