99-421: The Waylors , later Waymore's Outlaws , is a country music band, best known as the backing and recording band of country music singer Waylon Jennings . Jennings formed the band in 1961, consisting of Jerry Gropp on the guitar and Richie Albright on the drums after moving to Phoenix, Arizona . The band earned a local fan base during its appearances on the night club JD's . In 1965 RCA Records signed Jennings to
198-529: A cement truck for the Roberts Lumber Company. Tired of the owner, Jennings quit after a minor driving accident. Jennings, and other local musicians, often performed at country radio station KDAV . During this time he met Buddy Holly at a Lubbock restaurant. The two often met during local shows, and Jennings began to attend Holly's performances on KDAV's Sunday Party . In addition to performing on air for KVOW, Jennings started to work as
297-532: A rockabilly club band, the Waylors , which became the house band at "JD's", a club in Tempe, Arizona. He recorded for independent label Trend Records and A&M Records , but did not achieve success until moving to RCA Victor in 1965. In 1972 he acquired Neil Reshen as his manager, who negotiated significantly better touring and recording contracts. After he gained creative control from RCA Records , he released
396-630: A $ 75,000 advance and artistic control. Reshen advised Jennings to keep the beard that he had grown in the hospital, to match the image of outlaw country. By 1973 Nelson found success with Atlantic Records . Now based in Austin, Texas , he began to attract rock and roll fans to his shows, which gained him notice in its press. Atlantic Records made a bid to sign Jennings, but Nelson's rise to popularity persuaded RCA to renegotiate with him before losing another potential star. In 1973, Jennings released Lonesome, On'ry and Mean and Honky Tonk Heroes ,
495-402: A 1953 Fender Telecaster , a used guitar that was a gift from the Waylors. Jennings's bandmates adorned his guitar with a distinctive leather cover that featured a black background with a white floral work. Jennings further customized it by filing down the frets to lower the strings on the neck to obtain the slapping sound. Among his other guitars, Jennings used a 1950 Fender Broadcaster from
594-611: A Baptist preacher visited his parents and congratulated his mother for naming him after the Wayland Baptist College, now Wayland Baptist University , in Plainview, Texas . Lorene Jennings, who was Church of Christ and had been unaware of the college, changed the spelling to Waylon. Jennings later expressed in his autobiography, "I didn't like Waylon. It sounded so corny and hillbilly, but it's been good to me, and I'm pretty well at peace with it now." After working as
693-404: A DJ in 1956 and moved to Lubbock. His program ran from 4:00 in the afternoon to 10:00 in the evening, filled with two hours of country classics, two of current country, and two of mixed recordings. The latter included early rock-and-roll stars such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard . The owner reprimanded Jennings for his selection, and after playing two Little Richard records in a row Jennings
792-1031: A Jennings performance at JD's, Bare called Chet Atkins , head of the RCA Victor studios in Nashville, and suggested he sign Jennings. Unsure after being offered a deal with RCA if he should quit his gig at JD's and relocate to Nashville, he sought the advice of RCA artist and friend Willie Nelson , who had attended one of Jennings's shows. Upon hearing how well financially Jennings was doing at JD's Nelson suggested he stay in Phoenix. Jennings then asked Herb Alpert to release him from his contract with A&M, which Alpert did. Later, after Jennings became successful, A&M compiled all of his singles and unreleased recordings and issued them as an album, Don't Think Twice . Atkins formally signed Jennings to RCA Victor in 1965. In August Jennings made his first appearance on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart with "That's
891-420: A bonus for signing a new 5% royalty deal with RCA, the same terms he had accepted in 1965. After reviewing the offer with Reshen, he rejected it and hired Reshen. Reshen started to renegotiate Jennings's recording and touring contracts. At a meeting in a Nashville airport Jennings introduced Reshen to Willie Nelson. By the end of the meeting Reshen had become Nelson's manager as well. Jennings's new deal included
990-441: A cameo appearance in the live-action children's film Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird . In the movie, he plays a turkey farm truck driver who gives Big Bird a lift. He also sings one of the film's songs, entitled "Ain't No Road Too Long". In 1993, in collaboration with Rincom Children's Entertainment, Jennings recorded an album of children's songs, Cowboys, Sisters, Rascals & Dirt , which included "Shooter's Theme",
1089-525: A contract. The conservative restrictions of the producers of the label did not allow him to record with the Waylors, due to the Nashville custom of the time using session musicians instead of a performer's backup band. In 1972 he renegotiated his contract, and he included the Waylors for the first time on a RCA album in Honky Tonk Heroes . The lineup was expanded during the next decade, they backed Jennings until his death in 2002. Reformed in 2008,
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#17327903783821188-601: A cornfield outside Mason City, instantly killing all on board. Later that morning, Jennings's family heard on the radio that "Buddy Holly and his band had been killed." After calling his family, Jennings called Sky Corbin at KLLL from Fargo to confirm that he had not been aboard the plane. The General Artists Corporation promised to pay for first-class tickets for Jennings and the band to attend Holly's funeral in Lubbock in exchange for them playing that night in Moorhead. After
