Waylon Jennings: The Outlaw Country Legend
Waylon Jennings was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his outlaw country music. He was born on June 15, 1937, in Littlefield, Texas. Jennings passed away on February 13, 2002, but his legacy lives on. In this article, we will take a closer look at Jennings’ life, career, and his impact on the music industry.
Early Life
Waylon Jennings grew up in Littlefield, Texas. His parents, Lorene Beatrice and William Albert Jennings, were both music lovers. Jennings’ mother was a pianist, and his father played the guitar. Jennings became interested in music at a young age, and he learned to play the guitar and sing. He performed in the local churches and began playing in a band when he was just fourteen years old.
Relationships and Children
Jennings had several romantic relationships throughout his life. He was first married to Maxine Lawrence in 1956. They had four children together, Terry Vance Jennings, Tomi Lynne, Julie Rae Jennings, and Buddy Dean. Jennings eventually divorced Lawrence and married his second wife, Lynne Jones. They had a son together, Shooter Jennings, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a country music artist.
Career
Jennings’ career started in the late 1950s when he moved to Phoenix, Arizona and joined a band called The Waylors. The Waylors soon became the backing band for Buddy Holly, and Jennings toured with Holly in 1959. Holly’s untimely death in a plane crash that same year influenced Jennings’ career.
Jennings signed with RCA Records in 1965, and his career took off. He recorded several hits, including “Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line,” “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love),” “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” and “Good Hearted Woman.” In 1976, Jennings recorded “Theme From The Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys),” which became a #1 hit.
Top Songs
Jennings recorded several top songs throughout his career. Some of his most notable songs include:
- “Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line”
- “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)”
- “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”
- “Good Hearted Woman”
- “Mona Lisa”
- “The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want to Get Over You)”
- “Drinkin and Dreamin”
Net Worth
Jennings had a varied career that spanned several decades. He recorded 60 albums and had 16 #1 hits. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. At the time of his death, Jennings’ net worth was estimated to be around $7 million.
Height
Jennings stood at 6 feet 2 inches tall. He was known for his larger-than-life personality and his deep, distinctive voice.
Impact on the Music Industry
Jennings’ influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. He was one of the pioneers of outlaw country music, and his rebellious spirit inspired generations of musicians. He paved the way for artists like Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard.
Jennings was also known for his work as a producer. He produced Willie Nelson’s landmark album “Red Headed Stranger” and helped launch the career of several other artists.
In Conclusion
Waylon Jennings was a legend in the music industry. His unique voice, rebellious spirit, and innovative approach to country music paved the way for future generations of musicians. He will forever be remembered for his contributions to the music we all know and love.
