Tompall Glaser Removed from Landmark “Wanted: The Outlaws” Album
On January 12th, one of the most important albums ever released in the history of country music will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Wanted: The Outlaws from 1976 that paired up Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser became country music’s first ever million-selling album, and solidified the Outlaw movement as the major sound and influence of the 1970s.
Though it was Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings who were the two big names at the time, in large measure it was Tompall Glaser who made it all happen. By investing the money he was made through performing with Tompall and the Glaser Brothers, he opened up a renegade studio near Music Row called Hillbilly Central where Waylon and others would hang out, and could record songs and albums without producers like Chet Atkins looking over their shoulder.
But when folks go to listen to Wanted: The Outlaws on streaming services, Tompall Glaser’s contributions won’t be there. As folks started noticing recently, Tompall’s version of “T For Texas,” as well as “Put Another Log on the Fire” that close out the album are grayed out. Tompall’s name also no longer appears as one of the primary performers on the album.
Looking further, basically the entire Tompall Glaser catalog is missing from streaming services, aside from a few recently-released reissues. Many of the titles from Tompall and the Glaser Brothers are there, but it is far from complete.
Why has Tompall been disappeared from Wanted: The Outlaws? It very likely has to do with a rights issue or publishing. This is often the culprit when songs or albums disappear. It could even be that the impending 50th Anniversary is what triggered the disappearance as rights and deals lapse or don’t renew. Spotify and other streaming services aren’t doing this voluntarily. They’re often told to take down albums and tracks by others.
“Buy your CDs and tapes and vinyl!” Grammy-wining producer and Waylon’s son Shooter Jennings said at the news. “Tompall Glaser has been erased from the ‘Wanted: The Outlaws’ just further proving that our favorite albums can be completely changed and cannibalized by streaming services. Whether it’s a ‘rights’ issue, you cannot count on your favorite music, books and movies not being dissected and abridged. Buy physical copies before it’s too late!”
The two Tompall songs are not the only critically missing pieces to the country music streaming catalog. Loretta Lynn’s landmark 2004 comeback record with Jack White called Van Lear Rose left us in March of 2021, never to return. Rodney Crowell minted five #1 singles off his iconic album Diamonds & Dirt from 1988, and it’s his signature work. The album disappeared in July of 2024 as well. These are just a few of numerous examples.
Some might say that Tompall’s contributions to Wanted: The Outlaws are the least critical, and that Glaser was never really a big star like Willie and Waylon. But that’s all the more reason his songs on the album deserve to be there. Tompall was more responsible than anyone else behind-the-scenes to helping performers earn creative control over their music in the Outlaw era through his renegade studio.
Shooter Jennings is right that purchasing physical product is a way to ensure these songs never get taken from you. Wanted: The Outlaws is one of the best-selling albums in country history, with many copies in circulation. But when songs and albums are not available on streaming services, the latest generation of listeners can’t discover them, and they can’t be playlisted or used on social media.
Saving Country Music has sent some queries out to what might be happening here, but has not heard back at this time. Hopefully whatever happened with Tompall’s tracks, they return soon.
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January 11, 2026 @ 10:06 am
I had to buy a bunch of different compilations just to get Tompall’s 70’s albums. I always enjoyed his singing even if some of his song selection was a little inconsistent. He arguably is a better singer than Willie. His work with his brothers is fantastic. Great harmonies.
January 11, 2026 @ 2:11 pm
Everything is arguable, but I’d bet Willie Nelson would make the cut in most expert and industry rankings of the 50 or 100 most iconic American male popular (non-classical) singing voices of the 20th Century. (Along with Jolson, Bing, Louis, Hank, Frank, Nat, Elvis, and others.) Tompall likely would not.
January 11, 2026 @ 4:40 pm
Well seeing that Willie is more popular than Tompall I would imagine so. I like Willie and he is unique and has one of my favorite country songs ever in “My Hero’s Have Always Been Cowboys” but is he the better singer? I could see an argument for stylist over Tompall but if people were blindfolded and didn’t know who they were listening to and asked to choose who was the better singer I’m sure Tompall would get the majority vote.
January 11, 2026 @ 5:53 pm
Willie Nelson outsold Tompall Glaser 100-1. He still sells out every concert. Tompall is a nobody. Clearly, you live in igloo.
