Colter Jessi - An outlaw and a lady: a memoir of music, life with Waylon, and the faith that brought me home

PRAISE FOR AN OUTLAW AND A LADY

Jessis words offer a tale of hope, faith, persistence, and strength.... No matter the storm or travail, Jessi has remained true to her heart and on course.

J OHN C ARTER C ASH

Jessi Colter Jenningsthe tiniest, most compact version of real spiritual power on earth that Ive ever knownhas told a story so true to the bone that I am more in awe of her now than ever. She has guided me with invincible conviction when I could have thrown her over my shoulder in a heartbeat. Her love never fails. Her faith puts you on your heels. You just dont mess with Jessi. Her autobiography tells you the how and why of one of lifes greatest love stories, and I can imagine Waylons twinkling eyes throughout.

L ISA K RISTOFFERSON

Jessis autobiography describes the best years of our lives with the Highwaymen and makes me sad that the road didnt go on forever and the party did end. Jessis narrative of her life with Waylon through good times and bad is an example of a life well-led. Loving and letting go and without regret. Waylon was a very lucky man. Jessi continues to love and inspire humanity, and I count myself blessed to be her friend.

K RIS K RISTOFFERSON

Waylon Jennings was a great talent, a good friend of mine, and one of the greatest pickers and singers ever. Jessi Colter is one of my favorite singersalways has been. I love her for being a great friend and partner to Waylon, one who stayed with him through thick and thin.

W ILLIE N ELSON

Jessi Colter was a seminal figure in one of twentieth-century Americas most profound cultural shifts: the Outlaw Country Movement. Her vivid account brings the era back to life with a unique perspective. Its a compelling tale told by one of the most soulful women on Earth.

D ON W AS, RECORD PRODUCER, MUSICIAN, AND PRESIDENT OF B LUE N OTE R ECORDS

As the only female on the now infamous Wanted: The Outlaws album, Jessi Colter was and is still the First Lady of Outlaw Music and her memoir reflects the many trials and tribulations that came along with that role. Her book is packed with stories of family, friends, and faith (and the lack thereof). Clearly it wasnt easy, and it was never dull.

J AMEY J OHNSON, SINGER-SONGWRITER

Jessi Colter sings, and now writes, with a light that illuminates this beautiful and moving inspirational tale of love, faith, and belief in the healing power of song.

L ENNY K AYE, GUITARIST, COAUTHOR OF W AYLON

If the art of living is the ability to use faith, courage, loyalty, and sacrifice, Jessie Colter, in this beautiful booka love story and a joy to readhas provided a wonderful example of how each of these traits is to be accomplished. It transcends storytelling and becomes an inspiration. It is a book we treasure, as you will too, from a woman every bit as beautiful as the prose she writes. Her lifes devotion to Waylon stands as a monument to her character.

J AY AND R EMA G OLDBERG

Jessis words jump off the pages like the lyrics of a great song jump into your heart. Shes not Lisa; she will always be Waylons Angel.

C ARL P. M AYFIELD , N ASHVILLE-BASED, NATIONALLY SYNDICATED RADIO PERSONALITY AND MEMBER OF THE R ADIO H ALL OF F AME

2017 by Mirriam Jennings

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Epub Edition March 2017 ISBN 9780718082987

ISBN 9780718082987 (eBook)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Colter, Jessi. | Ritz, David.

Title: An outlaw and a lady : a memoir of music, life with Waylon, and the faith that brought me home / Jessi Colter with David Ritz.

Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Nelson Books, [2017] | Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: LCCN 2016035030 | ISBN 9780718082970

Subjects: LCSH: Colter, Jessi. | Country musicians--United States--Biography. | Christian biography--United States. | Jennings, Waylon.

Classification: LCC ML420.C654 A3 2017 | DDC 782.421642092 [B] --dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016035030

Printed in the United States of America

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For Waylon

CONTENTS

I NEVER IMAGINED WRITING A BOOK ABOUT MYSELF . I T WASNT that I was unaware of leading an adventurous and exciting life. Adventure and excitement have been there since childhood. Ive been privileged to be part of a cast of amazing characterseveryone from Johnny Cash to George Jones to Willie Nelson and Kris Kristoffersonlarger-than-life individuals of wondrous charm, humor, intelligence, and spirit. But, until now, I lacked that certain something that allowed me to say, Ive got a story I need to tell.

Maybe thats because for thirty-three years I was married to Waylon Jennings, whose story overwhelmed nearly everyone around him. I dont say that begrudgingly. I say it lovingly. Those were the best thirty-three years of my life, a time when I was more than happy to allow Waylon to take the lead as chief storyteller. When it came to telling stories, Waylon was a master. In 1996, six years before crossing over to the other side of time, Waylon wrote his autobiography (with our dear friend Lenny Kaye), a fully realized portrait that captures all his energy and honesty. I was convinced that book, dedicated to me, relayed everything that needed to be said about Waylon and our loving relationship. My egosuch as it isrequired no more attention.

But then things began shifting when I received a call from David Ritz, who, having recently completed working on Willie Nelsons autobiography, Its a Long Story, called to interview me for a television tribute he was writing about Waylon. As a Jewish convert to Christianity, David expressed interest in the story of my faith.

My faith.

Those two words touched me. The more pointed the questions David posed, the more I saw the possibilityeven the joyof tracing the evolution of my relationship with God. Rather than use the occasion to trumpet my accomplishments, what about a narrative that traced Gods accomplishments in my life? Since I owe it all to Godmy breath, my soul, my every last experience on earthwhy not view the writing process as a way to give God the glory?

Part of what drew David to my story was something I said early in our conversation: that for many yearscritical years when I was young and especially impressionableI had lost my faith. And I lost it in spite of being raised by the most faithful mother imaginable: a woman who served God as a charismatic evangelist.