1287-467: A cover of " Outlaw Shit" from the Waylon Forever album, two songs from Jennings's discography; "God Bless Alabama", "It Ain't Easy". As well as four songs from Johnson's album That Lonesome Song ; "High Cost Of Living", "Mowing Down The Roses", "Between Jennings and Jones" and "In Color". Having left Universal, Jennings changed the name of his backing band from The .357's to Hierophant. With
1386-590: A cover of the Dire Straits song " Walk of Life ". That same year Jennings was featured on a duet of " Good Hearted Woman " on Deana Carter 's sixth studio album, The Chain . In 2009, Jennings, having issues with his label and wanting out of his four-album contract released his first compilation album, Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings and the .357's . The album featured four new tracks; live versions of "Lonesome Blues", and "Daddy's Farm", as well as covers of his father's "Lonesome, Onry and Mean", and
1485-402: A daughter, but divorced in 1967. He married Barbara Elizabeth Rood the same year. He composed the song " This Time " about the trials and tribulations of his marriages and divorces, it went on to become his first number 1 chart-topping song upon release in 1974. Shooter Jennings Waylon Albright " Shooter " Jennings (born May 19, 1979) is an American musician and record producer. He
1584-513: A decade of waiting, he would be releasing the 1995 collaborative album, Fenixon . Both projects were released during 2014's Record Store Day, and subsequently sold out. Towards the end of May 2014, Jennings announced his intention to release two EP's later in the year. Don't Wait Up (for George) is a tribute to his close friend and mentor George Jones , which was released in August 2014. Jennings's seventh studio album, Countach (For Giorgio) ,
1683-534: A dystopian concept rock opera and that writer Stephen King would play a major role in the album as Will O' The Wisp. It was released independently on March 2, 2010, through Black Country Rock Records, and although it was seen as a complete departure from his country sound, the album showed off the diversity as an artist and gained him much critical acclaim, as well as a brand new underground following. On May 1, 2010, Jennings announced "Black Ribbons: The Living Album" on his Twitter account. The "Living Album" includes
1782-482: A first for any solo artist in country music, Ol' Waylon , and the hit song " Luckenbach, Texas ". He was featured on the 1978 album White Mansions , performed by various artists documenting the lives of Confederates during the Civil War. He appeared in films and television series, including Sesame Street and a stint as the balladeer on The Dukes of Hazzard , composing and singing its theme song and narrating
1881-598: A four-seat Beechcraft Bonanza airplane from Dwyer Flying Service in Mason City, Iowa , for himself, Jennings, and Tommy Allsup, to avoid the long bus trip to their next venue in Moorhead, Minnesota . Following the Clear Lake show (which ended around midnight), Allsup lost a coin toss and gave up his seat on the charter plane to Ritchie Valens , while Jennings voluntarily gave up his seat to J. P. Richardson, known as
1980-643: A job briefly at KOYL in Odessa, Texas . He moved with his family to Coolidge, Arizona , where his wife Maxine's sister lived. He found a job performing at the Galloping Goose bar, where he was heard by Earl Perrin, who offered him a spot on KCKY . Jennings also played during the intermission at drive-in theaters and in bars. After a successful performance at the Cross Keys Club in Phoenix , he
2079-647: A laborer on the Bittner farm, Jennings's father moved the family to Littlefield and established a retail creamery . When Jennings was 8, his mother taught him to play guitar with the tune "Thirty Pieces of Silver". Jennings used to practice with his relatives' instruments until his mother bought him a used Stella guitar, and later ordered a Harmony Patrician . Early influences included Bob Wills , Floyd Tillman , Ernest Tubb , Hank Williams , Carl Smith , and Elvis Presley . Beginning with performing at family gatherings, Jennings played his first public concert at
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#17327903783822178-486: A live album, a compilation, and numerous EPs . Jennings was born in Nashville, Tennessee , on May 19, 1979. There are two different accounts regarding how he got his nickname "Shooter." His mother cited her, and husband Waylon Jennings's, love of western culture and cowboy art for inspiring the gun-derived moniker. But his father said he came up with the name when, moments after the newborn emerged from his mother's womb,
2277-632: A man of his size. During the early morning hours of February 3, 1959, later known as The Day the Music Died , the charter crashed outside Clear Lake, killing all on board. Jennings and Allsup continued the tour for two more weeks, featuring Jennings as the lead singer. When the tour ended, he returned to his DJ spot on KLLL and performed regionally. In 1961, Jennings lived briefly in Coolidge, Arizona working in radio, before moving to Phoenix , where he formed The Waylors , consisting of Jerry Gropp on
2376-563: A musician, and worked as a performer and DJ on KVOW, KDAV , KYTI , KLLL , in Coolidge, Arizona , and Phoenix . In 1958, Buddy Holly arranged Jennings's first recording session, a cover of Jole Blon , and hired him to play bass. Jennings gave up his seat on the ill-fated flight in 1959 that crashed and killed Holly, J. P. "the Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens . Jennings then returned to Texas, taking several years off from music before eventually moving to Arizona and forming
2475-509: A record deal with E1 Music , and with The Triple Crown along for the ride, Jennings returned to his country roots with the release of the album Family Man , his first self-produced outing. The album was originally meant to contain eighteen tracks, but was instead split into two albums: Family Man and 2013's The Other Life . On July 31, 2012, Jennings was featured in Bucky Covington 's debut single "The Drinking Side of Country" from