January 11, 2026 @ 6:16 pm
What Tyler Pappas is talking about is raw singing talent. Yes, Tompall Glaser is not nearly as popular as Willie Nelson, but the reason Nelson was overlooked as a performer until he was 40 is everyone said he sounded nasally. Willie’s voice went on to become iconic, but Tompall and his brothers were classically great singers.
January 11, 2026 @ 6:33 pm
Sir, are you triggered? Lol Glaser couldn’t hold a candle to Willie Nelson period, Willie was a great songwriter too, and your comment about Glaser’s nasal ailment was hilarious, because Willie always sang every song through his nose, his trademark.
You look like you love to argue. Seeing that you responded to every person’s comment.
January 11, 2026 @ 8:01 pm
Do you even realize Trigger wrote the article and this is his website? We all like Willie, especially Trigger, but no need to bash someone like Glaser.
January 11, 2026 @ 8:43 pm
You lack knowledge. You lack wisdom of Music. You probably think Morgan Wallen could beat Willie Nelson. Wallen is a proclaimed RACIST, he can not sing, he’s auto-tuned, and pop-country. Buddy, I have over 2, 00 albums from Miles Davis to Loretta Lynn, I have Jeff Beck, Jethro Tull, Rainbow, Frank Marino, Robin Trower, etc. You fallow in mediocrity and bad taste. I studied music, you just listen to it.
January 11, 2026 @ 8:46 pm
You’re probably right.
January 13, 2026 @ 6:47 am
I got more than 2 albums of those artists too!
January 12, 2026 @ 9:04 am
Dude, chill. I have over 10,000 albums, aka enough to know that I don’t like the bad 70’s Progressive Rock you’re listing…
However, as a fellow self-proclaimed music snob, obviously I agree with you about Morgan Wallen. The larger issue, though, is that Tompall Glaser is a great singer and virtually unknown, Willie Nelson is a great singer and universally known. How about you stick to bashing the Morgan Wallens & Jason Waldeans of the world (who we all agree suck) and spend less time bashing fellow music fans who are trying to turn people on to hidden treasures like Tompall Glaser.
Ernest Tubb is technically not even a good singer, but he is a great one, as is Ray Price, who is also technically a great singer, although I personally hate his late 70’s lounge singing stuff… Mariah Carey is technically a great singer (and Eddie Van Halen is technically a great guitar player), but with all their technical talent they still always play the wrong notes without soul, so they’re not even good, in my not-so-humble opinion.
More succinctly, please insult the bad music and not your fellow music fans. Cheers!
January 13, 2026 @ 9:06 am
Bobby, can you clarify one thing? That you’re not a Trump voter? Buddy, I’ve forgotten more things about MUSIC than you’ll ever learn. You probably cannot read sheet music. The music they spin off the airwaves today, is all auto-tuned and stolen riffs from real talented musicians. Rap is crap. Pop Country nowadays the music is like listening to an adolescent child cry about some breakup, all of it is regurgitated nonsense. The Music Industry is run by idiots. Grammys for what? Elton John had more hits than any musician, and not even a handful of Grammys were ever awarded to him.
You might need a college degree to understand. I have 2 college degrees.
Go ahead with your clarion of ridiculousness.
January 13, 2026 @ 9:19 am
John,
I’ve let you chirp here, and in reality what I’m doing here is giving you more rope to hang yourself. You might have thousands of albums and two college degrees, and be super knowledgeable about music. But what you are perfectly clueless about is where you are leaving these comments, and how it fits into the musical universe. This website has been around for going on 19 years, and was specifically set up to be a counter to pop country, and performers like Morgan Wallen. Speaking of numbers, I have published 9,555 articles. So I probably know a little bit about what I’m talking about.
Take your ire, and direct it somewhere else. Or even better, take a beat to figure out where you are, and if you might be among like-minded people as opposed to talking down to everyone and demand we all recognize how smart you are. I’m sure you have tons of musical knowledge and that’s great. We’d love for you to express it here. But don’t use it as a cudgel to attack other readers because you’re assuming they’re Morgan Wallen fans, or Trump supporters, or Nazis.
January 13, 2026 @ 10:19 am
Trigger, you ride Roy Rogers’ horse to the sunset. Saying you’ve been here for 19 years is a lie too. 18 years. Trumptards are destroying America, even Nashville is LEFT-leaning. So, you love Fascism, like Trump?
