Join host John Wesley Karson on The Icons of Outlaw Country for a special holiday edition filled with timeless Christmas classics from the heart of rebel country. From Alabama’s heartfelt “Christmas in Dixie” and Willie Nelson’s poignant “Pretty Paper” to Merle Haggard’s soulful “If We Make It Through December” and Buck Owens’ nostalgic “Daddy Looked a Lot Like Santa,” this two-hour journey celebrates the season with authentic outlaw spirit.
Featuring legends like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and modern tributes from Montgomery Gentry and Robert Earl Keen, plus honky-tonk gems from Dale Watson, Charlie Daniels, and Alan Jackson’s influences, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a down-home, boot-stompin’ Christmas. Tune in and let these icons warm your holidays with grit, grace, and genuine country soul.
The Playlist
HOUR ONE
Montgomery Gentry – Merry Christmas from the Family – 2019
Buck Owens – Daddy Looked a Lot like Santa – 1965
Alabama – Christmas in Dixie – 1982
Dale Watson – Christmas Time in Texas – 2001
Gary P. Nunn – Christmas Time in Texas – 2010
Merle Haggard – Grandma’s Homemade Christmas Card – 1973
Bobby Bare – Christmas Time at Grandmas – 1994
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Christmas Time Again – 2000
Johnny Cash – I Talk to Jesus Every Day – 1971
Waylon Jennings – Away in a Manger – 1993
Waylon Jennings & Jessie Colter – Silent Night – 1984
Devyn Brinsfield – Silver Bells – 2023
The Bellamy Brothers – Old Hippy Christmas – 2002
Willie Nelson – Pretty Paper – 1979
Suzy Bogguss & Michael Murphey – Two-Step ‘Round the Christmas Tree – 1991
Michael Murphey – The Cowboy Christmas Ball – 1991
Charlie Daniels – Christmas Time Down South – 1990
HOUR TWO
Red Simpson – Gone Home For Christmas – 1973
Dale Watson – Santa and My Semi – 2001
The Eagles – Please Come Home for Christmas – 1978
Merle Haggard – Blue Christmas – 1977
Merle Haggard – If We Make it Through December – 1974
Willie Nelson – Jingle Bells – 1979
John Prine – Silent Night All Day Long – 2009
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Colorado Christmas – 1997
Robert Earl Keen – Happy Holidays Y’all – 1998
WB Vaughan – Tribute to Christ Jesus – 1993
Hank Williams Jr. – Little Drummer Boy – 1981
US Navy Band – Dueling Jingle Bells – 2015
Billy Joe Shaver – Feliz Navidad – 2005
Johnny Paycheck – Honky Tonk Christmas – 1998
Jerry Jeff Walker – 12 Days of Christmas – 1994
Jerry Jeff Walker – I’ll Be Home for Christmas – 1994
Jerry Jeff Walker – Here Comes Santa Claus/Up on the Housetop – 1994
Jerry Jeff Walker – We Wish You a Merry Christmas – 1994