Wailin' for Waylon
No More Waltz Across TexasWaylon Jennings 1937-2002
by Jacci Howard Bear
We won't be going to Luckenbach, Texas with Willie, Waylon, and the boys anymore. The original outlaw and country music legend, Waylon Jennings, died Wednesday, February 13, 2002.
Birth of a Legend
Born June 15, 1937 in Littlefield, Texas, Waylon was introduced early to music by his father who played guitar in Texas dancehalls. A young Waylon befriended Buddy Holly, played bass on Holly's last tour, and at the last minute gave up his seat to the Big Bopper on Holly's ill-fated plane trip.
After that near-miss with death, Waylon returned to radio, moved to Phoenix and played with his own band, and started recording. His first release "That's The Chance I'll Have To Take" made the US country charts. The music kept coming, including the classic "Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line."
Despite illness and struggles with the business of music in Nashville, Waylon filled the 1970s with hits and critically-acclaimed albums. He was the Country Music Association's Male Vocalist of the Year in 1975, a year before the birth of the Outlaw Movement.
Ladies (& Gents) Loved This Outlaw
1976 saw the release of the first platinum album ever recorded in Nashville. Teamed with Willie Nelson and Jessi Colter, "Wanted: The Outlaws" swept the CMA awards that year. Hit after hit followed including "Luckenbach, Texas" and "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," with Willie Nelson. The first platinum album by a solo country artist, "Ol' Waylon" came in 1977.
In addition to music, Waylon has been a commercial spokesperson and a movie and TV actor. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2001, his career spanned over 30 years with 60 albums and 16 number one singles. Waylon is survived by his wife, Jessi Colter, and their son Buddy.
The Music Plays On...
Waylon Jennings will be missed by fans everywhere. But his music will live on in the hearts of those of us who grew up listening to his music and a whole new generation as well. When my country music loving pre-teen daughters heard the news of his death on the radio they were as saddened as I was. Their favorite Waylon songs include "Waltz Across Texas," "Ladies Love Outlaws," and the "Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)."
Link to article HERE.
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You know his mama loved him.
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