Tompall Glaser and The Glaser Brothers: Pioneers of Outlaw Country

Tompall Glaser and The Glaser Brothers were a foundational American vocal group and a driving force in the 1970s outlaw country movement. Hailing from Spalding, Nebraska, the siblings achieved significant chart success with a string of country hits and their groundbreaking 1976 collaboration on the landmark album Wanted! The Outlaws.

Early career

Brothers Tompall (born 1933), Chuck, and Jim Glaser began performing professionally in the late 1950s after moving to Nashville. They quickly found work as sought-after session vocalists, singing on records for stars like Marty Robbins and providing harmonies for the iconic Johnny Cash.

Their first major label deal came with Decca Records, leading to their debut single in 1959. Throughout the 1960s, they built a reputation for impeccable harmonies and songwriting, penning hits for other artists while releasing their own albums on labels like MGM.

Breakthrough

The group's commercial peak arrived in the early 1970s with a run of successful singles on MGM Records. Their 1971 hit "Gone, on the Other Hand" reached the country Top 10, solidifying their status as hitmakers with a smooth, modern country-pop sound.

Their most enduring legacy, however, was cemented in 1976. They, alongside Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Jessi Colter, appeared on the compilation Wanted! The Outlaws on RCA Records, which became country music's first certified platinum album.

Key tracks

Rings — This 1971 cover of a pop song became their highest-charting single, showcasing their ability to cross genre lines with lush harmonies.

Gone, on the Other Hand — A major Top 10 country hit that defined their early-70s sound and established them as consistent chart performers.

Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again) — A stunning rendition of a Kris Kristofferson song, highlighting their interpretive skill and vocal blend.

Woman, Woman — This 1974 single demonstrated their continued relevance on the charts with a more contemporary country-rock flavor.

Later career and legacy

Following the success of Wanted! The Outlaws, the brothers pursued solo projects, with Tompall becoming a central figure at his "Hillbilly Central" studio, a notorious hub for the outlaw scene. They periodically reunited for albums, such as 1981's Lovin' Her Was Easier on Elektra.

Their influence is heard in the harmony-rich sound of modern country and the independent spirit they championed. The Glaser Brothers were inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame, and their recordings remain staples of classic country radio.

Fans of the group's intricate family harmonies and their role in country's rebellious era should also explore Waylon Jennings for his raw, revolutionary sound. The smooth country-pop of The Oak Ridge Boys shares their vocal precision. The songwriting and spirit of Kris Kristofferson was deeply intertwined with their story. For another family act from the era, listen to The Statler Brothers.

The music of Tompall Glaser and The Glaser Brothers holds a permanent place on the playlists of classic country and outlaw country radio stations. Their hits and deep cuts are regularly featured on dedicated FM stations and online streams celebrating the rich history of American roots music.

You can hear the essential tracks from Tompall Glaser and The Glaser Brothers on radio stations featured across our network. Discover their iconic harmonies and pivotal role in country music history by tuning into the classic country stations available on onairium.com.