History of Billy Joe Shaver in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2024

Billy Joe Shaver was a significant figure in American country music, particularly in the progressive and outlaw country movements. Known for his songwriting and singing talents, he made a lasting impact on the genre.

August 16, 1939: Birth of Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe Shaver, a prominent figure in progressive and outlaw country music, was born on August 16, 1939.

1962: Birth of Eddy Shaver

Billy Joe Shaver's son, John Edwin, known as Eddy, was born in 1962.

1973: Release of "Old Five and Dimers Like Me"

Billy Joe Shaver released his debut album, "Old Five and Dimers Like Me," in 1973, featuring songs later performed by artists like David Allan Coe and Waylon Jennings.

1976: Release of "When I Get My Wings"

Billy Joe Shaver's album "When I Get My Wings," released in 1976, included the song "Ain't No God In Mexico," which became a hit for Waylon Jennings.

1977: Release of "Gypsy Boy"

Billy Joe Shaver's album "Gypsy Boy," released in 1977, included "Honky Tonk Heroes" and "You Asked Me To," songs he wrote for Waylon Jennings' 1973 album "Honky Tonk Heroes."

1993: Release of "Tramp On Your Street"

Billy Joe Shaver released the critically acclaimed album "Tramp On Your Street" in 1993, featuring his son Eddy Shaver's guitar playing.

1996: Acting Debut in "The Apostle"

Billy Joe Shaver made his acting debut in the film "The Apostle" alongside Robert Duvall in 1996.

1999: Loss of Wife and Mother

Billy Joe Shaver faced a double tragedy in 1999 when he lost both his wife, Brenda, and his mother to cancer.

1999: Grand Ole Opry Performance

Billy Joe Shaver performed at the Grand Ole Opry in 1999.

December 31, 2000: Death of Eddy Shaver

Billy Joe Shaver's son and guitarist, Eddy Shaver, died on December 31, 2000, at the age of 38.

2002: Release of "Freedom's Child"

After recovering from a heart attack, Billy Joe Shaver released the album "Freedom's Child" in 2002.

2003: Appearance in "Secondhand Lions"

Billy Joe Shaver had a speaking role in the film "Secondhand Lions" in 2003.

2004: Release of Documentary "A Portrait of Billy Joe"

The documentary "A Portrait of Billy Joe," directed by Luciana Pedraza, was released in 2004, showcasing Billy Joe Shaver's life.

November 2005: Performance at CMT Outlaws

Billy Joe Shaver performed at the CMT Outlaws event in November 2005.

2005: Appearance in "The Wendell Baker Story"

Billy Joe Shaver appeared in the film "The Wendell Baker Story" in 2005.

2006: Release of Concert Documentary

A documentary of Billy Joe Shaver's concert, "Billy Joe Shaver - North Carolina 2006," was released on YouTube and DVD in 2006.

2006: Induction into Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

In 2006, Billy Joe Shaver was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

April 2, 2007: Arrest Warrants Issued

On April 2, 2007, police issued arrest warrants for Billy Joe Shaver on charges of aggravated assault and possessing a firearm in a prohibited place related to a shooting incident on March 31, 2007.

2007: Grammy Nomination for "Everybody's Brother"

Billy Joe Shaver's 2007 country gospel album "Everybody's Brother," featuring duets with artists like Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Tanya Tucker, was nominated for a Grammy.

2008: Appearance in "Bait Shop"

Billy Joe Shaver co-starred with Bill Engvall and Billy Ray Cyrus in the made-for-TV movie "Bait Shop" in 2008.

2009: Mention in Bob Dylan's Song

Bob Dylan mentioned Billy Joe Shaver in his song "I Feel a Change Comin' On" from the album "Together Through Life" released in 2009.

April 9, 2010: Acquittal in Shooting Case

Billy Joe Shaver was acquitted of charges related to the 2007 shooting incident on April 9, 2010, after claiming self-defense, with support from Willie Nelson and Robert Duvall.

May 22, 2014: Release of "Hard To Be An Outlaw"

Billy Joe Shaver released the single "Hard To Be An Outlaw," a duet with Willie Nelson, on May 22, 2014.

August 5, 2014: Release of "Long in the Tooth"

Billy Joe Shaver's album "Long in the Tooth" was released on August 5, 2014, and became his first album to chart on Billboard's Top Country Albums.

August 2014: Interview Regarding Shooting Incident

In an August 2014 NPR interview, Billy Joe Shaver spoke about the shooting incident, claiming self-defense.

2016: Cameo Appearance in "Still the King"

Billy Joe Shaver made a cameo appearance in the TV series "Still the King" alongside Billy Ray Cyrus in 2016.

2018: Appearance on "Norm Macdonald Has a Show"

Billy Joe Shaver appeared as a guest on Norm Macdonald's Netflix show "Norm Macdonald Has a Show" in 2018.

2019: Academy of Country Music Poet's Award

Billy Joe Shaver received the Poet's Award from the Academy of Country Music in 2019, honoring his songwriting achievements.

October 28, 2020: Death of Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe Shaver, an American country singer and songwriter, passed away on October 28, 2020.

2022: Song Featured in "Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special"

Billy Joe Shaver's song "I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal" was featured in Norm Macdonald's posthumous Netflix comedy release "Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special" in 2022.

2022: Release of Tribute Album "Live Forever: A Tribute To Billy Joe Shaver"

The tribute album "Live Forever: A Tribute To Billy Joe Shaver," featuring artists like Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, and George Strait, was released in 2022.