Billy Joe Shaver

Studio 360

Billy Joe Shaver created romantic depictions of rambling, gambling, hard-living men, performed by the likes of Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, and Elvis. Waylon Jennings’ classic album “Honky Tonk Heroes” consists entirely of Shaver’s material. Trey Kay grew up with Shaver’s songs, and recalls how Shaver could touch the hearts of even the most stoic would-be cowboys — men like his own father.

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