2574-639: A recording contract with Trend Records , and experienced moderate success with his single, "Another Blue Day". His friend Don Bowman took demos of Jennings to Jerry Moss , who at the time was starting A&M Records with associate Herb Alpert . In July 1963 Jennings signed a contract with A&M that granted him 5% of record sales. At A&M, he recorded "Love Denied" backed with " Rave On ", and Ian Tyson 's " Four Strong Winds " backed with " Just to Satisfy You ". He followed up by recording demos of " The Twelfth of Never ", " Kisses Sweeter than Wine ", and " Don't Think Twice, It's All Right ", and also produced
2673-474: A recording of " You Are My Sunshine " featuring vocals from both Jamey Johnson and Jennings. All four were released on vinyl, cassette, CD, as well as digitally. On February 27, 2014, Jennings revealed he would be releasing a spoken word follow-up to Hierophant's 2010 album, Black Ribbons , titled The Magic , inspired by first story in the controversially interactive horror series thirteen. In addition to The Magic Jennings also announced, that after nearly
2772-481: A remix of his "From Here to Eternity" track. The new version is dubbed the "Goof the Floof Remix", a reference to something Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard once said in an interview. Since 2005, Jennings has hosted "Shooter Jennings' Electric Rodeo" on Sirius XM Outlaw Country channel. The show's format primarily consists of country, rock, and outlaw music. It airs on Saturday night at 6–8 pm EST, with
2871-956: A replay on Sunday at 10–12 pm. Jennings collaborated as producer with Duff McKagan for his 2019 solo album, Tenderness . The album was recorded with Jennings band, The Waters and The Suicide Horn Section, amongst others. In March 2019, a tour was announced in support of the album, featuring Jennings band playing both the support slot as well as the headline slot as the backing band for Duff. Jennings has produced albums and tracks for numerous bands including Brandi Carlile , Marilyn Manson , Tanya Tucker and American Aquarium , as well as Jessi Colter , Jamey Johnson , Jaime Wyatt , The White Buffalo , Hellbound Glory , The Mastersons , Julie Roberts , Yelawolf , Jason Boland , Billy Don Burns, Avi Kaplan , Billy Ray Cyrus , and Angry Grandpa . Shooter Jennings's influences include David Bowie , Pink Floyd , Lynyrd Skynyrd , Hank Williams Jr. , Nine Inch Nails , Guns N' Roses , Rage Against
2970-463: A show in Clear Lake, Iowa , Holly chartered a plane for himself, Allsup and Jennings to avoid a long bus trip to Fargo, North Dakota . This is because the tour organizers provided very inadequate transportation & the buses broke down in freezing weather. Jennings gave up his seat to J. P. Richardson , who was suffering from a cold and complaining about how uncomfortable a long bus trip was for
3069-503: A solo career. In 2015, Jennings's label Black Country Rock released Stargunn's debut album "The Only Way Up Is Down" on vinyl as part of Record Store Day. He returned to Los Angeles in 2004 to begin working on new material. In 2005 Jennings signed his first recording contract, with Universal South Records , releasing his debut album Put the "O" Back in Country that same year. "Put the "O" Back in Country" produced his only entry on
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3168-664: A tribute to his 14-year-old with the theme of "a friend of mine". As his record sales and radio play declined through the 1990s, Jennings continued to draw large crowds to his live performances. In 1994 Jennings made a small appearance in the movie Maverick , with Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner. In 1996, Jennings released his album, Right for the Time . In 1997, after the Lollapalooza tour, he decreased his tour schedule to focus on his family. In 1998, Jennings teamed up with Bare, Jerry Reed , and Mel Tillis to form
3267-499: A weekly 30-minute program. Following his performance on the show, Jennings formed his own band. He asked Macha to play bass for him and gathered other friends and acquaintances to form the Texas Longhorns. The style of the band—a mixture of country and western and bluegrass music —was often not well received. After several disciplinary infractions, 16-year-old Jennings was convinced to drop out of Littlefield High School by
3366-439: Is available on all music streaming formats as well as YouTube and the podcast's own website: www.beyondthe.black In 2011, along with childhood friend and master pianist Erik Deutsch, Jennings formed The Triple Crown, a new backing band featuring Erik Deutsch on piano, Tony Leone on drums, Jeff Hill on bass, Jon Graboff on pedal steel, Eleanor Whitmore on fiddle and Chris Masterson on lead guitar. On March 13, 2012, having signed
3465-655: Is the son of country singers Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter . In a career spanning three decades, Jennings has explored a variety of musical genres. Jennings made his debut with the single "4th of July" of his 2005 album Put the "O" Back in Country on Universal South , which peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard country charts. Jennings has since followed with seven full-length studio albums: Electric Rodeo (2006), The Wolf (2007), Black Ribbons (2009), Family Man (2012), The Other Life (2013) Countach (For Giorgio) (2016), and Shooter (2018), in addition to
3564-542: Is the uncle of William Harness, Professionally known as Struggle Jennings . In 2001, Jennings left Nashville, Tennessee , to seek his fortunes in Los Angeles . He assembled and performed with Stargunn, a rock band. The band featured Jennings on piano and lead vocals, Carter Falco, and Jonathan Boddie (later succeeded by Kevin Sciou) on guitar and background vocals, Curtis Roach on bass, and Lex Lipsitz on drums. Towards
