Before adopting the stage name of Jessi Colter, American country singer-songwriter, Mirriam Johnson was raised within a strict Pentecostal household in Phoenix, Arizona. Her mother, who was a minister of their church, had the then 11-year-old playing the church piano. It wasn’t until after graduating high school in 1961 that she would begin singing in local clubs while still living in Phoenix. That same year, she married instrumental rock guitarist, Duane Eddy, as well as released two singles where only one would receive occasional airplay. Despite “Lonesome Road” being heard on the radio, it failed to chart. These songs were released while Colter was still using her original birth name.
As Time Passes On
A year after Mirriam Johnson divorces in 1968, she met with Waylon Jennings. He not only helped the songstress get back into the recording studio, recharging her aspiration as a country artist but also became her second husband. Now as Jessi Colter, she performed a duet with Jennings in 1970 and later that year released her debut album “A Country Star is Born.” However, it was not a commercial success and Colter would spend the next few years featured as a face among some recordings belonging to Jennings.
It wouldn’t be until 1975 when things began to look up for Colter’s career as this was the year she signed with Capitol Records and put forth her debut single, “I’m Not Lisa.” This proved to be the breakthrough she needed to carve a name for herself in the country music genre. Throughout Jessi Colter’s career, she has put forth a total of eleven studio albums, three compilation albums, and twenty-six singles.
Top 10 Jessi Colter Songs
#10 – The Old Rugged Cross (featuring Johnny Cash)
Although not officially released as a single, the 1987 duet performance by the combined talent of Jessi Colter and Johnny Cash makes this gospel country classic every bit as enjoyable to listen to as its original 1912 release as a hymn by evangelist George Bennard. The first time this song was released as a country gospel single was in 1952 by Ernest Tubb.
#9 – Maybe You Should Have Been Listening
Coming from the 1978 album, “That’s the Way a Cowboy Rock and Rolls,” the single “Maybe You Should Have Been Listening,” became a minor hit on the music charts shortly after its release. On the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, it peaked at forty-five and with Canada’s RPM Country chart at sixty-one. It is one of eight singles coming from Colter as a solo artist that would become a registered hit within the country music genre.
#8 – I Thought I Heard You Call My Name
Coming from the July 1976 album, “Diamond in the Rough,” is the single, “I Thought I Heard You Call My Name.” According to the music charts, it became a minor hit as it peaked on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number twenty-nine and on Canada’s RPM Country chart at forty-eight.
#7 – It’s Morning (And I Still Love You)
The single, “It’s Morning (And I Still Love You), was released in 1975, followed by the album “Jessi,” which was released in January 1976. On the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, it peaked at number eleven and with Canada’s RPM Country chart, at twentieth. It served to be one of three of Colter’s major hits as a solo artist.
#6 – Under Your Spell Again (featuring Waylon Jennings)
The 1972 album, “Ladies Love Outlaws,” was released by Waylon Jennings, which featured Jessi Colter performing with him the single, “Under Your Spell Again.” On the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, it peaked at number twenty-five. For Colter, while she hadn’t yet established herself as a chart-hitting soloist yet, was already recognized not just as the wife of the legendary Waylon Jennings, but as one of the more recognized female vocalists that not only charted in the country music genre but in pop-rock as well.
#5 – Storms Never Last (featuring Waylon Jennings)
Among the many duets Colter performed with her husband, Waylon Jennings, “Storms Never Last” emerged as another hit the two country artists would add to their discographic portfolio. On the US Hot Country Songs chart, it peaked at number seventeen while with Canada’s RPM Country chart at eleventh. This song was the first of two hits that would come from the couple’s studio album, “Leather and Lace,” which was released in February 1981.
#4 – The Wild Side of Life / It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels (featuring Waylon Jennings)
Originally recorded and released in 1952 by Hank Thompson, “The Wild Side of Life” was the inspiration behind the 1952 answer song, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” performed by Kitty Wells. For Jessi Colter and Waylon Jennings, they took both songs to combine them as one as a duet in 1981. On the US Hot Country Songs chart, the two-song combo peaked at number eleven while on Canada’s RPM Country chart at sixth. Since the February 1981 release of the duo’s collaborative album, “Leather and Lace,” it has become certified Gold by Music Canada and the RIAA.
#3 – What Happened to Blue Eyes
Coming from the album, “I’m Jessi Colter,” is one of two singles that would appear on the music charts for the country singer-songwriter. “What Happened to Blue Eyes” ranked in fifth place on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, as well as eleventh on Canada’s RPM Country chart. On the US Billboard Hot 100, this song proved to be the second cross-over hit for Colter as a soloist as it peaked at fifty-seven.
#2 – I’m Not Lisa
“I’m Not Lisa” was the breakthrough song Jessi Colter needed to emerge as one of the few outlaw country female artists during the 1970s as it peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and with Canada’s RPM Country chart and its Adult Contemporary chart. On the US Billboard Hot 100, I’m Not Lisa peaked at fourth place. It was also the first song that would have Jessi Colter recognized at a worldwide level. It charted as high as sixth in South Africa, seventeenth in Austria and New Zealand, and in Australia at number thirty-one.
This would also be the first time Colter would receive award nominations as I’m Not Lisa was nominated for Song of the Year and Single of the Year with the Country Music Association Awards. The Grammy Awards also recognized Jessi Colter with nominations, namely for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song. Although she didn’t win any official awards for this song, it still wins as the signature song for Colter as a soloist.
#1 – Suspicious Minds (featuring Waylon Jennings)
Newlyweds Jessi Colter and Waylon Jennings recorded and released “Suspicious Minds” in 1970, which appeared on the US Billboard Hot Country chart at number twenty-five, but performed even better when it was re-released in 1976. On the US Billboard Hot Country chart and Canada’s RPM Country chart, it peaked as high as second.
The duet’s performance of Suspicious Minds is part of the collaborative album, “Wanted! The Outlaws,” which featured the overall combined talent of Jessi Colter, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Tompall Glaser. In 1976, the album won Album of the Year with the Academy of Country Music Awards and in 1977, with the Country Music Association Awards. In 2007, the Grammy Awards issued the Grammy Hall of Fame Award, recognizing the album for its contribution to the country music genre. In sales, Wanted! The Outlaws became double Platinum Certified by the RIAA, as well as single Platinum Certification with Music Canada.
Feature Photo: Leffler, Warren K., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 10 Jessi Colter Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
