There are many that fit the songsmith traits listed, but few can be classified as outlaw country.
Davis Allan Coe would fit the bill but be aware that his song content may be objectionable to some. I would start with 'Rides Again'.
Too many great Waylon records to list, but the one I have played the most is 'Live'.
Merle Haggard should also be at the top of the list. As genuine as it gets. Wrote a good chunk of his earlier stuff while in prison at San Quinton. Anything from the 60's through the 70's is a winner.
And the real-deal country outlaw without a doubt is Johnny Paycheck. Look past the "take this Job..." and delve deeper into his catalog. His songwriting came from real life experiences and sings em like he means it. Was convicted of shooting a guy in a bar fight and later pardoned by the governor. Anything up until about the mid-eighties. He cannot be beat in this category IMO.
One of the best things about DAC, Haggard, Paycheck is that they wrote a good portion of their own songs.
Hope this helps. Mike
Davis Allan Coe would fit the bill but be aware that his song content may be objectionable to some. I would start with 'Rides Again'.
Too many great Waylon records to list, but the one I have played the most is 'Live'.
Merle Haggard should also be at the top of the list. As genuine as it gets. Wrote a good chunk of his earlier stuff while in prison at San Quinton. Anything from the 60's through the 70's is a winner.
And the real-deal country outlaw without a doubt is Johnny Paycheck. Look past the "take this Job..." and delve deeper into his catalog. His songwriting came from real life experiences and sings em like he means it. Was convicted of shooting a guy in a bar fight and later pardoned by the governor. Anything up until about the mid-eighties. He cannot be beat in this category IMO.
One of the best things about DAC, Haggard, Paycheck is that they wrote a good portion of their own songs.
Hope this helps. Mike