References For Star Image: Country Rebels

Willie Nelson

Billy Joe Shaver

Hank Williams Jr.

For our artist's star image, it is divided into two rough parts, this is of course one of those parts. Being a country singer and everything, he has to look like one, so I have chosen a few other singers to compare him to in order to further develop his star image. All of these singers have the classic country look of a beard, a cowboy hat, shirt and jeans, as well as all standing on stage strumming chords from their acoustic guitars. This of course gives them a completely organic look, as it shows that they have talent, there are no studio effects, just their voice and the guitar. Also, in America (especially the southern states), these things would be the clothes that regular people wear every day. Another essential element to this particular form of country is rebellion. All of the artists listed to the left are in some way, rebelling against the system. There is perhaps no finer example of a country rebel than Willie Nelson, who, has been married four times, has been arrested several times and at age 80 still smokes weed every day. It might not be a particularly healthy lifestyle, but it certainly fits in with the rebellious image. Hank Williams Jr. is the son of Hank Williams, who is considered the founder of country. Hank Jr. went through a phase of severe alcohol and drug abuse before nearly being killed while climbing in Montana. He grew the beard and adopted the sunglasses and hat to hide the scars. He is rarely seen without them. Billy Joe Shaver was a sawmill worker who lost two of his fingers to the machinery where he worked (not dissimilar from Tony Iommi). He then hitchhiked to LA where he became a singer and has worked with many notable artists, although never gained widespread recognition himself. In 2007 a warrant for his arrest was issued when he shot a man in the face outside a tavern, but was later acquitted when the man's injuries were deemed 'not life threatening'. We want our artist to fit into this 'outlaw country' bracket, to have the look and the feel of a genuine country artist.