The concept and blog, Saving Country Music, started in 2008, founded by Kyle “Trigger” Coroneos, to advocate for authentic, traditional country music against mainstream pop-country trends and for artist creative freedom, a struggle with roots going back to the 1970s Outlaw movement. The blog highlights ongoing battles for artistic integrity in country music, a fight that mirrors early outlaw artists’ struggles for creative control.
Key Points:
Founding: Saving Country Music (SCM) began in 2008, focusing on issues like label control and pop influence.
Purpose: To champion traditional sounds and artists facing pressure from mainstream industry gatekeepers.
Historical Context: The fight for creative freedom mirrors the 1970s Outlaw Country movement (Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson) and issues with “360 deals” in the 2000s.
Longevity: The blog has documented the changing landscape of country music for over 15 years, with posts from 2024 and 2025 reflecting its continued focus on the genre’s direction.
January 13, 2026 @ 11:28 am
John,
Though it’s been watching you beclown yourself in this comments section, including bringing up Trump for some weird reason, and now offering an AI summary when you’re supposed to be some intellectual wonk, you’re comments are off-topic and disruptive. If you have anything further to say on this specific topic, please feel to leave it in a comment. Otherwise, move on.
January 13, 2026 @ 11:01 am
And don’t threaten me, I’ll report your site to the FCC, for many injunctions and Rights violations!
January 13, 2026 @ 11:25 am
John,
Nobody threatened anybody. You’re the one throwing out accusations and insults wildly. That is why your comments are bring restricted. I think it’s time you found another bridge to troll.
January 14, 2026 @ 7:02 am
Yeah, that’ll do it…
Dork.
January 18, 2026 @ 12:56 pm
Wow. The FCC. Can you list these “injunctions and Rights violations” Trig has violated? I’ll wait.
(Trig, I’ll set up a GoFundMe to bail you out, OK?)
John, when I read your initial post, I just assumed you didn’t know what Trig and this site are all about. You probably also didn’t know that this site is literally one of the few honestly focusing on the world of non-pop, traditional country music (you know, the kind of music that Tompall and Willie make). Oh, yeah, this site has taught me more about this music than any other source, so I’m biased in its favor.
But then I read a few of your follow-up comments and I can’t figure how Trig held off on just banning you permanently. You are a troll, plain and simple. I’d address you more harshly, but I respect Trig too much to sink that low. Oh, yeah, I voted for Trump. Three times. Wanna report me to someone, too?
But you have a nice day anyway. Troll.
January 11, 2026 @ 6:29 pm
Thank you Trigger. That’s exactly what I was saying. That was not to be a put down of Willie’s voice just stating that Tompall imo has the better singing voice.
Also John I would avoid using commercial success as parameter for great country artists especially in today’s age. By your logic Morgan Wallen would be the greatest country singer on the planet and we all know that is not the case.
January 11, 2026 @ 9:05 pm
Holy shit are you an insufferable clown. I’ll say it since no one else is, no one gives a damn about your opinion.
Willie is a mediocre singer at best, absolutely sings through his nostrils, and not like it matters … but you confused what Trigger said (go back and reread it)… Sit down and shut up
January 12, 2026 @ 9:05 am
Are you talking to me? Willie will go on and on after he dies, Morgan will be a forgotten timepiece. His music sucks, all generated Pop, how the Music Industry categorizes his music as country is a slap in the face to Nelson, Waylon, and Jones to name a few real Country Music Stars. Morgan is a racist, who feeds off sexism, he’s a jerk.
Please, I study Music and I know my stuff.
January 12, 2026 @ 11:36 am
That’s called an “argument from authority,” clown. It means nothing and only makes you look stupid.
No one is talking about Morgan Wallen. YOU brought him into this discussion.
Using the word “RaCiSt” also makes you look like a blue haired lunatic too.
You’ve done enough damage to your credibility… so once again. Sit down and STFU
January 11, 2026 @ 10:29 am
Happy to stay old fashioned and stick to vinyl.
January 11, 2026 @ 10:30 am
Wow. That really sucks.
I bought the album on CD in the late ’90s. I didn’t know who Tompall was, or Jessi Colter, for that matter. I was listening to the album for the first time and “Put Another Log on the Fire” came on. And I remember hearing that song once before. My Dad was driving me to track practice or something and was listening to the NYC AM country station (WHN 1050 – “The Most Listened To Country Station in the Nation”). So, mid 70’s. And that song came on. At the time, country music to me was one of the “square” types of music parents would listen to. But that song was genuinely funny. “”Ain’t I always nice to your kid sister?”
