A country music trailblazer, known for her soulful voice, genre-bending style, and iconic hits like "I'm Not Lisa." She was a key figure in the outlaw country movement.
Jessi Colter is a renowned American country singer, best known for her collaborations with her second husband, country musician Waylon Jennings, and for her 1975 crossover hit "I'm Not Lisa". As one of the few female artists to emerge from the mid-1970s outlaw country movement, Colter has left an indelible mark on the country music scene.
Mirriam Johnson, born on May 25, 1943, in Phoenix, Arizona, was raised in a strict Pentecostal home. Her mother was a Pentecostal preacher, and her father was a racecar driver. At age 11, Colter became the pianist at her church. After graduating from Mesa High School in 1961, she began singing in local clubs in Phoenix.
In 1961, Colter married guitarist Duane Eddy, and under her real name, Mirriam Johnson, released two singles on the Jamie label. Although the first single, "Lonesome Road", received scattered airplay in several US markets, it failed to chart nationally. The second single did not even get regional airplay, and Colter didn't record again for nearly a decade. She continued to tour with Eddy until their divorce in 1968.
In 1969, Colter met country artist Waylon Jennings, who helped her secure a recording contract with RCA Victor. The two married, and in 1970, Colter resumed her recording career, releasing her debut studio LP, A Country Star Is Born. That same year, she and Jennings sang duet on two top 40 country chart hits.
In 1975, Colter signed with Capitol Records and released the crossover hit "I'm Not Lisa", which topped the country charts and reached the top five on the pop charts. The following year, she was featured on the collaboration LP Wanted! The Outlaws, which became an RIAA-certified Platinum album.
As one of the pioneers of the outlaw country movement, Colter's music and trailblazing spirit have inspired generations of country artists. Her unique voice, style, and collaborations with Waylon Jennings have left an indelible mark on country music.
Jessi Colter's contributions to country music have earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and inductions into the Country Music Association's Walkway of Stars and the Arizona Music Hall of Fame. Her music continues to influence new generations of country artists, ensuring her legacy as one of the most iconic figures in country music.
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