The Highwomen

The Highwomen are an American country supergroup formed in 2019 by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires. The project takes its name from The Highwaymen, the 1980s country outlaw supergroup of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson, but flips the concept toward women, who had long been underrepresented on country radio. Shires first conceived the idea in 2016 as a direct response to that imbalance, later bringing in producer Dave Cobb and recruiting Carlile, Morris, and Hemby to complete the lineup.

The four singer-songwriters first performed together at a tribute celebrating country legend Loretta Lynn, an event that cemented their chemistry and shared purpose. Their debut single, «Redesigning Women», arrived in July 2019, followed by their self-titled debut album that September, featuring songs like «Crowded Table», «If She Ever Leaves Me», and the title track «Highwomen». The album blends traditional country songwriting with contemporary pop and rock sensibilities, reflecting each member's individual career background.

Beyond the music, The Highwomen have described themselves as a movement rather than a fixed band, with Carlile stating that anyone can be a Highwoman in spirit. The group has become known for championing solidarity among women in country music, amplifying other female artists, and addressing themes of motherhood, identity, and resilience in songs such as «My Only Child» and «My Name Can't Be Mama».