3663-732: The Billboard Hot Country Songs charts in its lead-off single "Fourth of July", which peaked at No. 22. The album version of this song features a cameo appearance by George Jones, who sings the chorus to his signature song "He Stopped Loving Her Today" at the end; this guest appearance was removed from the song's radio edit. Despite the edit, Jones was credited on the Billboard charts. The album featured his new band The .357's, which consisted of Leroy Powell on guitar, Bryan Keeling on drums, Ted Kamp on bass with Robby Turner on steel, and backing vocals by Bonnie Bramlett . Later that year his song "Busted In Baylor County"
3762-559: The CBS series The Dukes of Hazzard as the Balladeer, the narrator. The only episode to feature him as an actor was " Welcome, Waylon Jennings ", during the seventh season. Jennings played himself, presented as an old friend of the Duke family. For the show he also wrote and sang the theme song " Good Ol' Boys ", which became the biggest hit of his career. Released as a single in promotion with
3861-675: The Hank Williams, Jr. song "Living Proof". After the release of Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings and the .357's , having fulfilled his four-album contract; Jennings parted ways with Universal records. On March 23, 2009, Jennings took part in CMT Crossroads , a television show in which two musicians are paired with one another and perform a small concert together for an intimate crowd. The episode paired Jennings with close friend and fellow musician Jamey Johnson . The evening's set list consisted entirely of duets, including
3960-651: The Old Dogs . The group recorded a double album of songs by Shel Silverstein . In mid-1999, Jennings assembled what he referred to as his "hand-picked dream team" and formed Waylon & the Waymore Blues Band. Consisting primarily of former Waylors, the 13-member group performed concerts from 1999 to 2001. As his health declined, Jennings decided to end his touring career. In January 2000, Jennings recorded what became his final album at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium , Never Say Die: Live . Jennings's music
4059-549: The 1984 country album Major Moves decided to shelve the album he had already been working on and instead go in a completely different direction with Cobb and make a fun, straight-ahead drinking, rockin' record. That album, titled Shooter , was released in August 2018. The following year Jennings teamed up with Brandi Carlile to produce Tanya Tucker 's 25th album, While I'm Livin' . The record, Tucker's first in 17 years, earned Grammys for Best Country Album and Best Country Song as well as Americana Award nominations for Album of
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4158-585: The 2013 Horror Hound Festival. The album was also heavily featured in the 2nd season of The Punisher , of which Shooter also appears, as himself. In October 2013, Jennings announced the formation of his new label and multi-format recording company, Black Country Rock. Their initial releases included: a remastered release of the Waylon Jennings album Right for the Time , two live albums (one from Jessi Colter titled Live from Cain's Ballroom , and one from Jennings titled The Other Live ), as well as
4257-622: The Big Bopper , who was suffering from the flu and complaining about how cold and uncomfortable the tour bus was for a man of his size. When Holly learned that his bandmates had given up their seats on the plane and had chosen to take the bus rather than fly, a friendly banter between Holly and Jennings ensued, and it would come back to haunt Jennings for decades to follow: Holly jokingly told Jennings, "Well, I hope your ol' bus freezes up!" Jennings jokingly replied, "Well, I hope your ol' plane crashes!" Under 90 minutes later, shortly after 1:00 am on February 3, 1959, Holly's charter plane crashed into
4356-657: The Chance I'll Have to Take". In 1966, Jennings released his debut RCA Victor album Folk-Country , followed by Leavin' Town and Nashville Rebel . Leavin' Town resulted in significant chart success as the first two singles "Anita, You're Dreaming" and "Time to Bum Again" both peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The album's third single, a cover of Gordon Lightfoot 's " (That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me ", peaked at no. 9, Jennings's first top 10 single. Nashville Rebel
4455-738: The Dance Albums chart, peaking at number seven there. Following Countach, Brandi Carlile insisted that Jennings be involved in her next project. Together with Dave Cobb , Jennings produced her 2018 album By the Way, I Forgive You , which landed six Grammy nominations, including the all-genre Album and Song of the Year categories. It won in three categories: Americana album and both best American roots song and best American roots performance (for "The Joke"). After reuniting with Dave Cobb, with whom Jennings made his first four records, Jennings, inspired by
4554-585: The Highwaymen touring band. The band backed Jennings until 1999 when he formed a short-time project, The Waymore Blues Band , which was Jennings' "hand-picked dream team." Waymore Blues Band backed him until his death. Now known as Waymore's Outlaws, the band continues today, with Tommy Townsend as lead guitar and vocalist. In 2014, the Outlaws came full circle by playing with Waylon's son and Richie Albright's namesake Waylon Albright "Shooter" Jennings for
4653-515: The Hot Country Singles chart by the end of the year. During this time, Jennings rented an apartment in Nashville with singer Johnny Cash . Jennings and Cash were both managed by "Lucky" Moeller's booking agency Moeller Talent, Inc. The tours organized by the agency were unproductive, with the artists being booked to venues located far from each other in close dates. After paying for the accommodation and travel expenditures, Jennings
4752-485: The KilRaven track "Only You" on the album "Missed The Boat". In 1996, Jennings and his father recorded an album together. They called it Fenixon (a play on the words "phoenix" and "son") but could not find a label to distribute it. Some of the material was remastered and used for the album Waylon Forever . The full Fenixon recording was finally released by Jennings's label Black Country Rock in 2014. Shooter Jennings
