Biography
The Highwomen is an American country music supergroup formed in 2019, consisting of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires. The group originated from Amanda Shires' vision in 2016 to create a female counterpart to the legendary Highwaymen, aiming to address the underrepresentation of women in country music and foster connections among female artists. Shires, inspired by the lack of women on country radio, reached out to producer Dave Cobb, who encouraged her to contact Brandi Carlile. Together, they recruited Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby, finalizing the lineup after months of collaboration and songwriting.[1][2][4]
The Highwomen made their live debut at Loretta Lynn's 87th birthday concert in Nashville in April 2019, followed by a celebrated performance at the Newport Folk Festival, where they were joined onstage by Dolly Parton. Their self-titled debut album, released in September 2019 by Elektra Records, features songs that blend Americana, country, and folk influences, with lyrics championing female empowerment, solidarity, and resilience. Tracks like "Highwomen"—a reimagining of the Highwaymen's classic—"Redesigning Women," and "Crowded Table" exemplify their mission to elevate women's voices in country music.[1][2][3][4]
The Highwomen are widely recognized for their advocacy and mentorship within the industry, serving as role models for a new generation of female musicians. Their collaborative approach and commitment to inclusivity have left a lasting mark on country and Americana music, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring broader conversations about representation and equality.[2][3][4]
Fun Facts
- The group's name, The Highwomen, is a direct homage to the all-male supergroup The Highwaymen, but with a feminist twist.
- Their first public performance as The Highwomen was at Loretta Lynn's 87th birthday concert in Nashville in April 2019.
- The song 'Highwomen' is a reimagined version of the Highwaymen's 'Highwayman,' with new verses highlighting women's historical struggles and triumphs.
- The band originally intended the fourth spot in their lineup to be a rotating position for guest female artists, with names like Sheryl Crow and Janelle Monáe considered.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- The Highwaymen (Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson) - Inspirational model for the group's formation and musical ethos; The Highwomen's name and concept pay homage to the original supergroup. (The Highwaymen's 'Highwayman' (1985), which inspired The Highwomen's 'Highwomen' (2019)) [1985 (original inspiration), 2016–2019 (conceptualization)]
- Jimmy Webb - Composer of 'Highwayman,' which The Highwomen reinterpreted with his blessing for their debut album. ('Highwayman' (Jimmy Webb, 1977; Highwaymen, 1985; Highwomen, 2019)) [2019 (collaboration and blessing)]
Key Collaborators
- Brandi Carlile - Founding member, vocalist, songwriter, and producer; key creative force in group formation and songwriting. (The Highwomen (2019 album)) [2019–present]
- Natalie Hemby - Founding member, songwriter, and vocalist; contributed major songs and harmonies. (The Highwomen (2019 album)) [2019–present]
- Maren Morris - Founding member, vocalist, and songwriter; contributed to the group's vocal blend and songwriting. (The Highwomen (2019 album)) [2019–present]
- Amanda Shires - Founding member, conceptual originator, violinist, and vocalist. (The Highwomen (2019 album)) [2019–present]
- Dave Cobb - Producer and creative advisor; facilitated group formation and album production. (The Highwomen (2019 album)) [2016–2019]
- Yola - Guest vocalist on the track 'Highwomen.' ('Highwomen' (2019)) [2019]
- Sheryl Crow - Guest harmonies on the debut album. ('Highwomen' (2019 album)) [2019]
- Lori McKenna - Songwriting collaborator, co-wrote 'Crowded Table.' ('Crowded Table' (2019)) [2019]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging female country and Americana artists - Inspired by The Highwomen's advocacy, collaborative ethos, and visibility for women in country music. (Ongoing influence, especially through live performances and public advocacy.) [2019–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Highwomen | 2019-09-06 | Album |
| The Kitchen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2019-08-02 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Crowded Table (The Highwomen)
- Highwomen (The Highwomen)
- Redesigning Women (The Highwomen)
- The Chain - From the Motion Picture Soundtrack "The Kitchen" (The Chain (From the Motion Picture Soundtrack "The Kitchen"))
- If She Ever Leaves Me (The Highwomen)
- Loose Change (The Highwomen)
- Hold On (Hold On)
- Old Soul (The Highwomen)
- My Only Child (The Highwomen)
- Cocktail And A Song (The Highwomen)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
The Highwomen has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7, 2025 | 15:39 | Highwomenfrom The Highwomen | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River | |
| Nov 13, 2025 | 23:49 | Hold On | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 14:38 | Heaven Is A Honky Tonk | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River |