Introduction
“Good Hearted Woman” is a classic country song with a rich history, especially in the context of Willie Nelson’s collaboration with The Highwaymen—a supergroup composed of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. The song was originally written by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson in 1969, inspired by Jennings’ relationship with his wife, Jessi Colter. The idea reportedly came to Jennings when he saw an advertisement that mentioned Tina Turner as a “good-hearted woman loving a two-timing man.” Jennings jotted down the idea, and with Nelson’s help, the song was completed.
The first recorded version of “Good Hearted Woman” was released by Jennings as a solo artist in 1972. It quickly became a hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. However, the song truly found its iconic status with the release of a live version in 1975, where Jennings and Nelson performed it as a duet. This rendition, included on the album Wanted! The Outlaws, was groundbreaking in country music history as it became the first country album to be certified platinum, signifying over a million copies sold.
The Highwaymen version of “Good Hearted Woman” was released in 1990 as part of their second studio album, Highwayman 2. This version brought together the distinctive voices and personas of Nelson, Jennings, Cash, and Kristofferson, each adding their unique flavor to the song. The collaboration highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect among these legendary artists, all of whom were pivotal in shaping the outlaw country movement of the 1970s.
The song’s narrative, which tells the story of a woman who stands by her man despite his flaws and indiscretions, resonated deeply with audiences and has since remained a beloved anthem in the country music genre. The Highwaymen’s rendition of “Good Hearted Woman” not only reinforced the song’s legacy but also cemented the supergroup’s place in country music history as a symbol of the outlaw spirit.