4851-646: The One". Jennings and Holly soon left for New York City, arriving on January 15, 1959. Jennings stayed at Holly's apartment by Washington Square Park prior to a meeting scheduled at the headquarters of the General Artists Corporation , which organized the tour. They later took a train to Chicago to join the band. The Winter Dance Party tour began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin , on January 23, 1959. The amount of travel created logistical problems, as
4950-765: The World ", but he left the studio because of a dispute over the song's lyrics that were to be sung in Swahili . By this time, his sales had decreased. After the release of Sweet Mother Texas , Jennings signed with MCA Records . His debut release with the label, Will the Wolf Survive (1985), peaked at number one in Billboard's Country albums in 1986. Jennings's initial success tailed off, and in 1990, he signed with Epic Records . His first release, The Eagle , became his final top 10 album. Also in 1985, he made
5049-458: The Year, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year. In late 2021 Jennings released "Leave Those Memories Alone", a tribute to his late friend and manager, Col. John Hensley. the track serves as the first single from the album Over a Cocaine Rainbow . The record was initially slated for a 2017 release, but Jennings felt it was too "dark and experimental" to release at the time, given its subject matter and tone. Earlier that same year, Jennings released
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#17327903783825148-654: The Youth Center with Anthony Bonanno, followed by appearances at the local Jaycees and Lions Clubs . He won a talent show at Channel 13 , in Lubbock, singing " Hey Joe ". He later made frequent performances at the Palace Theater in Littlefield, during local talent night. At age 14, Jennings auditioned for a spot on KVOW in Littlefield, Texas. Owner J. B. McShan, along with Emil Macha, recorded Jennings's performance. McShan liked his style and hired him for
5247-516: The album Good Guys . Jennings took part in the February 25 Johnny Cash 80th Birthday Bash, in which he sang Cocaine Blues With Willie Nelson and Amy Nelson . The performance was released in a DVD/CD combo. In October 2012 Jennings was one of six commentators for the Ovation mini-series Song By Song: Johnny Cash . While recording Family Man , Jennings decided to cut the darker tracks from
5346-431: The album, and instead use them for the album's follow-up, The Other Life . "Five of these songs were recorded when we were doing Family Man , and when we were deciding what to do with it we broke it up into two records. The Other Life is representative of the other side of the coin from Family Man and the way my life has been going in a lot of ways, At first we were going to call it The Outsider , but once we got into
5445-406: The announcement that the album would be accompanied by a film. The album featured seven new songs, as well as two cover songs ( Harry Nilsson 's "Flying Saucer song" and Steve Young 's "The White Trash song") and "Outlaw You", which was put out in early 2012 as a digital release. Jennings along with filmmaker Blake Judd released The Other Life film. Running at 32 minutes long, it utilizes six of
5544-659: The boy sprayed a nurse before anyone could put on his first diaper. "I love my mom," says Jennings, "but I like Dad's version better. And I believe it's true. He didn't make [stuff] like that up." He lived the first few years of his life in a crib on his parents' tour bus surrounded by the likes of Johnny Cash , Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson . By age 5, he was playing drums. At 8 years old, he began taking piano lessons. He started playing guitar at 14 and on occasion he'd play percussion in his father's band. In high school Jennings fronted an industrial rock band called KilRaven for his high school's talent show. In 2011, he released
5643-406: The critically acclaimed albums Lonesome, On'ry and Mean and Honky Tonk Heroes , followed by the hit albums Dreaming My Dreams and Are You Ready for the Country . During the 1970s, Jennings drove outlaw country . With Willie Nelson , Tompall Glaser , and Jessi Colter he recorded country music's first platinum album, Wanted! The Outlaws . It was followed by another platinum album,
5742-465: The distance between venues had not been considered when scheduling each performance. Adding to the problem, the unheated tour buses twice broke down in freezing weather, leading to drummer Carl Bunch being hospitalized for frostbite on his toes. Holly made the decision to find another means of transportation. Before their performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa , Holly chartered
5841-574: The end of 2001, Stargunn released their first album, The Only Way Up Is Down , and toured with Saliva , Tesla , Mark Ford and others in support of the album. That same year, Music Connection magazine listed Stargunn as one of the Hot 100 Unsigned Artists of 2001. In 2002, Stargunn was featured on I've Always Been Crazy: A Tribute to Waylon Jennings , and the soundtrack to the Vince Vaughn film Made . Shortly after, Touchstone Pictures licensed
5940-478: The film we thought, 'Well, it's like a mirror, a dark mirror of what Family Man was. ' " - Jennings told TheBoot.com. Jennings premiered the track "Wild & Lonesome" (featuring Patti Griffin ) on the 4th season of the FX original series Sons of Anarchy . Followed by the release of first official single from the album "The White Trash Song" (featuring Scott H. Biram ) which premiered on RollingStones.com along with
6039-547: The first albums recorded and released under his creative control. This heralded a major turning point for Jennings, resulting in his most critically and commercially successful years. More hit albums followed with This Time and The Ramblin' Man , both released in 1974. The title tracks of both albums topped the Billboard Country singles chart, with the self-penned "This Time" becoming Jennings's first no. 1 single. Dreaming My Dreams , released in 1975, included
