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Quick Facts
Born
1937
1937
From
United States of America
United States of America
Journey
Waylon Arnold Jennings, known as Waylon Jennings, built his career around a simple refusal: he would not let other people decide what his records should sound like. Born in Littlefield, Texas, he began playing guitar as a child, formed his first band at 12, and worked in radio while still a teenager. His early years brought him into the orbit of Buddy Holly, who produced Jennings’ first recording, “Jole Blon,” and hired him as bassist for his touring band in 1958. Jennings survived the 1959 plane crash that killed Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson after giving up his seat on the flight.
Jennings rebuilt his career in Arizona, where performances with the Waylors at J. D.’s nightclub in Phoenix established him as a formidable live performer. Unlike the tightly arranged country records dominating Nashville, his sets drew from country, rock and roll, folk, blues, and western music. RCA signed him in 1965, but the Nashville recording system soon became a source of conflict. Jennings objected to outside musicians, predetermined arrangements, and restrictions on his choice of material. His eventual fight for control over his recordings became more important than the rebellious image later attached to him.
That control defined his breakthrough in the 1970s. "Lonesome, On’ry and Mean" and "Honky Tonk Heroes," both released in 1973, placed Jennings’ rough-edged baritone, electric guitar, and road-tested band at the center of the recordings. The approach separated him from polished Nashville production and helped establish the artistic principles associated with Outlaw Country. "Wanted! The Outlaws," released in 1976 with Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser, became the first platinum country album.
Jennings continued to score major country hits, including “I’m a Ramblin’ Man,” “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love),” and “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.” He also recorded extensively with Willie Nelson and later joined Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson in the Highwaymen. By the time of his Country Music Hall of Fame induction in 2001, Jennings had recorded more than 60 albums and established a lasting precedent for artist-controlled country music. He died February 13, 2002, in Chandler, Arizona.