Biography of Jessi Colter

Born Mariam Johnson, this talented singer/songwriter was a church pianist by age 11. At 16 she married guitarist Duane Eddy; an alliance that led to her making some of her first recordings. During this period she also began to make a name for herself as a songwriter (as Miriam Eddy) as her compositions began being covered by such artists as Don Gibson, Eddy Arnold, and Anita Carter. Her stage name, Jessi Colter, was inspired by a great, great uncle who'd ridden with The James Gang. In 1969, she and Waylon Jennings were married and within a year, they began recording duets together. In 1974 she landed a contract with Capitol which resulted in several hits including "I'm Not Lisa." ~ Jim Worbois