re: Long haired hippie redneck freaks -- that is to say, Country-Rock

From Wikipedia:

quote:

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Steve Young (born July 12, 1942) is an American country music singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known for his song "Seven Bridges Road" (on Rock Salt & Nails & Seven Bridges Road). He is a pioneer of the country rock, Americana, and alternative country sounds, and also a vital force behind the 'outlaw movement' that gave support to the careers of Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Jr. and more. Steve was also featured in the 1975 Outlaw Country documentary Heartworn Highways.

Born in Newnan, Georgia, he grew up in Alabama, Georgia and Texas, moving from place to place as his family searched for work. By the time he had completed high school, Young was playing and writing songs that incorporated influences of folk, blues, country and gospel that he absorbed while travelling throughout the South.

Steve Young wrote (and continues to write) many songs, including outlaw classics such as "Lonesome, On'ry and Mean" (covered by Waylon Jennings) and "Montgomery In the Rain" (covered by Hank Williams, Jr.).

His best-known composition is "Seven Bridges Road", which became a major hit for The Eagles when they included a cover of it on their live album in 1980.

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The brief Wikipedia article doesn't mention Steve was a member of the pioneer country-rock band Stone Country, whose only album was released in 1968 -- the same year as better known efforts in the genre by Gram Parsons with The International Submarine Band and The Byrds.

Steve Young - "Seven Bridges Road"

Steve Young - "Alabama Highway" film clip from 1975

Steve Young - "Montgomery In The Rain"

Steve Young - "That's How Strong My Love Is"

If you like the Americana-alt.country sound and have never heard Steve Young, you're in for a real treat.