Watch Heartworn Highways Revisited

Heartworn Highways Revisited is a documentary film that pays homage to the 1976 cult classic Heartworn Highways. The film features a collection of iconic country and folk singer-songwriters who have become synonymous with the outlaw country movement - a sub-genre of country music that challenges the traditional Nashville sound. The movie is directed by Wayne Price, who has worked on acclaimed documentaries such as Wildman Blues and The Last Ride, and produced by singer-songwriter and actor Jonny Fritz. Fritz's involvement in the project is evident as his laid-back persona shines through with the humor and warmth present throughout the film.

The film opens with some introductory footage of the original Heartworn Highways before transitioning to interviews with the new generation of singer-songwriters who were inspired by the first film. The first section of the film does a great job of contextualizing the music for those who might not be familiar with the genre. Viewers get a sense of the history of outlaw country and the artists who made it famous.

Among the veteran singer-songwriters to feature are Guy Clark, David Allan Coe, and Bobby Bare Jr., all of whom offer candid interviews where they share insights on their craft and discuss their influences. Their candid and insightful interviews offer a glimpse into the creative process and struggles of artists who are determined to make music on their own terms.

The modern singer-songwriters in the film, such as Nikki Lane, Shovels & Rope, and Langhorne Slim, all talk about the impact that the original documentary had on their careers. They discuss how the first Heartworn Highways film inspired them to create music for themselves, and how it set them apart from the mainstream Nashville sound.

The film focuses on live performances, recordings, and interviews with 21 artists who are either legends or rising stars of the genre. These segments are interspersed with clips from the original movie, which highlights the underlying connection between the 1976 documentary and the current crop of artists. The performances are raw and intimate, giving viewers an insight into the soulful performance style of the artists.

Heartworn Highways Revisited is significant in that it showcases artists that are often overlooked by mainstream media. This second film of the saga steers away from the traditional Nashville style of country music, exploring the genre's more outlaw roots. The film celebrates these artists and their unique voices, reminding viewers of the importance of honest music.

The documentary also has a political aspect to it. The film highlights how important it is to exercise creativity and independence in a world that often encourages conformity. Through the lens of the country and folk singer-songwriters, viewers come to appreciate the art of individualism and the power of the human spirit.

Overall, Heartworn Highways Revisited is a beautiful ode to the outlaws of country music. It is a poignant reminder that despite the challenges life throws at us, we can always lean on music to provide inspiration and hope. The film is an essential watch for fans of country music, particularly those who are seeking a deeper appreciation of the genre's roots.

Heartworn Highways Revisited is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.