The Highwomen: Meet country music's new all-female supergroup

Anthony Mason sits down with country music's new supergroup, The Highwomen, who made their debut at the Newport Folk Festival. The band includes Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, songwriter Natalie Hemby, and Amanda Shires, who wanted to break ground for women in country music.
Watch "CBS This Morning" HERE: bit.ly/1T88yAR
Download the CBS News app on iOS HERE: apple.co/1tRNnUy
Download the CBS News app on Android HERE: bit.ly/1IcphuX
Like "CBS This Morning" on Facebook HERE: on. 1LhtdvI
Follow "CBS This Morning" on Twitter HERE: bit.ly/1Xj5W3p
Follow "CBS This Morning" on Instagram HERE: bit.ly/1Q7NGnY
Get new episodes of shows you love across devices the next day, stream local news live, and watch full seasons of CBS fan favorites anytime, anywhere with CBS All Access. Try it free! bit.ly/1OQA29B
Each weekday morning, "CBS This Morning" co-hosts Gayle King, Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil deliver two hours of original reporting, breaking news and top-level newsmaker interviews in an engaging and informative format that challenges the norm in network morning news programs. The broadcast has earned a prestigious Peabody Award, a Polk Award, four News & Documentary Emmys, three Daytime Emmys and the 2017 Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast. The broadcast was also honored with an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award as part of CBS News division-wide coverage of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Check local listings for "CBS This Morning" broadcast times.

[@Ravenholm337]

I love the mutual support these women have for each other. "Well, first of all, because you're very good and you work very hard."

[@ryanmcallister4424]

i love the group. the two are so different tho. (brandi and maren)!

[@tessthehighpriestess]

It doesn't take away from anything. Having this project is a beautiful addition they are so amazing to make happen in their schedules! Thank you for your new endeavor ladies - here's to more diversity on ALL radio waves!

[@tamarahackworth5568]

So excited for the Highwomen! Thanks for your movement on women in general and with Country Music! Great interview! Rock on ladies!

[@vickiherrman7623]

This group of women are amazing. I am a 66 year old female physician in a male-dominated profession, with little tolerance for the gender garbage. You are talented, gifted artists who lift many of us through music. Keep up the great work!

[@PDM1967]

More than half the students in medical school are women.

[@vickiherrman7623]

@@PDM1967 NOW they are!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@vickiherrman7623 Yet, they still don't get much airtime on country music radio stations as a group.

[@catherinewilke5583]

Another doctor (please don’t ask me for a sponge bath again) and Highwomen fan here

[@awrestlingfan5085]

Love them together as The Highwomen! Their debut album is incredible :-D

[@marilynndiller2377]

Loved this interview and recognizing all of you....I will support you and congratulations on being your best in so many ways...each of you.....THANK YOU.

[@juliebowman3875]

Can't wait for the album.

[@KariAaraas100]

These women are a true inspiration! Brandi and Amanda are my heroes :)

[@raech1231]

I absolutely love them . So humble and empowering ❤️

[@watchdog3640]

I think these great four young ladies are going to be big together. They are steeped in the tradition of good music and modern at the same time. I wish them every success and would love to see them over here in Europe at one point.

[@marisa9968]

These ladies are truly amazing!

[@TessaCoker]

Amanda's brainchild! She seems shy, just perfect for sober Jason Isbell. Love 'em both.

[@GlmToto]

Brandy’s intense depth is so significant in the movement she believes and this is such a phenomenal idea. Beautiful!

[@mardijohns]

Be sure and check out Amanda Shire's solo albums! Stunning!

[@flappycelery]

SO glad I stopped to hear this. I'd heard the premise of the group, but hearing their story and opinions about the issue is very helpful. Enlightening. GOOD FOR ALL OF YOU for taking the risks!! Go check out their version of "The Chain" from the Howard Stern Show. They blew the roof of the place!! SUPERB version. I get chills every one of the 10 or so times I've heard it!

[@tdswift4172]

Just listened to it before I came here. Amazing. Just before that I listened to Lindsey Buckingham and FM do the Chain. Both epic however the Highwomen have the edge.

[@robind8149]

Wow! So impressive!!!😍

[@Gorillaz2024]

Omg SOOO excited for the Highway Women movement!!!

[@skippy9659]

These are four extremely intelligent and talented women. Representation is important. Vital.

[@jkm9332]

You are right. But these comments would be odd if spoken about a men's supergroup.

