For five decades Billy Joe Shaver has been writing and singing songs - and Friday the man who optimizes a true outlaw singer / songwriter returns to Tyler, TX and Cowboy's nightclub.

NPR nailed it when they said, to paraphrase, Shaver isn’t a household name, but he is among the most respected songwriters in country music. And we get to experience the legend first hand.

Shaver’s debut album, "Old Five and Dimers Like Me," was produced by Kris Kristofferson it contained “Willie the Wandering Gypsy and Me” and “Georgia on a Fast Train.” Then in 1978 Johnny Cash recorded his tune, “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Some Day),” a song inspired by his decision to give up drugs and booze and turn to God.

Shaver recorded 23 albums, from 1973 through 2007. Along the way amassing countless classic songs including: “Honky Tonk Heroes,” “Georgia on a Fast Train,” “Live Forever,” “Tramp on Your Street,” and “Try and Try Again.”

Don't miss him Friday night at Cowboy's, tickets available here.

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