Introduction
“Red Headed Stranger” is a song written by Edith Lindeman and Carl Stutz, first published in 1953. Initially intended for Perry Como, the song was not recorded by him due to publishing disputes. In 1954, Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith released the first recorded version, which received significant radio airplay.
The ballad narrates the tale of a mysterious red-headed stranger who rides into town on a black stallion, leading the bay horse of his deceased wife. The stranger encounters a blonde woman in a tavern who attempts to take his bay horse, leading him to fatally shoot her. He is later acquitted, as her actions were deemed an attempt to steal his property.
Willie Nelson, during his early career as a radio host for “The Western Express” in Fort Worth, Texas, performed “Red Headed Stranger” as a lullaby for children and for his own daughter, Lana. The song left a lasting impression on Nelson, and in 1974, inspired by his then-wife Connie Koepke, he conceptualized an album based on its narrative. This led to the creation of the 1975 concept album “Red Headed Stranger,” which tells the story of a fugitive preacher on the run after committing crimes of passion.
Nelson’s minimalist approach to the album’s production, characterized by sparse instrumentation and a focus on storytelling, was unconventional at the time. This artistic choice contributed to the album’s critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying Nelson’s status in the outlaw country movement. The album’s success also led to Nelson being nicknamed the “Red Headed Stranger.”
The song’s enduring legacy is evident, as it was named one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time by the Western Writers of America. Additionally, Nelson’s album was ranked number one in Country Music Television’s “40 Greatest Albums in Country Music” in 2006 and was included in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
“Red Headed Stranger” has been covered by various artists over the years, including Eddy Arnold in his 1959 album “Thereby Hangs a Tale” and Carla Bozulich in her 2003 album “The Red Headed Stranger,” which featured a guest appearance by Nelson himself. In 2013, Nelson recorded a duet of the song with Jack White, released as a six-inch single on Third Man Records.
The song’s narrative also inspired a 1986 film titled “Red Headed Stranger,” starring Willie Nelson in the lead role. The film further cemented the song’s place in American culture, showcasing its timeless appeal and the depth of its storytelling.
In summary, “Red Headed Stranger” is a seminal work in country music, with its rich narrative and enduring legacy influencing artists and audiences alike for decades.