[@mardijohns]

The real reason that musicians 'aren't doing well' is that the public no longer needs to BUY physical product and are happy just to stream music for free. Back in the day, we had to BUY our music collections. We were defined by what we listened to. We SUPPORTED the artists! Now.....music is free for all which means artists have to tour endlessly to support their talents....and touring is the hardest job of all. I mourn the demise of record stores and book stores at the hands of Amazon.

[@tamelashafer8852]

Love and Respect to you all… I still cry every single time I listen to Highwomen… That song speaks to and from the heart 💜 of women past, present & future with a transcendental love… I want to audition to sing 🎶 in any future projects pretty please… 💜♾🙏🏼🕉. Namaste’ Love~Peace~Light ~Raising Vibes Across The Universe 🎶🤓😎

[@danis.4239]

I love Brandi, she knows exactly what to say, she is real and speaks her truth with confidence. Amen to that.. Maren Morris is awesome 👌 the other two ladies are great, just new to them.

[@shable1436]

Im in love w Amanda shires, she is a deep thinker and sort of introvert, forced to be a star because of her looks and voice. She is so much more than what meets the eye and ears

[@katsii1]

She's a hero of mine as well. Heart, Brain, Voice, Talent and Strength...not to mention hard work...she's awesome.

[@vjohnson2591]

@@katsii1 Insightful comments. Ignore the troll in the room.

[@alexdamaceno]

Who needs country radio? I’m in Brazil, listening to their album non-stop, and not because of any radio whatsoever

[@katsii1]

i'm in. Let's MOVE!!

[@GodseyKnives]

These women are larger than radio & Dolly is an ANGEL !

[@bimbo_a225]

Amen ! God bless you women!! Your all amazing

[@davidpfeifer9489]

Johnny and Waylon would be proud of u girls! I’m sure they’ve heard blessings from kris and willie already

[@keatonjeremy2246]

instaBlaster.

[@heroncabo3756]

Esse festival tem muito talento abençoado por Deus 🙏🕊️🙏🙏🕊️

[@ms.lemons3776]

Amazing!!!!

[@kkane8809]

Where have I been? Why am I just hearing this!? Whattttt!

[@nunyawheeler4262]

Get those spins, HIghwomen!

[@marymangiaracina5332]

These are all exceptional, talented women with careers on their own coming together putting their voices together for a special and meaningful project and movement for women in general to be heard and recognized as equal to men as it is way harder for women to get ahead and recognition in the industry as well as the workplace. This interviewer is talking to them as if this is their first time in a band? I'm confused!

[@hackwilson1467]

OLD SOUL... country poetry

[@SeptemberChild65]

I so respect these beautiful women. I'm 58. I feel so hopeful for our younger sisters

[@jhendersonic]

Look up “Highwomen Howard Stern” on KZbin. They recorded a cover of The Chain in his studio. It’s incredible.

[@nunyawheeler4262]

FN AWESOME!

[@stvdog]

it really is. amazing harmonies. AH MAH ZING.

[@debbieeckhardt8483]

The chain is my favorite of Fleetwood Mac! I tried to find cd on Amazon but no luck. Anyone know where I can buy it......if its available?! Thanks!! They're unbelievably talented! Harmony is so magical!

[@nunyawheeler4262]

@@debbieeckhardt8483 The Highwomen are on The KItchen soundtrack with The Chain.

[@debbieeckhardt8483]

@@nunyawheeler4262 Thank you so much Teresa! Have a great day! XO

[@TheMooserolls]

Women hold up half the sky. Love these womyn 🔥

[@cm-nh4597]

"You've all tried to get on country radio...in effect." Ugh. Brandi and Amanda thrive beyond terrestrial country radio. Marren crosses over formats. Natalie is responsible for much of what's on country radio.

[@jkm9332]

Exactly! So why are they starting this "movement" as if women aren't represented in country music? Seems out of touch.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Yes, it was Amanda's idea in the first place but she's very shy and it took a while before David Cobb finally convinced Amanda to approach Brandi with the idea.

[@danarzechula3769]

​@@jkm9332hahaha guess who's out of touch

[@sandramcgehee8620]

You Go girls I love what you are doing to Country Music and the song is beautiful

[@emilyhutcheison952]

They truly are redesigning women in country

[@cyclesmoking]

These guys are great and so likeable. I’m not a big follower of country music, but I’m very surprised to hear that women are not given a fair shake there. My perception would have been that women are already celebrated and have every opportunity in country, equal to men.

[@robertmyers8499]

These women are dynamite!! They have something to say......Listen to them!!!!