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#17327903783826138-518: The first show, they were initially denied their payment by the venue, but after Jennings's persistence, they were paid. The flights were never paid for, and Jennings and Allsup continued the tour for two more weeks, featuring Jennings as the lead singer. They were paid less than half of the original agreed salary, and upon returning to New York, Jennings put Holly's guitar and amplifier in a locker in Grand Central Terminal and mailed
6237-468: The first time on tour. Waylon Jennings Waylon Arnold Jennings (June 15, 1937 – February 13, 2002) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He is considered one of the pioneers of the outlaw movement in country music . Jennings started playing guitar at age eight and performed at fourteen on KVOW radio, after which he formed his first band, the Texas Longhorns. Jennings left high school at age sixteen, determined to become
6336-496: The format of the station to country, becoming the main competition of KDAV. The Corbins hired Jennings as the station's first DJ. Jennings produced commercials and created jingles with the rest of the DJs. As their popularity increased, the DJs made public appearances. Jennings's events included live performances. During one performance, Holly's father, L. O. Holley, approached them with his son's latest record and asked them to play it at
6435-475: The full studio record and live shows with Hierophant on a USB flash drive shaped like a tarot card. Towards the end of 2010, Jennings with the help of various other artists launched the "XXX" movement to help musicians who struggle to receive mainstream recognition. In 2016, Jennings created and released a podcast series title "Beyond the Black" dealing with the topics and recording of Black Ribbons . The series
6534-473: The group performs on its own with Tommy Townsend as their lead vocalist, with occasional performances as the band for Albright's namesake, Waylon Albright "Shooter" Jennings , the son of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter . Waylon Jennings was managed at the beginning of his career by Buddy Holly 's first manager, 'Hi-Pockets' Duncan. On Duncan's recommendation, Holly hired Jennings to play electric bass for him during his "Winter Dance Party Tour" in 1959. After
6633-557: The guitar and Richie Albright on the drums. Jennings and his band performed at a newly opened nightspot called JD's . The band earned a small fan base, eventually signing with the independent label Trend Records. In 1963, Jennings signed a contract with A&M Records . Jennings and The Waylors recorded an album on BAT called Waylon at JD's . Singer Bobby Bare , who covered Ian Tyson's "Four Strong Winds" and Jennings' "Just To Satisfy You", recommended Jennings to producer Chet Atkins , who signed Jennings to RCA Victor in 1965. Jennings
6732-542: The hit single. Jennings's singles enjoyed success. " The Chokin' Kind " peaked at number eight on Billboard's Hot Country Singles in 1967, while " Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line " hit number two the following year. In 1969, his collaboration with the Kimberlys on the single " MacArthur Park " earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group . His single " Brown Eyed Handsome Man " reached number three at
6831-558: The keys to Maria Elena Holly . Then he returned to Lubbock. In the early 1960s, Jennings wrote and recorded "The Stage (Stars in Heaven)", a tribute to Valens, the Big Bopper, and Holly, as well as Eddie Cochran , a young musician who died in a road accident a year after the plane crash. For decades afterward, Jennings repeatedly stated that he felt responsible for the crash that killed Holly. This sense of guilt precipitated bouts of substance abuse through much of his career. "Jole Blon"
6930-533: The master tape to Chet Atkins , who, after listening to it, decided to release it. The album reached number 1 Billboard ' s country albums three times the same year, topping the charts for 10 weeks. It was named country album of the year in 1976 by Record World magazine and was certified gold by the RIAA . In 1976, RCA released the compilation album Wanted! The Outlaws , with Jennings, Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, and Jennings's wife, Jessi Colter. The album
7029-507: The mid-1970s, until he gave it to guitarist Reggie Young in 1993. The leather covers of his guitars were carved by leather artist Terry Lankford. Jennings's signature image was characterized by his long hair and beard, and black hat and black leather vest he wore during his appearances. Jennings was married four times and had six children. He married Maxine Caroll Lawrence in 1956 at age 18, with whom he had four children. Jennings married Lynne Jones on December 10, 1962, and they adopted
7128-403: The news that he and his band would be joining the likes of Paramore , Bad Religion , Fall Out Boy , Jefree Star , and various other popular rock bands on the 2009 Warped Tour it became apparent that Jennings next album would differ drastically from his previous efforts. In February 2009, it was announced that the album would be titled Black Ribbons . It was also announced that it would be
7227-540: The no. 1 single " Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way ", and became his first album to be certified gold by the RIAA ; it was also the first of six consecutive solo studio albums to be certified gold or higher. In 1976 Jennings released Are You Ready for the Country . Jennings wanted Los Angeles producer Ken Mansfield to produce the record, but RCA initially balked. Jennings and the Waylors traveled to Los Angeles and recorded with Mansfield at Jennings's own expense. A month later, Jennings returned to Nashville and presented
