# Sam Outlaw > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Sam_Outlaw > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Sam_Outlaw.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Outlaw > Source revision: 1351468380 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|American singer-songwriter}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Sam Outlaw | image = Sam_Outlaw.jpg | landscape = yes | image_size = 220px | caption = Sam Outlaw at Interstellar Rodeo 2016 Edmonton, Canada | birth_name = Sam Morgan | birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1982|7|28}} | birth_place = [Aberdeen, South Dakota](/source/Aberdeen%2C_South_Dakota), U.S. | instrument = Vocals
guitar | genre = [Country](/source/Country_music), [honky-tonk](/source/Honky_tonk_music), [Americana](/source/Americana_(music)) | occupation = country music singer-songwriter | years_active = 2009–present | label = [Six Shooter Records](/source/Six_Shooter_Records) | website = {{URL|www.samoutlaw.com}} | associated_acts = [Michaela Anne](/source/Michaela_Anne), [Lydia Luce](/source/Lydia_Luce), [Sarah Darling](/source/Sarah_Darling) }} '''Sam Morgan''' (born July 28, 1982), professionally known as '''Sam Outlaw''', is a country music singer-songwriter and producer. Outlaw calls his music "SoCal country", country music refashioned with a Southern California vibe of the classic honky-tonk and troubadour pop.{{cite web|title=Introducing a Country Singer Living in Los Angeles|url=http://shorefire.com/releases/entry/introducing-a-country-singer-living-in-los-angeles-sam-outlaw-new-lp-angele|website=Shore Fire Media|accessdate=April 8, 2015}} ==Early life== Outlaw was born in [Aberdeen, South Dakota](/source/Aberdeen%2C_South_Dakota) as Sam Morgan.{{cite web|last1=Rapid|first1=Stephen|title=Interview With Sam Outlaw By Stephen Rapid|url=http://www.lonesomehighway.com/interviews/2014/2/17/interview-with-sam-outlaw-by-stephen-rapid.html|website=Lonesome Highway|date=February 17, 2014|accessdate=April 8, 2015|archive-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419005728/http://www.lonesomehighway.com/interviews/2014/2/17/interview-with-sam-outlaw-by-stephen-rapid.html|url-status=dead}} At the age of 10, his family moved to southern California. He grew up in a conservative Christian home and was limited by his parents as to what kind of music he could listen to. He did however, note the influence of Western Swing band [Asleep at the Wheel](/source/Asleep_at_the_Wheel) and how their all-star tribute albums to [Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys](/source/Bob_Wills_%26_His_Texas_Playboys) acted as "country music in a bottle" for him. [The Beatles](/source/The_Beatles) were also a huge influence on Outlaw. As a young adult, he had a musical revelation when he heard the classic country voices of [Emmylou Harris](/source/Emmylou_Harris) and [George Jones](/source/George_Jones). Outlaw notes that George Jones' music inspired him to get more serious about playing the guitar and writing songs.{{Cite web|title = Exclusive Video Premiere: "Ghost Town" by Sam Outlaw|url = http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2015/07/07/exclusive-video-premiere-ghost-town-by-sam-outlaw/|website = The Daily South|access-date = 2016-02-23}} In "his late 20s ... both his parents’ and his own marriage simultaneously crumbled."{{Cite web | url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/sam-outlaw-is-on-a-mission-to-make-country-music-that-doesn-t-suck-6868319 |title = Sam Outlaw is on a Mission to Make "Country Music That Doesn't Suck"|date = 2016-04-27}} When Outlaw decided to actively pursue a music career, he borrowed his mother's maiden name, Outlaw, for a stage moniker. His mother has since died and he honors her by continuing to use the family name. ==Career== Sam Outlaw had a successful advertising career in Southern California; however, on his thirtieth birthday he switched gears to pursue his passion for music. Outlaw self-released an EP in 2014. It immediately created a buzz and he secured performance slots at the [Stagecoach Festival](/source/Stagecoach_Festival) and AmericanaFest produced by the [Americana Music Association](/source/Americana_Music_Association).{{Cite web|title = Sam Outlaw Spreads SoCal Country Sound With 'Angeleno'|url = http://theboot.com/sam-outlaw-angeleno-interview-2015/|website = The Boot|access-date = 2016-02-23}} CMT featured his music video, ''Cry For Me'', in 2014. While enlisting a crack group of backing musicians to record ''Angeleno'', Outlaw's first LP, he began working with musician and record producer, [Ry Cooder](/source/Ry_Cooder). Outlaw wrote all of the songs on ''Angeleno''. Ry Cooder and his son, drummer [Joachim Cooder](/source/Joachim_Cooder), co-produced and played on the album. Other musicians on the album include [Bo Koster](/source/Bo_Koster), [Taylor Goldsmith](/source/Taylor_Goldsmith), [Gabe Witcher](/source/Gabe_Witcher) and vocalist [Arnold McCuller](/source/Arnold_McCuller).