The Old Gunslingers

• 1). Trace the outlaws back to Johnny Cash's early recordings at Sun Records in Memphis.
  
  
• 2). Remember that it was Waylon Jennings and his contrary attitude toward the record-company mandated style that began to force critics to recognize this genre.
  
  
• 3). Follow Willie Nelson's evolution from a slick song stylist writing for Ray Price to outlaw interpretations of alternative songs like Townes Van Zandt's "Pancho and Lefty."
  
  
• 4). Look up the work of Jerry Jeff Walker, songwriter of "Mr. Bojangles," an artist who was never co-opted by the Nashville scene.
  
  
• 5). Check out the rockabilly power of the Charlie Daniels Band - big hats, big sound.
  
  
• 6). Review the catalog of Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes Scholar who made the rounds in Nashville, hung out with Johnny Cash, and wrote "Me and Bobby McGee" for Janis Joplin.