7326-405: The outlaw movement. Jennings referred to the overexploitation of the image in the song " Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand ?", claiming that the movement had become a "self-fulfilling prophecy". In 1979, RCA released Jennings first Greatest Hits compilation, which was certified gold the same year, and quintuple platinum in 2002. Also in 1979, Jennings joined the cast of
7425-469: The recording session, Jennings replaced the typical studio musicians of Nashville sessions with his band. By the 1980s the lineup included the additions of Ralph Mooney from The Strangers , Johnny Gimble, Rance Wasson, Gordon Payne, Jerry Bridges, Barney Robertson and Carter Robertson. Mooney retired in 1996 and was initially replaced by Fred Newell, an established Nashville studio player, followed by Robby Turner , who Waylon first worked with as part of
7524-528: The release of Ladies Love Outlaws , his recording contract was nearing an end. Upon contracting hepatitis , Jennings was hospitalized. Sick and frustrated with the Nashville music industry, he was considering retirement. Albright visited him and convinced him to continue, suggesting he hire Neil Reshen as his new manager. Meanwhile, Jennings requested a $ 25,000 royalty advance from RCA Records to cover his living expenses during his recovery. The same day he met Reshen, RCA sent Jerry Bradley to offer Jennings $ 5,000 as
7623-630: The show, it became Jennings's 12th single to reach number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart. It was also a crossover hit, peaking at no. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the mid-1980s, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Jennings formed a successful group called the Highwaymen . Aside from his work with the Highwaymen, Jennings released a gold album WWII (1982) with Willie Nelson. In 1985, Jennings joined with USA for Africa to record " We Are
7722-558: The show. Jennings struggled with cocaine addiction, which he overcame in 1984. Later, he joined the country supergroup the Highwaymen with Willie Nelson , Kris Kristofferson , and Johnny Cash , which released three albums between 1985 and 1995. During that period, Jennings released the successful album Will the Wolf Survive . He has been named as one of the innovators of progressive country . Jennings toured less after 1997 to spend more time with his family. Between 1999 and 2001, health problems limited his appearances. In 2001, he
7821-453: The single "Sing the Girls a Song, Bill", backed with " The Race Is On ". The singles were released between April and October 1964. Jennings's records found little success at A&M, because the label was releasing mostly folk music rather than country at the time. He had a few regional hits around Phoenix, due to local radio airplay with "Four Strong Winds" and "Just To Satisfy You", which
7920-447: The song "White Lines N Black Ties" for the film The Crew starring Burt Reynolds . Stargunn performed together for three years, built an avid following, and earned praise from the local music press. On March 30, 2003, Jennings dissolved Stargunn and began working on his solo career. After the band's breakup, Jennings was twice presented with the opportunity to front the hard rock supergroup Velvet Revolver , but chose instead to pursue
8019-513: The songs " Jole Blon " and "When Sin Stops (Love Begins)" with Holly and Tommy Allsup on guitars and saxophonist King Curtis . Holly then hired Jennings to play bass for him during his "Winter Dance Party Tour". Before the tour, Holly vacationed with his wife in Lubbock and visited Jennings's radio station in December 1958. Jennings and Sky Corbin performed the hand-claps to Holly's tune "You're
8118-533: The songs from the album as a sort of narration. The film is about a musician leaving his family to tour, but when he does so he finds the road is not the same, and becomes haunted by a mysterious woman. Throughout the film, the musician is forced to face his darker urges and deal with self-discovery, temptation, isolation and rebirth. The film closes with a short adaptation of Stephen King 's The Dark Tower . The Other Life went on to win Best Short Film at
8217-492: The station. Holley mentioned his son's intention to start producing artists himself, and Corbin recommended Jennings. After returning from his tour of England Buddy Holly visited KLLL. Holly took Jennings as his first artist. He outfitted him with new clothes, and worked with him to improve his image. He arranged a session for Jennings at Norman Petty 's recording studios in Clovis, New Mexico . On September 10, Jennings recorded
8316-538: The superintendent. Upon leaving school, he worked for his father in the family store and also took temporary jobs. Jennings felt that music would turn into his career. The next year he, along with the Texas Longhorns, recorded demo versions of the songs "Stranger in My Home" and "There'll Be a New Day" at KFYO radio in Lubbock. Meanwhile, he drove a truck for the Thomas Land Lumber Company, and
8415-562: Was accustomed to performing and recording with his own band, the Waylors , a practice that was not encouraged by powerful Nashville producers, who favored the Nashville sound produced by a roster of experienced local studio musicians. The music style publicized as " countrypolitan " was characterized by orchestral arrangements and the absence of most traditional country music instruments. The producers did not let Jennings play his own guitar or select material to record. Jennings felt limited by Nashville's lack of artistic freedom. By 1972, after
8514-523: Was accustomed to performing and recording with his own band, The Waylors, a practice that was discouraged or forbidden by powerful Nashville producers. Over time, however, Jennings felt limited by the Nashville sound 's lack of artistic freedom. The music style publicized as " Countrypolitan " was characterized by orchestral arrangements, and the absence (or minor use) of traditional country music instruments. By 1972 he renegotiated his contract with RCA, that gave him complete creative control over his works. For