[@jerrym3261]

I think that is exactly the point, they have something to say and it's not critical or about what they aren't getting or what they want everybody to think and do. They are leading by example. People are so focused on stuff that only has something to do with them because they put themselves in it. Sadly, their small world suffers. I think we as a society need to change our priorities, one by one. "If there is something missing from your life, it's probably you" has never been more true. Change yourself and change your world.

[@lonewolf33396]

Let Brandi be the spokeswoman. She stands out for her intellectuality.

[@jondoe888i]

L-r - Natalie Hemby, Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires. Their music is Americana, more than country.

[@TheSokkerfreek]

The lineup doesn’t matter. That album is as country as country gets.

[@haleskiss]

It's Country. They are calling back to the days of the great storytellers of the genre.

[@jondoe888i]

@@haleskiss Maybe. Those days of great storytelling got taken over a long time ago, with glitz, glitter, and rock and roll.

[@cesarioagado7075]

AMANDA UR A HOT ROLL.

[@hughesfamily1999]

Miranda Lambert lead the way to this here finally taking place. Great job girls, you all have so much to bring to the table! Looking forward to following you like I did Dolly and Miranda for many years now.

[@sanfordschmidt5452]

Lots of talent.

[@simoping]

Wow ! Great women doing great things.... you have my full male support... Female consciousness / spirit in the world is on a roll and we need it. I also have never seen 4 women in the same group all with brown eyes... fascinating.

[@LetSBeReAL-nd9hw]

THESE WOMAN R SO TALENTED..THE INTERVIEW WAS HORRIBLE 😬😬😬😬

[@heroncabo3756]

E vocês jornalista.tambem .faz um bom trabalho.okok

[@theresajackson8873]

"Women hold up half the sky" - and then some.

[@heroncabo3756]

Boa noite 🕊️🙏🏻🕊️🙏🏻🕊️ abençoado por Deus 🙏🕊️🙏🙏 para todos vocês. Ok ok 👍🌹 elas fez um lindas canções 😘😘🇧🇷 atodas

[@Runt45]

This is one of the most awkward interviews I've ever seen. The interviewer missed so many opportunities to make this a truly meaningful discussion of how women are treated in the music industry and how this group of women are working to change that. Instead, he came across as barely prepared and only vaguely interested. Terrible questions, no real follow up. Thankfully, all four women know how to properly conduct an interview (especially Brandi Carlile) and managed to keep these 12 minutes and 21 seconds from dissolving into pure banality.

[@Unshakeablewellbeing]

totally agree

[@myfavs5393]

Oh please dear - no one wants to hear your anti-male rage

[@Runt45]

@@myfavs5393 LOL!! You're hilarious!

[@mgcole99]

That's Anthony Mason. He's not great at this format but thinks he is and CBS lets him be the lead music interviewer and commentator.

[@hughesfamily1999]

@@myfavs5393 absolutely..

[@jlrock69]

Madie and Tae hit number one last week, Miranda had one 2 weeks ago first time in eight years, Carly Pearce had number one several weeks ago. Ashley Bcbride is climbing the charts. Natalie should do a solo on her Jealeous.

[@lorir8855]

I foresee them being huge!!

[@donhanlon7121]

All 4 are brilliant, but where is Yola and Shirl, they should bring out a live concert DVD with a few bonus covers♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@krystal.alexandria]

I hope there’s an intention that with this women’s movement that women of color in country/folk music are also included, centered and lifted up. They exist out there and deserve an opening as well. “Women’s” can’t just include white women. There’s a beautiful opening here. Sending Brandi and these women lots of love for what they’re creating. ♥️ Excited to see what comes of this.

[@scbret]

Krystal Brandt they featured Yola, a Black country-soul singer, on their self-titled song (which is a reimagining/rewrite of the classic country hit “Highwayman”). I hope they continue to feature and promote women of color! Yola’s voice was an amazing and powerful addition to the ensemble

[@krystal.alexandria]

I lovvvvve hearing that! More please 🎉👏🏼

[@skippy9659]

I’d gather that this movement will definitely include a diverse lineup of guests...of all ethnicities, genres, etc...I’d bet on it. Inclusivity is the movement.

[@corryjookit7818]

International! Now how about that ?

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@scbret, yes, Yola has performed with them in many live shows.

[@robvandenhurk1051]

Fantastic interviewer! He gives room to the women to express themselves. He is sincere and very un-american.

[@suecarrico5062]

You go girls love ❤️

[@anne-mariescholer4283]

Another album, please???!!!??!!!

[@alexanderwalter4595]

What is the "last night" performance they mentioned several times? KZbin link?

