Billy Joe Shaver, hero of "outlaw" country, dies aged 81

Country music singer-songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, a hero of "outlaw" country, whom Willie Nelson once called "the greatest living songwriter" died Wednesday at the age of 81, the New York Times reports. Shaver was often referred to as part of the "outlaw country" movement of the 1970s along with figures like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, both of whom recorded his songs, as well as Kris Kristofferson, His songs were recorded by Elvis Presley, David Allan Coe, Patty Loveless, Tom T. Hall, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Paycheck and Doug Kershaw, Johnny Cash. His own recording career encompassed 17 studio albums.