January 11, 2026 @ 10:42 am
“Log” is still on YouTube, for now. Also a live version from some show hosted by Ralph Emery. Watch ’em while you can.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI3bnm33Eqw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBpeK9yaONQ
January 12, 2026 @ 6:01 pm
Johnny Cash had several million selling albums in late 60’s, How is the Outlaw Album listed as the 1st million seller ?
January 11, 2026 @ 10:58 am
I know there’s not really any money in streaming, but what’s the upside for whoever decided to pull these songs (and the other albums mentioned) down?
January 11, 2026 @ 11:14 am
Cumulatively, there is billions of dollars being made off of streaming, and for rights holders—especially of large catalogs—it’s a lot of money in passive income showing up each month.
I don’t know what the incentive of taking the streams down would be. It’s often because who owns the rights or publishing to the songs is in dispute, and so a judge or court orders the assets frozen no different than an estate dispute, until the matter can be resolved. We also saw this happen with Dwight Yoakam’s first album a few years back due to a rights dispute. It was down for a year or so. In that case, there were public files through the courts to access and find out what was happening.
January 11, 2026 @ 11:02 am
Wow how awful. Stupid. Ridiculous. Tompall is essential to this album.
I wonder if Jack White has had any comments on Van Lear Rose not being available? That was a monster success for Loretta Lynn and Jack White.
January 11, 2026 @ 11:40 am
I noticed these songs were omitted from Apple years ago.
January 11, 2026 @ 12:05 pm
For the record, I’m not sure when these tracks disappeared, and that might be different for different services, or in different locations. I remember seeing them on Spotify very recently. Some are saying they’re still seeing them. The takedown could only affect certain countries, could be different if you “saved” the tracks at some point, etc.
January 12, 2026 @ 8:11 am
They have never been available. I know I’ve checked several times over the years.
January 11, 2026 @ 11:42 am
What’s next? The label cropping him out of the artwork? My favorite Billy Joe Shaver records aren’t on Spotify.
January 13, 2026 @ 8:39 am
Here’s something I learned from reading Billy Joe’s autobiography: he was approached about being included on the Outlaws album in question, but he declined because his wife at the time thought being labeled “an outlaw” was bad for his image. That move cost him quite a bit of money.
January 13, 2026 @ 8:40 am
Forgot to add that Shaver’s decision opened the door for Tompall to be included on the Outlaws album.
January 11, 2026 @ 12:10 pm
The tracks haven’t been “erased,” they are still there, just not available (kind of greyed out, but listed). This isn’t erasing history like Jennings is insinuating. It’s a conflict with the estate and label.
This happened in physical product world too. Many albums went out of print back in the days.
January 11, 2026 @ 12:28 pm
I hate streaming music and never do it I have just one song downloaded. Crap like this is a reason why. Vinyl and CDs for me.
January 11, 2026 @ 2:25 pm
I was 2nd row center for the Willie Nelson/Emmylou Harris/Tompall Glaser package show at the Bayfront Center in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1978. Aside from catching a glimpse of Emmylou’s hairy armpits, I thoroughly enjoyed the show.
January 13, 2026 @ 6:44 am
Just be glad that she’s not the mini-mini-skirt type.
January 11, 2026 @ 2:27 pm
Licensing issue, article is full of shit. You can buy the album today with no issue.
The author of the article is a liar.
January 11, 2026 @ 2:31 pm
Hey thanks for informing us because clearly you know everything.
Tompall Glaser’s contributions the the album are grayed out on streaming services, full stop. That is what this article is about.
January 12, 2026 @ 8:51 am
Let me clarify, The Outlaws Album isn’t complete without the Glaser tracks, but it’s probably not a priority at these streaming services to resolve the problem. That’s why articles like this from Trig are extremely important to raise awareness and keep the pressure on the streaming services.
In the meantime, you can import the MP3’s into your streaming library, they just won’t count towards your year end wrap and you’ll have to update the artwork every time there’s an update. I have a ton of albums not available in streaming – Sunday Valley, Lucky Tubb, Loretta Lynn – in my streaming library.
January 13, 2026 @ 2:34 pm
This album was a fundamental part of my youth and opened the door to this entire beautiful world of music. I still have the record my father played around the house back then, but I’d love to be able to listen to the songs when I’m out and about as well. I noticed the absence from Apple Music of the Tompall songs years ago, but never knew there was anything to be done about it.