8613-605: Was approached by two contractors (Paul Pristo and Dean Coffman) who were building a club in Scottsdale for James (Jimmy) D. Musil, called JD's. Musil engaged Jennings as his main artist and designed the club around his act. Jennings formed his backing band, the Waylors , with bassist Paul Foster, guitarist Jerry Gropp, and drummer Richie Albright. The band soon earned a strong local fan base at JD's, where Jennings developed his rock-influenced style of country music that defined him on his later career. In 1961, Jennings signed
8712-465: Was characterized by his powerful rough-edged singing voice, phrasing and texture. He was also recognized for his "spanky-twang" guitar style. To create his sound, he used a pronounced 'phaser' effect (see 'Modulation Effects': below) plus a mixture of thumb and fingers during the rhythmic parts, while using picks for the lead runs. He combined hammer-on and pull-off riffs, with eventual upper-fret double stops and modulation effects . Jennings played
8811-625: Was co-written with Bowman. Meanwhile, he recorded an album on BAT records produced by James Musil and engineered by Jack Miller, called "JD's Waylon Jennings" on the front of the album, and "Waylon Jennings at JD's" on the back side. After 500 copies were sold at the club another 500 were pressed by the Sounds label. He also played lead guitar for Patsy Montana on a 1964 album. Singer Bobby Bare heard Jennings's "Just to Satisfy You" on his car radio while passing through Phoenix, and recorded it and "Four Strong Winds". After stopping in Phoenix to attend
8910-546: Was fired. During his time at KVOW Jennings was visited by DJ Sky Corbin of KLVT in Levelland. Corbin was impressed with his voice, and decided to visit Jennings at the station after hearing him sing a jingle to the tune of Hank Snow's " I'm Moving On ". Jennings expressed his struggle to live on a $ 50-a-week salary. Corbin invited Jennings to visit KLVT, where he eventually took Corbin's position when it opened. The Corbin family later purchased KLLL , in Lubbock. They changed
9009-438: Was frequently forced to request advances from the agency or RCA Victor to make the next venue. While playing 300 days on the road, Jennings's debt increased, and along with it his consumption of amphetamine . He believed himself to be "trapped on the circuit". In 1972, Jennings released Ladies Love Outlaws . The single that headlined the album became a hit for Jennings, and was his first approach to outlaw country . Jennings
9108-619: Was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame . In 2007, he was posthumously awarded the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music . Jennings was born on June 15, 1937, on the J. W. Bittner farm near Littlefield, Texas . He was the son of Lorene Beatrice (née Shipley, 1920–2006) and William Albert Jennings (1915–1968). The Jennings family line descended from Irish and Black-Dutch . He
9207-535: Was originally scheduled to be released in November 2014, but its release was delayed due to the sudden death of Jon Hensley , Jennings's longtime manager and friend and Black Country Rock co-founder. A tribute to 1970s electronic-music pioneer and producer, Giorgio Moroder , the album was released on February 26, 2016, and features guest vocals from Steve Young , Brandi Carlile , Marilyn Manson and Richard Garriott de Cayeux . The album became his first to enter
9306-413: Was released as Jennings's second solo album. Sonically, Electric Rodeo is louder, rawer, more upfront rock and roll than its predecessor. Electric Rodeo was followed by The Wolf on October 23, 2007. The album varied from his previous records in that the .357s had opted for a decidedly 1970s feel to the instrumentals. It featured collaborations with Doug Kershaw and The Oak Ridge Boys , as well as
9405-489: Was released on Brunswick in March 1959 with limited success. Now unemployed, Jennings returned to KLLL. Deeply affected by Holly's death, Jennings's performance at the station worsened. He left the station after he was denied a raise, and later worked briefly for the competition, KDAV. Due to his father-in-law's illness, Jennings had to shuttle between Arizona and Texas. While his family lived back in Littlefield, Jennings found
9504-444: Was the first country music album certified platinum . The following year, RCA issued Ol' Waylon , an album that produced a hit duet with Nelson, " Luckenbach, Texas ". The album Waylon and Willie followed in 1978, producing the hit single " Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys ". Jennings released I've Always Been Crazy , also in 1978. The same year, at the peak of his success, Jennings began to feel limited by
9603-412: Was the oldest of four children, followed by Tommy Jennings (1938–2019), James Jennings, and Bo Jennings (1953–2018). The Shipley line descended from his great-grandfather, a farmer and lawman from Tennessee , with Jennings adding that "along the way, a lot of Indian blood mixed in," including Cherokee and Comanche families. The name on Jennings's birth certificate was Wayland. It was changed after
9702-489: Was the soundtrack to an independent film, The Nashville Rebel , starring Jennings. The single "Green River" charted on Billboard country singles at no. 11. In 1967, Jennings released a hit single, " Just to Satisfy You ". During an interview, Jennings remarked that the song was a "pretty good example" of the influence of his work with Buddy Holly and rockabilly music. Jennings produced mid-chart albums that sold well, including 1967's Just to Satisfy You , which included
9801-469: Was then featured in the 2005 film version of The Dukes of Hazzard , furthermore Jennings portrayed his father in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon . His rendition of his father's song "Long Way From Home" was featured on the film's soundtrack. Though recorded before Put the "O" Back in Country , released on April 4, 2006, Electric Rodeo
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