Jessi Colter, celebrated for her distinctive voice and the classic country crossover hit \"I'm Not Lisa,\" built much of her public identity through her marriage to a major figure in country and rock music. Her personal and professional story is inseparable from the high-profile relationship that defined an era of country pop.
Below is a detailed overview of her marital history, career context, and key facts, designed to clarify common questions and highlight the most relevant information in a structured, easy to scan format.
| Full Name | Shari Sue Country | Stage Name | Jessi Colter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse(s) | Eddy Raven (m. 1970–1977) Waylon Jennings (m. 1979–2002; his death) | ||
| Marriage Start | 1970 | 1979 | First marriage ended in divorce, second marriage lasted until his death |
| Children | 1 | 1 | Son Shooter Jennings from marriage to Waylon Jennings |
| Career Peak | 1970s | 1970s–1990s | Signature song "I'm Not Lisa" released 1975 |
| Legacy | {"i": "Marriage to Waylon Jennings brought national fame"}Authentic country sound and crossover appeal | Continued recordings and selective live appearances | |
Early Life and Entry Into Music
Born Shari Sue Country in Phoenix, Arizona, she adopted the stage name Jessi Colter and developed a polished blend of country, pop, and rock. Her breakthrough arrived with the heartfelt ballad "I'm Not Lisa," which showcased her emotional delivery and broadened her audience well beyond regional country circuits.
Eddy Raven Marriage
Before her rise to mainstream fame, Colter married singer Eddy Raven in 1970. During this marriage, she refined her songwriting and performance skills, though the union ended in divorce after several years. This period provided foundational experience in the music industry before she achieved solo success.
Marriage to Waylon Jennings
In 1979, Jessi Colter married country and outlaw icon Waylon Jennings, a pairing that linked her to one of the most influential figures in modern music. The marriage lasted until his death in 2002 and produced their son Shooter Jennings, who later pursued his own career in music and production.
Career Highlights and Influence
Colter's collaboration with Waylon Jennings, including the seminal album "Wanted! The Outlaws," cemented her status in country music. Her distinctive voice and songwriting contributed to landmark recordings that reshaped the country landscape and influenced subsequent generations of artists.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Recognize that her identity is closely tied to two significant marriages: Eddy Raven and Waylon Jennings.
- Understand how her marriage to Waylon Jennings amplified her reach and shaped her legacy in country music.
- Note that her solo success, including "I'm Not Lisa," was achieved before and during her time with both marriages.
- Appreciate the ongoing influence of her work and family connection through her son Shooter Jennings.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was Jessi Colter married to first?
She was first married to singer Eddy Raven from 1970 until their divorce.
Who was Jessi Colter married to when she had her biggest hit?
Her major hit "I'm Not Lisa" came out in 1975 while she was still married to Eddy Raven, before her later marriage to Waylon Jennings.
Who was Jessi Colter married to during her most successful recording years?
Her most successful period included her marriage to Waylon Jennings, beginning in 1979 and continuing through the peak of her collaboration with him.
Did Jessi Colter remarry after Waylon Jennings died?
No, she has not remarse since the death of Waylon Jennings in 2002.