[@skippy9659]

Alexander Walter Newport Folk Festival, KZbin

[@gailgarrett929]

I love ❤the Highwomen

[@kimberlee8567]

They each go out if their way to almost diminish themselves and shrink back so the others can "shine" in their moment while speaking.. it's very sweet and it's most definitely part of the feminine mystique.. the fellas don't do that.. very interesting

[@elizabethdevries8028]

Brandi is a get 'er done woman.

[@piscesmoon7531]

Women thrive in a tribe 🥰

[@SKodlick]

"You've all tried to get on the radio" WTF? This interviewer should be blacked out of the video and cut out of the audio.

[@katsii1]

They answered the way they did because he was right!! Have you not followed their careers....how hard a time these women have had to fight for "country" recognition. I don't think he was that horrible at all...and you can hear that they don't either.they answered honestly and personally - he elicited that - they clearly felt comfy answering his questions

[@katsii1]

And apparently you haven't heard the line in Jason Isbell's song "White Man's World" - "Mama wants to change that Nashville Sound, but they're never gonna let her"...refering to his wife, Amanda...Apparently the interviewer HAD heard it. He knew how hard she's fought for COUNTRY change. That's why he probably asked that question. She could have rested on her Americana laurels, but didnt'. He knew that..you didn't. BTW ...it's a great song...Almost all his songs celebrate Amanda in one way or another.

[@drepage4857]

@@katsii1 I think she was referring to the fact that all of those women are on the radio already. Brandie just won a Grammy, so it is a little weird that he asked that question. He seemed a bit behind the ball on understanding that Country music is really a boys club, and supremely good women can't get played on country, even though they are the definition of country. Many of Brandie's songs are outright country....and better than what is played, but they don't play her on country radio.

[@tomanderson6306]

Susanna Jackson ...totally agree. Four smart and talented ladies being interviewed by a guy will literally no interviewing skills.

[@corryjookit7818]

@@tomanderson6306 Listen again and concentrate this time !

[@yvetterivera2531]

I love it ! Something New Fresh Different. And Yes Bold That's God Greatness 💪

[@peaceloverock6959]

Totally disagree with Marren. Luke Combs & Tim McGraw don’t have to work as hard as women in Country do. I hear Tim AND Luke ALL THE TIME on the radio. And maybe every so often will hear you, Marren! So I think she’s wrong on that totally.

[@whimsyblue4424]

I believe she was being gracious; that being said- I agree.

[@jkm9332]

Many people here think that men don't have to work hard to make it. Keith Urban was struggling for like 15 years before he ever hit it big. Geesh.

[@katherinewright50]

“Oh no, what if you are successful and it’s gets big? Don’t you already have busy lives?!” EYEROLL

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Katherine Wright, so did the Highwaymen, but they got together as a group also.

[@heroncabo3756]

Vcs.e talentosas ok🌹🌹🌹♥️♥️♥️🌺🕊️🕊️🌺um bom dia 🙏🇧🇷 abençoada por Deus princesa 🌹

[@suecarrico5062]

You go girls 👧

[@tabithabrown2544]

What about the Pistol Annie's? They are still here and have music.

[@jkm9332]

Exactly.

[@myrakayponcho5599]

👍👍

[@kentbeery4697]

What did she say ??

[@nealhurwitz]

fab

[@justme8592]

I don't get what the big deal is about simultaneously being solo artists And being in a band. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young all had solo careers, yet found time for both group and solo albums and gigs.

[@susanxyz5730]

This guy as an interviewer is exactly the reason these woman need to start a movement.

[@coldcoffeebear7459]

The one in the red shirt has a killer voice.

[@morganonawhim]

That's Brandi Carlile. She is God.

[@coldcoffeebear7459]

@@morganonawhim She is a human being. A woman. And a pervert.

[@morganonawhim]

@@coldcoffeebear7459 You're fun.

[@lauraweber4631]

@tom henderson, a pervert?? Excuse me??

[@jkm9332]

Who's responsible for this conspiracy against women in the music biz? Are record executives sitting around plotting to exclude women solely because they're women? I'm confused. I'm not aware of this exclusion of women. I mean, The Judds, Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks, Reba McEntire, Linda Ronstadt, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Maren Morris, Trisha Yearwood, Patsy Cline, June Carter Cash, Anne Murray, Martina McBride, Leann Rimes. Women are pretty well represented!

[@skippy9659]

Jkm men....mostly males at the top, in decision making positions. That’s who’s responsible for the PROBLEM...not a conspiracy.

