Due largely to his grandfather's guidance, Morgan cut his teeth on artists like Tom T. Hall, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings.

If you’re a fan of the ‘outlaw’ side of country, you may already know the music of Whitey Morgan. He’s not on the radio much, but he is well known on the touring circuit for his energizing live show.

Now on his latest album, Sonic Ranch, the country troubadour strips down his sound for a gritty and raw collection of songs that showcase his many influences.

Recorded at a cozy studio outside of El Paso, Texas, that he says felt like home, Sonic Ranch includes not only original compositions but also a selection of memorable covers, including Townes Van Zandt‘s “Waitin’ ‘Round to Die,” Waylon Jennings’ “Goin’ Down Rockin” and Tom T. Hall’s “That’s How I Got to Memphis.”

“There’s definitely a piece of me in all those covers that I sing,” Morgan tells Radio.com. He’s speaking by phone from Bass Lake, California, a small village south of Yosemite National Park where he moved six months back.

This is definitely NOT today's country-pop kind of feel.  This takes country music's roots and amplifies it 100%.

Bass Lake is a long way from Flint, Michigan, where Morgan and his band, the 78s, first got their start five years ago. But it represents a new turn in Morgan’s life. For instance, while his beard, long hair and tattoos give him the appearance of a biker, it turns out he’s lately focused on bikes of the pedal-powered variety (“I’m healthier than I’ve been in a long time,” he admits”). In fact, as we speak he’s taking a break from a cycling ride in the mountains near his new home.

But that fresh focus on personal health doesn’t temper the grit, guts and soul that defines Morgan’s music, which is steeped in the soul and sounds of country’s honky tonk and outlaw eras. This is true whether he’s performing his own original songs or working up new versions of vintage material. Either way, it’s material that comes from a place deep down inside.

Morgan may be healthy, but his roots and the music stayed the same.  But who does he listen to?

1. Waylon Jennings, “Let’s All Help the Cowboys (Sing the Blues)”
“My favorite Waylon record is Dreaming My Dreams. It’s a little bit grittier as far a few of those songs. But then there’s this great mid-tempo, really stripped down, great vocal performances. There’s that style of country music. I’d say my favorite one off of Dreaming My Dreams is—Waylon and Cowboy Jack [Clement] wrote it—it’s called ‘Let’s All Help the Cowboys (Sing the Blues).’ I love that tune.”

It really doesn't get any grittier or honest than Waylon.  The next artist is a little more surprising.

2. Kris Kristofferson, “Gettin’ By, High and Strange”
“An album that doesn’t get a lot of reviews for him because it didn’t have any hits on it is his Border Lord album. It’s amazing. The songs are great, the band sounds great. The production is perfectly stripped down. It sounds real, that’s one of my favorites. We listen to that all the time in the van. I’m sure the guys are sick of it. ‘Gettin’ By, High and Strange,’ I would say it’s a great upbeat lighthearted funny song. It’s about being on the road. Listen to it. I’m not going to tell you what it’s about. It’s a little R-rated. That one’s great.”

Do you like old-time, outlaw country?  Leave us a comment and let us know!

Want to find out who Morgan's other faves and influences are? Go to Radio for the rest of the list.

Photo Source: Whitey Morgan (Courtesy: Shore Fire Media)