Some singers don't have to wait long at all to get on TV. In fact, these days it seems many even begin their careers under the national television lights. Others have to wait five decades. The latter is the case for country / outlaw singer / songwriter Billy Joe Shaver. But Shaver's wait ends tonight.

NPR nailed it when they said, to paraphrase, Shaver isn't a household name, but he is among the most respected songwriters in country music. And come December 17th a whole new audience will have the chance to see what this Texan is all about.

Set your DVRs, or stay up late: Billy Joe Shaver will make his network television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman tonight, December 17th! He'll perform Hard to Be an Outlaw alongside Willie Nelson (who also sang on the album version of the song).

Shaver's latest project Long in the Tooth is available now.

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