{{cite magazine|title=Listen to Sam Outlaw and Ry Cooder Redefine California Country|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/premieres/listen-to-sam-outlaw-and-ry-cooder-redefine-california-country-20150310|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 10, 2015|accessdate=April 8, 2015}} On March 3, 2015, Outlaw was signed to the reputable [Six Shooter Records](/source/Six_Shooter_Records) as its first US act.{{cite web|title=ARTIST CHAMPION + INDUSTRY VET MICHELLE AQUILATO JOINS SIX SHOOTER RECORDS AS USA GENERAL MANAGER|url=http://sixshooterrecords.com/artist-champion-industry-vet-michelle-aquilato-joins-six-shooter-records-as-usa-general-manager|website=Six Shooter Records|accessdate=April 8, 2015|date=2015-03-03}} Outlaw was featured in Rolling Stone as one of the top country music artists to see at [SXSW](/source/SXSW) in 2015.{{cite magazine|title=SXSW 2015: 21 Country-Music Artists You Need to See|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/sxsw-2015-21-country-music-artists-you-need-to-see-20150312/sam-outlaw-20150312|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 12, 2015|accessdate=April 8, 2015}} Outlaw's second studio album, ''Tenderheart'', was released on April 14 and debuted at number 3 on the UK Country Albums Chart{{Cite web | url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/country-artists-albums-chart/ | title=Official Country Artists Albums Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company| website=[Official Charts](/source/Official_Charts_Company)}} and garnered two award nominations from the British Country Music Association. On May 3, 2019 – the same night he made his debut on the [Grand Ole Opry](/source/Grand_Ole_Opry) – Outlaw released an EP called ''Hat Acts''. At the time of its release, he wrote on his website: “I wanted to do something different with this album. ''Hat Acts'' is inspired by honky tonk scenes, hip-hop skits and of course – real life. This is a bit of a ‘concept album’ and I had a lot of fun putting it together.”{{cite web |last1=Hudak |first1=Joseph |title=Sam Outlaw Mixes Surreal Vignettes With Honky-Tonk Music on New EP |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/sam-outlaw-shake-a-heartache-country-song-830973/ |website=RollingStone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |accessdate=9 December 2019|date=2019-05-03 }} Later that summer, he released a duet with [Sarah Darling](/source/Sarah_Darling) called "Forever & Always" across streaming platforms and was also a radio single in the United Kingdom. ===As producer=== September 27, 2019, saw the release of Outlaw's first project as a producer when [Michaela Anne](/source/Michaela_Anne) released ''Desert Dove'' on [Yep Roc](/source/Yep_Roc). He co-produced the album with longtime friend, collaborator and member of [Delta Spirit](/source/Delta_Spirit), Kelly Winrich.{{cite web |title=Michaela Anne – Biography |url=https://www.michaelaanne.com/bio/ |website=MichaelaAnne.com |accessdate=9 December 2019}} Rolling Stone described the album as, "is a shimmering sonic statement of purpose that cements the 33-year-old artist as a nuanced songwriter with a penchant for telling difficult stories."{{cite web |last1=Bernstein |first1=Jonathan |title=How Michaela Anne's Chance Meeting With a Stripper Shaped Her New Album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/michaela-anne-desert-dove-album-895134/ |website=RollingStone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |accessdate=5 January 2020|date=2019-10-05 }} The album garnered critical acclaim from outlets including [Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone){{cite web |last1=Bernstein |display-authors=etal |first1=Jonathan |title=40 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country-lists/40-best-country-and-americana-albums-of-2019-920497/kendell-marvel-solid-gold-sounds-920543/ |website=RollingStone.com |publisher=Rolling Stone |accessdate=5 January 2020|date=2019-12-09 }} (#10), [Stereogum](/source/Stereogum){{cite web |last1=Moss |first1=Marissa R. |title=The 10 Best Country Albums Of 2019 |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2067240/best-country-albums-2019/franchises/2019-in-review/ |website=Stereogum.com |publisher=Stereogum |accessdate=5 January 2020|date=2019-12-09 }} (#9), and Entertainment Focus{{cite web |last1=Ellwood-Hughes |first1=Pip |title=EF Country's Top 10 albums of 2019 |url=https://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/ef-country/ef-countrys-top-10-albums-of-2019/ |website=Entertainment-Focus.com |publisher=Entertainment Focus |accessdate=5 January 2020|date=2019-12-22 }} (#10) who included the record on each of their respective end of year "Best of 2019" lists. ==Discography== ===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2" style="width:8em;"| Title ! rowspan="2" style="width:16em;"| Details ! colspan="3"| Peak positions ! rowspan="2" style="width:8em;"| Sales |- style="font-size:smaller;" ! width="65"| [US
Heat](/source/Heatseekers_Albums)
