Jason Isbell performs “Pancho and Lefty” • for ‘OUTLAWS AND ARMADILLOS’

Jason Isbell performs “Pancho and Lefty” at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum during the opening concert in 2018 for the major exhibition “Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring '70s.” One of Willie Nelson’s many hits, “Pancho and Lefty” was written by Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt.

The Outlaw phenomenon increased country music’s audience in the 1970s, led by pacesetters such as Nelson, Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, Bobby Bare, and many others—a time defined by artists in Nashville and Austin demanding creative freedom to make their own music. In this series, we mark memorable performances from the museum’s opening concert. The exhibition closes June 7.

[chairmankaga]

Jason Isbell is the best American songwriter working, but he's also one of the most effortless performers I've ever heard, and his work with Amanda (dear Lord, if you haven't seen their performance of If We Were Vampires on Austin City Limits, run there now, but have the hankies handy) and the 400 Unit is just off the charts amazing. THE tightest band I've ever heard, regardless of genre.

[geoffparker]

Damm Jason. I felt that. I don't say this on a whim or lightly, this is my favorite performance ever of poncho and lefty . And there have been some incredible artists perform this song the original and Willie among them. Jason's just a stride above. That simply comes from the feeling stirred in me personally. I'll bet there are many others out there who would agree.

[samniacat]

Amanda always adds an extra dimension to Jason's music.

[DaveJacoby]

If I was to close my eyes, I would swear that slide guitar was David Lindley, which, from me, is about the finest complement I can give for playing. The whole performance is wonderful.

[marybrown]

I wish I could hear this without tears, but that’s just the way it goes.

[cossied]

Brilliant song, brilliant musician . brilliant band ?

[messy]

Amanda kills it - as usual. Unbeliveable

[benholland]

Townes was such a great songwriter, one of my favourite songs ever, Jason sings this so so good ❤❤❤

[stevebarci]

That's as good as it gets for me.

[tlockn]

That slide guitar amazing! Love this song

[matthewfeatherston]

Wow 🤩 That was an awesome cover!!! Townes Van Zandt is similing down ;)

[jimrebr]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time!!! I’ve seen several people do it, what a classic song, I never get tired of Townes Van Zandt’s masterpiece!!!! Good on ya!! Great band, the slide guitar and fiddle are perfect ❤

[TigerDude]

I was able to attend this evert, the whole thing was great and this was a highlight.

[maryherrera]

The first time I heard Jason was from his performance at the DNC. Now, to listen this. Every time I hear his voice, tears sneak out of my eyes.

[gsdme]

Slow and soulful, an excellent version of this song.

[anelladambrosio]

Amo questa canzone! Che bella voce! Una grande performance! 😊🤗😍😘🎶🎸🎶💘❤️💋💯🌄

[nathannunnikhoven]

So did no one realize Chris Shiftlet of the Foo Fighters in the background? Cuz that’s def him playing backing guitar right behind Jason

[eugenepatinglag]

Great cover by Jason Isbell and great band. You all hit a kind of excellent performance. Way to go.

[trishaplescia]

I second that! Wow- what a group of musicians. Jason Isbell is one of the absolute best of our generation. Smart, nice, good human being, and damn what a singer song writer.

[TimStreeperMusic]

I came here looking for Elizabeth Cook and Jason’s version of this tune. He and the band flat out nailed this one. Certainly had Emmy Lou’s influence in this one - but absolutely one of the best covers of this TVZ song I’ve ever heard.