5. “Jesus Christ, What a Man” – The Oak Ridge Boys
Authored by Billy Joe Shaver. and Bobby Bare
Sing me more songs about Jesus, my Saviour / Jesus Christ, oh, what a man, the Shaver, and Bobby Bare collaboration exalts.
Following the recording of the melody by The Oak Ridge Boys in 1971, the Shaver-Bare collaboration crafted “Jesus Christ, What a Man,” and subsequently, both Bare and Shaver independently released their individual renditions of the track.
6. “A Restless Wind” – Bobby Bare
Authored by Billy Joe Shaver.
“The wind, which is restless, calls me again, warming my hand as it tugs at my soul,” goes the Shaver-penned phrase.
Bobby Bare, who released the first recording of many tunes including “Restless Wind,” was known as the Shaver of the music industry. “But I’m just an old chunk of coal” was a famous line from his hit song “Diamond in the Rough.” Bare’s record was also considered a classic, just like Shaver’s.
1. “Hard to Be an Outlaw” – Willie Nelson
Authored by Billy Joe Shaver.
Being a renegade who is no longer pursued is challenging, as depicted in the tune “Hard To Be An Outlaw” composed by Shaver.
Aged, the 2014 album, titled Long in the Tooth, was a rendition that Shaver independently released on his own record. It was a duet of the song originally recorded by Willie Nelson in 2014. A few months later, Willie Nelson recorded “Hard To Be An Outlaw,” a relatively recent addition to Shaver’s celebrated collection of songs.
4. “Ragged Old Truck” – Johnny Paycheck
Authored by Billy Joe Shaver.
I am considering starting my dilapidated truck and driving myself to town, playing the track “Ragged Old Truck.”
In 1979, Johnny Paycheck initially recorded and published the Shaver melody, “Ragged Old Truck.” In 1981, the composer would unveil his personal rendition of the present country masterpiece a few years subsequently.
7. “Bottom Dollar” – Jerry Lee Lewis
Authored by Billy Joe Shaver. and Panama Red
Oh last dollar, groans the piano-accented waltz.
Jerry Lee Lewis recorded the lively melody “Bottom Dollar” in 1972, composed by Shaver alongside songwriter Panama Red.
2. “Sweet Mama” – The Allman Brothers Band
Authored by Billy Joe Shaver.
Loving mother, release your load, performs the blues-infused “Sweet Mama.”.
In 1987, the country songwriter would unveil a version of the melody more than ten years later. The Allman Brothers Band initially captured the Shaver track in 1975 for their album, Win, Lose or Draw.
Authored by Billy Joe Shaver.
“Ain’t No God in Mexico” is a play that effectively ridicules a man, evoking the sense of uncertainty and confusion one experiences when crossing the border, trying to comprehend that there is no divine presence in Mexico.
Three years later, Shaver would release his own version of “God No Ain’t in Mexico” in 1973. This was the first recorded song by Jennings, penned by the talented songwriter. Shaver’s “Honky Tonk Heroes” also made him a legend in the Outlaw Waylon Jennings, with several other classic tunes.
8. “Old Five and Dimers Like Me” – Tom T. Hall
Authored by Billy Joe Shaver.
“Performing the country classic, ‘Old Five and Dimers Like Me,’ resonates with individuals who appreciate the nostalgia and simplicity of the olden days. It encapsulates a profound and elevated sense of depth and distance.”