[@reenaoza8730]

JKM, if you turn on country radio these days, all you hear is male artist after male artist. Rarely do they play a woman. It's actually pretty shocking to hear it. I really think the big executives think people don't want to hear women. It's not the same country radio as the days of the women you mentioned.

[@himaureen]

Would the interviewer ask a male group “is it scary” to start a movement? Ugh. He seems out of touch.

[@jackson4socks]

And these (mostly( are women with thriving careers....and he clearly has no idea. Hahah! Hysterical

[@jkm9332]

The fact that these women are trying to start a "movement" in the first place is out of touch. Women are pretty well represented in the music biz. The Judds, Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks, Reba McEntire, Linda Ronstadt, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Maren Morris, Trisha Yearwood, Patsy Cline, June Carter Cash, Anne Murray, Martina McBride, Leann Rimes.

[@jackson4socks]

@@jkm9332 There are women in the business, but I think they're referring more to radio play and support from the labels. Men have always dominated country and women haven't be treated in the same manner.

[@jkm9332]

@@jackson4socks I see no evidence of such claims. I can't think of one female artist whom radio refuses to play simly because she is a female. It's not the general rule or business norm to exclude female artists because they're females.

[@jackson4socks]

@@jkm9332 Well - I've been a fan of country my whole life and I have heard repeatedly about how women aren't represented equally and don't get the same play in radio. It's literally part of nearly every female country biography I have seen.

[@thewatchfemme4051]

Marren and Brandi. Vibes.

[@toddhamby]

Brandi Carlile

[@howardmanley3388]

Dolly has tattoos also but she keeps them covered...

[@wavigravibub]

They handled it with class but that interviewer is so unaware.

[@dandaughs1520]

Love u girl's

[@LilMamma1969]

Yes. “Music like on the radio music?” Exactly interviewer! Lol. Over time, they will remove the words ‘I think, kind of, sort of, & maybe’. . When they are asked about their vision or goal, will respond with “To...”. Love you all, esp Brandi!

[@mandymusic5036]

Hey ya'll

[@rickypilcher3618]

Maren Morris is so pretty and talented.

[@jenniferdijames1671]

Highwaywomen, Tell me more about yourselves. I only know the men. Johnny Cash, Kris kristofferson. Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

[@rickypilcher3618]

Highwomen

[@skippy9659]

Google.

[@jackson4socks]

This interviewer is the worst. Has he never spoken to women? Did he do any research on these women? Horrible.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

jackson4socks, you're an expert, how?

[@jackson4socks]

@@sergeantmasson3669 I'm a professional interviewer.

[@PDM1967]

What are they babbling about. Women have had enormous success in music and the arts for decades. Stop the whining.

[@harrysangtam]

In all the interviews .. Amanda always tags Brandi 🤣🤣🤣

[@powbobs]

The misogynists are out in force in the comments. Pathetic

[@richardsepulvado3049]

Josh why didn't the Trishas think of this years ago.

[@zaimahhabeeb4908]

Can't stand this interviewer. Love love love the Highwomen!!

[@Yeti-zq5wl]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, but there looking over Kacy musgraves sitting there like she didn't make it WTF really and y'all talking over her really, y'all r nothing without her

[@shaneshane9419]

Title should read : “meet the new women of POP music”

[@jo3nhen]

seems to be a LOT of men playing in this "All woman" group

[@thealtchannel8653]

Crazy brandie opened for howie day..

[@ladesigner8764]

Add Sierra Ferrell to this!

[@heroncabo3756]

Vou viajando...pela estrada....com a carreta carregada...louco pra chega.. . descarregar....retorna lo logo de volta.....pra amar....minha mulher.amada.....e você que ti amo...................e uma música da minha autoria...okok

[@gregmcallister3893]

Rock the Vote 2020 with the Dixie Chicks.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Greg Mcallister, Dixie Upchucks problem is Natalie's political rantings.

[@gregmcallister3893]

@@sergeantmasson3669 Bush and Cheney lied and too many good Marines died.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@gregmcallister3893 Bush and Cheney bunch, all RINO. Same for traitor John "Hanoi Songbird" McCain.

[@menow.]

So, apparently this is all political for them? Do they actually think they are the first women in country music?? It's "not easy for women"? Compared to what?? WTF are these people on about?

[@SKodlick]

Each moment that ticks on in this video is proof positive that Anthony Mason is horrific.@CBS This Morning should be roundly appalled at such a tone deaf, ill prepared, paternalistic interviewer.