Jessi Colter is an American country music singer and songwriter who has an estimated net worth of $5 million. She became one of the most recognizable female artists associated with the outlaw country movement of the 1970s, a genre closely linked to her second husband, country music star Waylon Jennings.
Colter achieved her biggest commercial success with the 1975 song “I’m Not Lisa,” which topped the Billboard country chart and crossed over to the pop charts. She also recorded several successful albums, collaborated with Jennings and other leading country musicians, and remained active in music for decades.
Her career has included solo recordings, duets, touring, songwriting, memoir writing and later studio projects. Her long association with Jennings also placed her at the center of the outlaw country movement alongside artists such as Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.
| Jessi Colter Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1943 |
| Place of Birth | Phoenix, Arizona |
Early Life
Jessi Colter was born Mirriam Johnson on May 25, 1943, in Phoenix, Arizona. Music became part of her life at an early age. When she was 11, she began playing piano at her church.
After graduating from high school in 1961, she started performing in local clubs around Phoenix. That same year, she married guitarist Duane Eddy, a prominent rock and roll musician. Her connection with Eddy influenced her early musical career and helped her secure opportunities to record.
At the time, she performed under the name Mirriam Eddy. She released two singles with Eddy’s assistance, but neither became a major commercial success. The disappointing results caused her to step away from recording for several years.
Colter continued performing and touring during her marriage to Eddy, but the couple divorced in 1968. That same year, she met Waylon Jennings, who recognized her potential as a recording artist and helped her secure a contract with RCA Victor.
Jessi Colter’s Music Career
After meeting Jennings, Mirriam Johnson adopted the professional name Jessi Colter and returned to recording music. She released her debut album, “A Country Star Is Born,” in 1970. Jennings and legendary producer Chet Atkins were involved in the project, although the album did not achieve major commercial success.
Colter also became a frequent collaborator with Jennings. The pair recorded several duets and appeared together on major country music programs. In March 1970, Colter played keyboards during Jennings’ appearance on The Johnny Cash Show.
Her career changed dramatically in the mid-1970s after she signed with Capitol Records.
“I’m Not Lisa” and Breakthrough Success
Colter’s biggest breakthrough came in 1975 with “I’m Not Lisa.” The song became a major country hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard country chart. It also reached No. 4 on the Billboard pop chart, giving Colter a significant crossover audience.
The success established her as one of the leading female voices connected to the emerging outlaw country movement.
That same year, she released the album “I’m Jessi Colter.” The record performed strongly on the country charts, while its follow-up single, “What’s Happened to Blue Eyes,” also became a major hit.
Colter followed the success with the albums “Jessi” and “Diamond in the Rough” in 1976. Both reached No. 4 on the Top Country Albums chart.
Rather than being confined to traditional honky-tonk country, Colter developed a style that incorporated elements of soul, rock and country music. Her distinctive voice and songwriting helped separate her from many of the female country performers of the period.
Outlaw Country and Waylon Jennings
Colter’s career was closely connected to the outlaw country movement, which emerged partly in reaction to the highly polished Nashville sound of the era.
Jennings was one of the movement’s most influential figures, and Colter became one of its most prominent female artists. She toured extensively with Jennings and became part of the community of musicians surrounding him, Willie Nelson and other leading country performers.
Her professional relationship with Jennings also produced several successful collaborations.
In 1981, the couple released the duet album “Leather and Lace.” The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Its title song was written by Stevie Nicks.
Colter subsequently reduced her recording activity. Much of her time during the 1980s was devoted to supporting Jennings as he struggled with drug addiction and health problems.
Return to Recording
After a long absence from releasing new studio material, Colter returned to music in 2006 with “Out of the Ashes.” The album was released several years after Jennings’ death and reflected on their life together.
The record also included previously unused vocals from Jennings, giving the project a strong personal connection to her late husband.
Colter continued exploring music in the following years. In 2017, she released “The Psalms,” an album built around passages from the Book of Psalms.
The project was produced by Lenny Kaye, who had encouraged Colter for years to record the material. The idea was partly inspired by a 1995 dinner involving Colter, Kaye, Jennings and musician Patti Smith, during which Colter performed passages from the Bible.
Colter later released “Edge of Forever,” her 12th solo studio album, on October 27, 2023. The album was produced by Margo Price, while Colter’s son, Shooter Jennings, handled the mixing.
Memoir and Other Work
Colter expanded her career beyond music with the publication of her memoir, “An Outlaw and a Lady: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon, and the Faith That Brought Me Home,” in April 2017.
The book chronicled her life in music, her relationship with Jennings and the experiences that shaped her career.
Her memoir also provided insight into the outlaw country era and her experiences alongside some of the genre’s most important artists.
Jessi Colter’s Relationship With Waylon Jennings
Colter met Waylon Jennings in 1968, shortly after her divorce from Duane Eddy. Jennings helped her return to the recording industry, and the pair married on October 27, 1969.
They had one son, Waylon Albright “Shooter” Jennings, who later established his own career as a musician.
Colter and Jennings remained married until his death in 2002. Their relationship became one of the most recognizable partnerships in country music, both personally and professionally.
The couple frequently performed together, toured together and collaborated on recordings. Colter also supported Jennings through his struggles with substance abuse and declining health.
Personal Life
Before marrying Jennings, Colter was married to Duane Eddy. The couple had a daughter, Jennifer, before divorcing in 1968. Jennifer later became the mother of musician Will Harness, who performs under the name Struggle Jennings.
Colter married Jennings in 1969, and they remained together until his death.
Jennings died in February 2002 after years of health problems. His death marked a major turning point in Colter’s life and later influenced her return to recording.
Colter’s later music has continued to reflect her experiences, faith and memories of her life with Jennings.
Also Read: Waylon Jennings Net Worth
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