For the aged and technologically-challenged among us…how would one “import MP3’s into a streaming library?”
January 13, 2026 @ 3:20 pm
I only use Apple Music. I don’t know if there’s a way for Spotify. But if you have Apple Music, go to the iTunes store and purchase the ‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ album for $9.99. The Glaser tracks are available for album purchase only. Once those mp3’s are download into your iTunes library, highlight them and drag them into your streaming playlists (if on your desktop) or use the “…” next to each song to move them in the app to playlists. The songs must be downloaded into your cloud, so update your cloud library before dragging/ moving them. These won’t count as streams and every Apple Music update you might have to replace the artwork, but they will play in your streaming playlists.
If you goggle “Wanted! Outlaws Album 20th Anniversary free download MP3” sites will come up you can download it for free. You can import those mp3s into your iTunes library, then drag into your streaming playlists.
January 13, 2026 @ 4:10 pm
And if you purchased Wanted! on iTunes in 2008 or ripped the CD onto iTunes in 2006, the MP3’s are still there. You might have to fire up the old desktop (or laptop) and reset your iTunes PW, but once you find them make sure they are download to your cloud and move them into your streaming playlists.
January 13, 2026 @ 10:38 am
You are uneducated, and you hate facts.
The first country artist with a million-selling single was Vernon Dalhart, whose 1924 recording of “The Wreck of the Old 97” (with “The Prisoner’s Song” as the B-side) sold millions, while Patsy Montana was the first woman in country music to achieve this with “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” in 1935, and the first country album to reach a million sales was Wanted: The Outlaws (Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, etc.) in 1976.
January 13, 2026 @ 11:26 am
Um, that’s what I said. ??
January 12, 2026 @ 1:10 pm
The “author of this article,” that would be Trigger, the owner of the site you commented on, never said you can’t buy the album. He said some of the songs are not available to stream on certain sites. Having an opinion is great. Making sure it is an informed (read the article, at least) opinion is even better.
January 11, 2026 @ 2:28 pm
Perhaps Yours Truly can replace Tompall on the “Wanted: The Outlaws” album.
January 11, 2026 @ 2:33 pm
Really is a shame. Also a huge shame that I can’t listen to Van Lear Rose on streaming. “Portland, Oregon” is such a good song.
January 11, 2026 @ 4:00 pm
It’s funny, these albums are more available now than they’ve ever been (or as available).
I looked on the bezos site and you can get a copy of “Wanted: the Outlaws,” Rodney Crowell’s “Diamonds and Dirt” and Loretta’s “Van Lear Rose” on CD or LP by tomorrow or the day after. The “Wanted” and “Diamonds” discs are available new for under $17.00. The Loretta CD is $26–but there are plenty of used copies offered in VG condition for under $10.
Years ago, albums used to regularly go out of print, and scouring used record shops for desired old albums or singles was something of an avocation for many music lovers.
January 11, 2026 @ 4:17 pm
I did just look for the album on iTunes and all the songs are available for purchase. The two Tompall songs are available only if the entire album is purchased. All the other songs can be purchased individually.
January 11, 2026 @ 4:43 pm
Censoring Tompall Glaser? Really? Garbage like this is why I have the original “Wanted! The Outlaws” album. There had to be a downside to streaming, and there it is. I still enjoy “Put Another Log On The Fire” fifty years later.
January 11, 2026 @ 6:03 pm
When I look on Spotify now they’re not greyed out they’re just not there at all. Someone who had never heard the album would have no idea they’re meant to be there at all
January 11, 2026 @ 10:14 pm
FYI. I have Spotify settings set to show them grayed out/unavailable.
January 11, 2026 @ 6:42 pm
This guy named Trigger is triggered.
January 11, 2026 @ 9:17 pm
For what it’s worth streaming sounds like crap compared to a cd anyways.unfortunately if you could find a new cd in store easily you wouldn’t be able to play it on a vehicle past probably a 16 year model.i blame the record companies.they were greedy as hell and now they’re paying for it.back in the eighties cds were from 17-20 bucks and vhs music tapes were 29.99.the artist were getting screwd and the fans were getting screwed.the companies didn’t stay ahead of the download curve and now the artist sure are screwed.