{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=sam outlaw|chart=Heatseekers Albums}}|title=Sam Outlaw Album & Song Chart History – Heatseekers Albums|magazine=[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))|publisher=[Prometheus Global Media](/source/Prometheus_Global_Media)|accessdate=November 21, 2015}} ! width="65"| [US
Indie](/source/Independent_Albums)
{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/independent-albums/2017-05-06|title=Independent Albums|magazine=[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))|publisher=[Prometheus Global Media](/source/Prometheus_Global_Media)}} ! width="65"| [UK
Country](/source/Official_Charts_Company)
{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/country-artists-albums-chart/20160415/21/|title=Official Country Artists Albums Chart Top 20 – 15 April 2016 – 21 April 2016 |work=[Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company)}}{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/country-artists-albums-chart/20170421/21/|title=Official Country Artists Albums Chart Top 20 – 14 April 2017 – 20 April 2017 |work=[Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company)}} |- ! scope="row"| ''Angeleno'' | * Release date: June 9, 2015 * Label: [Six Shooter Records](/source/Six_Shooter_Records) | 22 | — | 4 | |- ! scope="row"| ''Tenderheart'' | * Release date: April 14, 2017 * Label: [Six Shooter Records](/source/Six_Shooter_Records) | 17 | 42 | 3 | — |- ! scope="row"| ''Hat Acts'' (EP) | * Release date: May 3, 2019 * Label: Black Hills Recordings | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"| ''Popular Mechanics'' | * Release date: November 12, 2021 * Label: Black Hills Recordings | — | — | 19 | — |- ! scope="row"| ''Terra Cotta'' | * Release date: March 15, 2024 * Label: Black Hills Recordings | — | — | — | — |- | colspan="7" style="font-size:8pt"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart |- |} ===Promotional Singles=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="1" style="width:21em;"| Title ! rowspan="1" style="width:16em;"| Details |- ! scope="row"| "Love Is On A Roll" | * Release date: March 29, 2019 * Label: Black Hills Recordings |- ! scope="row"| "Forever and Always" (Duet with [Sarah Darling](/source/Sarah_Darling)) | * Release date: July 26, 2019 * Label: Black Hills Recordings |- |} ===Music videos=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! Year ! style="width:10em;"| Video ! Director |- | 2014 ! scope="row"| "Cry for Me"{{Cite web|title = Sam Outlaw {{!}} Cry for Me {{!}} Music Video|url = http://www.cmt.com/videos/sam-outlaw/987244/cry-for-me.jhtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160306110329/http://www.cmt.com/videos/sam-outlaw/987244/cry-for-me.jhtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = March 6, 2016|website = CMT|access-date = 2016-02-23}} | Matt Wignall |- | 2015 ! scope="row"| "Ghost Town"{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/videos/sam-outlaw/1255888/ghost-town.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121215229/http://www.cmt.com/videos/sam-outlaw/1255888/ghost-town.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 21, 2015|title=CMT : Videos : Sam Outlaw : Ghost Town|publisher=[Country Music Television](/source/Country_Music_Television)|accessdate=November 21, 2015}} | Vern Moen |- | 2016 ! scope="row"| "Angeleno"{{cite news|last1=Lewis|first1=Randy|title=Premiere: L.A. country artist Sam Outlaw hits the rodeo in 'Angeleno' video|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-sam-outlaw-angeleno-video-premiere-country-20160225-story.html|accessdate=February 29, 2016|work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)|date=February 26, 2016}} | Max Cutrone |- | 2017 ! scope="row"| "Trouble" | Chris Phelps |} ===Producer Discography=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="1" style="width:19em;"| Artist ! rowspan="1" style="width:19em;"| Title ! rowspan="1" style="width:19em;"| Label ! rowspan="1" style="width:19em;"| Release Date ! rowspan="1" style="width:25em;"| Notes |- ! scope="row"| [Michaela Anne](/source/Michaela_Anne) ! scope="row"| ''Desert Rose'' ! scope="row"| [Yep Roc](/source/Yep_Roc) ! scope="row"| September 27, 2019 ! scope="row"| Co-produced with Kelly Winrich |- |} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.samoutlaw.com/ Sam Outlaw Official website] *[http://sixshooterrecords.com/ Six Shooter Records] {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Outlaw, Sam}} Category:American country singer-songwriters Category:American male singer-songwriters Category:Living people Category:Singer-songwriters from California Category:1982 births Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters Category:Country musicians from California Category:21st-century American male singers Category:Singer-songwriters from South Dakota --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sam Outlaw](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Outlaw) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Outlaw?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.