Heartworn Highways Revisited

Heartworn Highways Revisited is a captivating follow-up to the iconic 1976 music documentary Heartworn Highways. The movie was directed by Wayne Price and released in 2015, nearly four decades after the original. Just like the first film, the sequel explores the charged and melodious landscapes of outlaw country and folk music, this time focusing on a new generation of artists who were inspired by the original film's vision and the nonconformist truth in their music.

The film's cast features Bobby Bare Jr., Guy Clark, and David Allan Coe among other players within the music industry, each of whom provided their own unique and insightful perspectives on the legacy and future of the outlaw country and folk music genre. Each musician starred in their own segments, sharing stories about their lives, their music, and how they saw the industry's evolution since the 70s. The blend of intimate interviews, candid behind-the-scenes moments, and incredibly heartfelt performances make this film a must-see for any fan of the genre.

Bobby Bare Jr., son of the country music legend Bobby Bare, is featured prominently in the film. He brings a dynamic energy and personality to the screen, often reflecting on his father’s contributions to the industry and how it influenced his current music career. He carries the torch for this distinct musical style, but also embodies his generation’s unique take on it.

David Allan Coe is one of the original cast members from the 1976 documentary. His appearance in Heartworn Highways Revisited delivers immense value, providing significant linkage between both movies. Coe has been a staple example of the outlaw country music genre. His reflections, experiences, and performances in the revisit provide a sense of continuity, linking the past to the present, and demonstrating how the power and spirit of outlaw country music has not waned with time.

In his final screen appearance, the late Guy Clark, a country music icon, gifts the audience with a profound, poignant, and soulfully raw experience. Although his health was failing during filming, his commitment to his craft, his articulate wisdom, and his heartfelt performances are monumental. His session both commemorates his own journey in the music industry and sees him pass the baton to the new generation.

Filmed both in Nashville and Texas, Heartworn Highways Revisited beautifully captures the environment where this genre has flourished over the years. Iconic venues, makeshift back-room stages, recording studios, and even musicians' homes become intimate showcases of raw and honest artistry, reinforcing the idea that this style of music is woven into the fabric of everyday life.

The film presents this colorful mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars to tell stories filled with boisterous laughter, weathered tears, ardor for music, and a critical examination on the state of the country and folk music industry. What stands out is the collective commitment demonstrated by each talented musician to raw emotion, unvarnished truth, and defiance of commercial constraints.

By revisiting Heartworn Highways, director Wayne Price not only pays homage to the original 1976 documentary but also cements its place in history by bridging the gap between the original outlaws and a new crop of troubadours. Consequently, each musician retains the spirit of the past while rewriting the story in their own style. From John McCauley’s quiet introspection to the barn-burning fervor of Shovels & Rope, the gamut of talent is far-reaching and impressive.

Heartworn Highways Revisited not only serves as a time capsule, capturing the essence of a timeless genre at a certain point in history, but it also provides a strong vision of its future. It’s a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the roots and progression of country and folk music. Its success, just like the original, lies in its ability to depict the uncensored reality of its artists, illuminating the creative process and realities of life on the scene, directly from the artists' mouths and guitars.

Heartworn Highways Revisited is an exhilarating, heartwarming journey, a portrait of a distinct musical family, filled with evocative explorations of tradition and innovations, and anchored by a deep-seated reverence for the power of song. It offers fans a chance to bask in outlaw country's enduring glory and welcomes newcomers into a world where music is lived, rather than simply played.