January 12, 2026 @ 3:20 am
I much prefer CDs to streaming but it is getting harder to get many of the new releases on CD so I do stream from time to time. Tompall is essential to the Outlaw album and he was probably the instigator of it. I have always enjoyed his singing as I have Willie’s and Waylon’s. One better than the other? It is all a matter of opinion. John Hardesty above seems to think it is only his opinion that matters. The Van Lear album not on streaming is disappointing. It is a very good album. The Landman soundtrack album has many tracks not available (7 out of 15 on Amazon) on which seems odd for such a new album.
January 12, 2026 @ 6:58 am
In my view, the disappearance of Glaser’s version from the album might be connected to how Put Another Log on the Fire is often perceived. To a casual listener, the song can sound overtly sexist: the narrator piles on exaggerated, stereotypical demands that, if taken literally, feel outdated or even offensive. When the satirical intent is missed, the track comes across as unapologetically chauvinistic, and that alone could make it seem problematic enough to justify its removal.
This takes on even greater significance today, especially on a cutting‑edge streaming platform like Spotify, which speaks to a young audience that is particularly sensitive to these issues. In that context, a song that can be so easily misread might understandably raise concerns.
Of course, the track was originally written as a parody of macho attitudes—but its provocative tone still leaves plenty of room for misunderstanding.
January 12, 2026 @ 8:26 am
That has nothing to do with its disappearance.
Trigger explained the issue.
January 14, 2026 @ 2:50 am
Of course the underlying issue is clearly a rights problem, and I’m not questioning that. I was only pointing out that Spotify targets a very young audience — sensitive to certain topics but not always inclined to dig deeper — and in that context a song like Put Another Log on the Fire can be easily misinterpreted. That’s all I meant.
January 12, 2026 @ 12:02 pm
In fact it’s feminist. Shel Silverstein was a genious. It’s like saying The Giving Tree is in favor of environmental destruction. Shel would be a great topic for one of Trigger’s longer articles or podcasts.
January 12, 2026 @ 7:07 am
“Wanted: The Outlaws” began as a contrived marketing effort by RCA to cash in on the growing popularity of those four artists. The compilation album contained a mix of previously released/remixed tracks and unreleased vault material. At the time that album was released Willie & Jessi had moved on to other record labels and achieved major chart and sales success. The two Tompall Glaser tracks were licensed from MGM Records & Tompall Productions to round out the overall concept. So at it’s core The Outlaws album was not a purely creative endeavor but an effort by RCA to cash in on the newfound success & popularity of all four artists.
Lightening struck when it connected with record buyers providing RCA with a huge payday for minimal investment.
Lesson learned once again is that if you do not own a physical copy of music (or a download that lives on your own device) you may not always have access to it.
January 12, 2026 @ 7:24 am
Makes me happy that I found “Diamonds & Dirt” in the CD bargain bin a few years back, snagged it for 5 bucks and it stays in the truck. It really is a crime that that one is locked up in limbo. If there was ever a situation in need of a petition, its that album
January 12, 2026 @ 7:46 am
I’ve moved off streaming to CDs and vinyl. Actually just bought a second CD player for my shop. I also encourage everyone to quit social media and get it out of your lives.
January 12, 2026 @ 9:35 am
I’ve always enjoyed this album. Im mostly a vinyl guy, but have the deluxe reissue of this one on CD. I’ve no issue with Tompall Glaser, in fact i admire what he did. But I gotta say, I found it astounding reading these comments implying that in some way, Glaser is far superior to Willie Nelson.
REALLY?! What planet are yall on? Willie Nelson is singularly one of the greatest and most influential singers and songwriters in American music, period. Hes on the hypothetical Mt Rushmore of Country and Western music. Very few human beings would dispute that. Even Sinatra was a Willie Nelson fan, as was Elvis and for that matter about everyone.
Love Tompall, I do, but he’s barely a footnote in collective consciousness of most people. The average Country music fan likely knows nothing of him. Thats not a slam, it’s just fact. Willie Nelson’s importance to the American music Canon cannot be overstated, whereas Tompalls most certainly can.
And all this chest puffery about who’s more knowledgeable on music above in the comments was hysterical. My collections bigger than yours! Nuh, uh, my collections more diverse, im smarter than thou! 🤣
January 12, 2026 @ 2:56 pm
Willie is the most overrated artist in country music history.
January 12, 2026 @ 4:59 pm
CK, to each their own. What i say is in general the opinion of most country music fans, artists and musicians. The legacy, the data , the body of work, the awards, the sales, the accolades and the fact that everyone wants to sing one with Willie all support this opinion. All of my musician heroes adore Willie. I get that you hate Willie and Cash for political reasons, but that’s on you. You do you, bro. And honestly im fine with it. There are moments when im in agreement with you, but this aint one.
