Heartworn Highways Revisited

Heartworn Highways Revisited

Year: 2015

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Wayne Price

DocumentaryMusic

Each generation fosters its own rebels. Marking the 38th anniversary of the influential music documentary Heartworn Highways, this film revisits the roots of the Outlaw Country movement of the mid-1970s. It celebrates the authenticity of the original film and explores the feelings it evoked, showcasing a new generation of musicians living and creating in Nashville, Tennessee, who carry on that spirit.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Heartworn Highways Revisited (2015)

Trace every key event in Heartworn Highways Revisited (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Opening scene: Larry Jon Wilson in the studio

The documentary opens with Larry Jon Wilson in a recording studio, awakening after a late-night gig. The raw, intimate scene sets the tone for the intimate portraits of traditional folk and country songwriters. It establishes the film's gritty mood and hands-on vibe.

Opening sequence Recording studio
2

Townes Van Zandt in Austin and the Clarksville backdrop

The filmmaker travels to Austin to visit Townes Van Zandt at his trailer, near the Clarksville area around 11th and Charlotte. Townes, his girlfriend Cindy, his dog Geraldine, and the surrounding atmosphere underscore the close-knit scene that nurtures the writers. The visit introduces Steve Earle and Rodney Crowell as young artists learning from mentors in this environment.

Opening to mid film Townes Van Zandt's trailer, Austin (Clarksville area)
3

The Walking Blacksmith: Seymour Washington's counsel

The crew meets Uncle Seymour Washington, known as The Walking Blacksmith, whose worldly advice anchors the film's mood. He embodies the Southern songwriter milieu and adds a human, communal thread to the portraits. His home scenes help frame the atmosphere that shapes the music.

Early portion Uncle Seymour Washington's home, Clarksville area
4

Charlie Daniels fills a high school gym

Charlie Daniels takes the stage and fills a large high school gym with energy and showmanship. The performance demonstrates the reach and communal excitement of Southern roots music. It contrasts with the more intimate studio and storytelling moments elsewhere.

Early to mid film High school gym
5

David Allan Coe at Tennessee State Prison

The camera follows David Allan Coe as he performs at Tennessee State Prison, revealing his past as an inmate and the raw storytelling in his set. He speaks about his experiences while sharing the songs that inform his voice. The performance culminates in a gospel number 'Thank You Jesus' performed with friends from the yard.

Middle of film Tennessee State Prison
6

Mentorship and the first recordings of Earle and Crowell

The documentary highlights Guy Clark's mentorship over younger artists, including Steve Earle and Rodney Crowell, whose first known recordings signal their future success. The scenes emphasize mentorship, discovery, and the beginnings of a new generation in the circle.

Early stage Clark's circle, Nashville/Austin area
7

Steve Earle's place in the circle and Townes' influence

Steve Earle is shown as a fervent admirer of Townes Van Zandt, illustrating how cross-pollination among writers fuels their development. The relationships within the circle are framed as crucial to the songs they craft and perform.

Early to mid film Townes Van Zandt's circle, Austin
8

Christmas Eve party at Guy Clark's Nashville home

The crescendo occurs as a drinking party unfolds at Guy Clark's Nashville house, stretching from Christmas Eve into Christmas Day. The gathering brings together Susanna Clark, Steve Young, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Jim McGuire, and several other friends for music and conversation. The scene emphasizes camaraderie and collaborative spirit.

Christmas Eve to Christmas Day Guy Clark's house, Nashville
9

Steve Young leads a Hank Williams classic

Steve Young leads the group in Hank Williams' 'I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry' during the gathering, anchoring the night in traditional country roots. The performance showcases the enduring influence of classic songs on these modern songwriters.

Christmas gathering Guy Clark's house, Nashville
10

Rodney Crowell leads Silent Night

Rodney Crowell leads everyone in 'Silent Night,' weaving holiday warmth into the musicians' shared storytelling. The moment reinforces the film's theme of communal music-making across generations.

Christmas gathering Guy Clark's house, Nashville
11

B-roll and excluded songs in Szalapski's footage

Throughout the documentary, clips and performances—not fully presented in the film—appear in B-roll or as excluded songs. Szalapski’s footage provides a broader sense of the era and the artists’ repertoire. These pieces include various songs that flesh out the scene beyond the core narrative.

Throughout Various locations
12

The film's core: tradition, mentorship, and community

The narrative centers on traditional folk and early country singer-songwriters from the South, contrasted with the previous generation. It emphasizes atmosphere, mentorship, and community as sustaining forces for the music, culminating in a shared sense of heritage and future potential.

End

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 13:07

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These films are grouped together by their core emotional mix: a warm, nostalgic appreciation for the past balanced by a melancholic acknowledgment of its passing. They share a slow, contemplative pace and a medium emotional weight, creating a consistently bittersweet viewing experience.

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Heartworn Highways Revisited Summary

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Heartworn Highways Revisited Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Heartworn Highways Revisited

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