The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California, hosted a special preview of They Called Us Outlaws, the Armadillo World Studios’ upcoming six-chapter, twelve-hour documentary on the history and legacy of Cosmic Cowboys, Honky Tonk Heroes and the Outlaw country-rock movement. The night included a sneak peek from the film that focuses on the life and work of Grammy Hall of Fame Award Recipient Jessi Colter, special performances by two-time Grammy winner Shooter Jennings, two-time Grammy nominee Tyler Childrens, and so much more.
The night opened with a performance by 12-time Grammy-winning musician, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, critically acclaimed solo artist, and Foo Fighter’s lead guitarist Chris Shiflett, who moderated the panel. Shiflett led a discussion with filmmakers Eric Geadelmann and Kelly Magelky, former Kings of Leon band member who created the series’ original music score Chris Coleman, and two-time Grammy nominee, narrator and executive producer of the film Jack Ingram.
They Called Us Outlaws – Cosmic Cowboys, Honky Tonk Heroes And The Rise Of Renegade Troubadours is an upcoming 12-hour documentary from Armadillo World Studios and Shadowbrook Studios presented in association with The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The film focuses Outlaw singers and songwriters who seared their own paths and independence in a way that forever impacted American music. The documentary includes over 100 interviews with some of the most iconic figures and those who carry the torch today and were inspired by such icons.
The six-part documentary comes from writer and director Eric Geadelmann and producer and director of photography Kelly Magelky. The two stated that their idea to create such film originated in spring 2012 after reading an article about country music in the 1970s. Seeing that there has never been a documentary on country artists considered Outlaws and their impact of creating an individual sound, the duo set off to create their own film, which quickly grew into a 12-hour film.
During the discussion Chris Shiflett asked Jack Ingram how he became involved with the project. Not exactly sure on how to answer, Geadelmann stepped in and clarified that Chris Gantry specifically asked for Ingram. Ingram recalled being extremely nervous before interviewing Gantry and knocking on Gantry’s trailer before the interview. Geadelmann mentioned how the crew began to panic as Ingram was no where to be seen, but then see Gantry and Ingram walk into the set together chatting. “I think it is because Jack made everyone feel so comfortable, just like a hang out, that we were able to get so much good stuff, stuff that hasn’t been told before,” said Geadelmann.
Following the discussion Ingram performed Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” with Chris Coleman improvising on bass. Tyler Childers, John R. Miller, Abby Hamilton, and Jesse Daniel performed in front of the legendary artists Jessi Colter. Before the night concluded Shooter Jennings took the stage and covered one of his father’s songs “Belle of the Ball.”
The night concluded with an extraordinary performance by mother and song Jessi Colter and Shooter Jennings. Colter, serves as executive producer of They Called Us Outlaws, thanked the crowd and staff that made the project possible. “You know we never thought about what we were doing, we were just working,” said Colter as she clarified that her and other Outlaw artists simply were looking to put out their own sound. Colter and Jennings closed out the night with “Why You Been Gone So Long.”
They Called Us Outlaws – Cosmic Cowboys, Honky Tonk Heroes And The Rise Of Renegade Troubadours is set to release in 2023 with no official release date as of yet. The 12-hour documentary is expected to cover tons of never-before-heard stories of iconic country Outlaw artists from the 70s.
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