January 13, 2026 @ 11:59 am
I don’t hate Cash. I have hundreds of his songs in my country playlist. I don’t care for his cultish fan base or the idea that country music begins and ends with him.
As for Willie, I am not a fan of his voice.
January 12, 2026 @ 1:11 pm
Short note to Shooter: buying physical is great, but make sure you take care of your collection and back it up. The early CDs (basically anything older than about 20 years) have substantial issues with bit rot due to oxidization of the metal inside of the plastic pressing. This issue wasn’t identified as a widespread issue until the 2000’s, so steps weren’t taken to mitigate it until that time. I have many CDs that are currently unplayable due to this.
Vinyl records are not immune from physical break down either. Heat and moisture are both long-term issues with vinyl, so make sure all of your music is stored at room temperature and with controlled humidity.
January 13, 2026 @ 6:40 am
I got a bunch of cheap CD’s from the mid/late 80’s, mostly classical music (Naxos, Elap etc.), they all play just fine. Same with the major label CD’s. Steve Earle’s Guitar Town (printed Dec. 85 according to the batch code) sounds excellent (but of course a bit muddy, thanks to the technology at the time.)
January 12, 2026 @ 2:19 pm
I had this album back in the seventies…loved it. In my opinion, Willie’s best stuff was his old stuff ( Mr Record Man, Etc.) Tompall was best with his brothers (Jim outsinging them all) and Waylon was an enigma. Now we know why they make chocolate, vanilla & strawberry. Ain’t music fun?
January 12, 2026 @ 2:46 pm
It’s a rights issue. At the time, Tompall was signed to MGM, which is now part of UMG. The Outlaws album was issued on RCA, which is now owned by Sony. There are only three major labels left, and I guess none of them get along.
January 12, 2026 @ 2:59 pm
I’ve had Spotify since 2017 and Tompall’s songs have never been available on the Wanted album. At least never when I’ve listened to it.
January 12, 2026 @ 5:01 pm
Great article. The one thing about cds is finding a good player to play them on. Most reasonably priced options are crap. You have to spend good money to get a decent one. I do streaming now because i dont like collecting a bunch of stuff like i did before. Im getting older and i dont want to saddle my kids with too much stuff. The willie, glaser debate was hilarious. Has been a while since i heard glaser so id have to listen again. Willie is an icon but i dont consider him a great singer but to each their own.
January 12, 2026 @ 6:04 pm
A lot of country artists had million selling albums why is Outlaws considered the first million selling album ?
January 12, 2026 @ 6:16 pm
Either those albums didn’t sell a million copies until after “Wanted: The Outlaws” did, or you’re thinking of singles as opposed to albums. It’s been well-established the title was the first million seller in country.
January 12, 2026 @ 7:13 pm
Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Blues live back in 1969 is reported to sold 3.8 million copies… I’m sure at least a million of those copies sold before 1976 which was 7 years later .
January 12, 2026 @ 7:24 pm
The album “Live at Folsom Prison” was not Certified Platinum by the RIAA for 1 million copies sold until November 21, 1986, according to the RIAA.
https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=johnny+cash#search_section
Not trying to hector you, but this has been a long-established truth.
January 12, 2026 @ 7:38 pm
Thanks for the info… took 8 years surprised it took that long. Thanks .
January 12, 2026 @ 8:14 pm
So many artists claim to have sold a million copies of something. Maybe they did. Jean Shepherd is one of them who claims she sold a million copies of Dear John in 1953 and of course there isn’t any proof. Tammy Wynette world claims she sold a million with her greatest hits, Lynn Anderson with Rose Garden, and so on. They probably did but not anywhere near when it was released.
So….Wanted the Outlaws is a well established million seller. I’ll go with it.
January 13, 2026 @ 6:30 am
A hacker could just as well wipe out the cultural heritage. No music, no movies, no (e-)books.
Buy the hardware (or burn/print your own). That way you are safe from the likes of George Lucas.
January 17, 2026 @ 1:40 pm
Whenever songs are taken down–for whatever reason–I think it also highlights the importance of artists and songwriters having a legacy plan in place so that, even after an artist or songwriter has passed away, there’s someone to resolve the relevant issues and get the tracks reinstated on streaming platforms and elsewhere.