In 1976, producer Graham Leader and director James Szalapski documented the outlaw songwriter scene that extended from Austin to Nashville. On their travels, they met unknown musicians Steve Earle (ten years before he released his first album), Rodney Crowell and John Hiatt, plus their musical mentors Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. Born was Heartworn Highways, which covers singer-songwriters whose songs diverge from the traditions of the previous generation, instead recalling early folk and country music.