Shooter Jennings is a renowned singer, musician, and producer, celebrated for crafting Grammy-award-winning albums for artists like Brandi Carlisle and Tanya Tucker. At Sunset Sound in Hollywood, a studio known for legendary recordings from Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, and Prince, Jennings is deeply involved in producing a personal project.
Discussing his father Waylon Jennings brings Shooter to tears. Acknowledging his emotional nature, he shares, “I wear my emotions on my face all the time anyway, so if everyone out there knows, I’m a crier.”
Waylon Jennings, known for embodying the gritty spirit of country music’s outlaw movement, was famous for hits like “I’m a Rambling Man” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.” He also performed the theme song for TV’s “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Shooter honors his father’s legacy by producing lost material he discovered. Among these are the albums “Songbird” and the forthcoming “Diamonds.” Shooter remarked, “Listening to the previously unreleased tracks felt like he was having a conversation with the listener.”
The dream, reminiscent of Waylon’s journey began in Texas, a place influential in shaping his musical ambitions. Growing up between Lubbock and New Mexico, Shooter recounts his father’s words about their hometown, “If your dog ran away, you could watch him go for three days!”
Waylon’s relationship with Buddy Holly was pivotal; encouraged by Holly, Waylon pursued his musical dreams. They toured together until Holly’s tragic death in 1959. Shooter recalls how his father grappled with Holly’s passing but persevered to become a Nashville icon.
Defining outlaw country as a “marketing tool” developed in Nashville, Shooter credits his father with gaining creative freedom and independence for artists. Waylon’s impact was controversial; he even walked out of the “We Are the World” recording session over concerns about its focus on photo ops rather than fundraising.
Waylon Jennings confronted his long battle with drug addiction and quit cold turkey in 1984, motivated by his young son, Shooter. Once he’d overcome his addiction, Waylon thrived as a father, leaving behind a profound legacy. Waylon passed away in 2002 at 64.
Shooter Jennings continues to champion his father’s legacy. Anticipating the release of “Diamonds,” he expressed, “I want everybody to know the guy I know, and I want them to experience the music he left for us.” His purpose lies in ensuring people appreciate Waylon’s contributions to music.
For more insights, Shooter Jennings provides an extended interview where discussions about his father’s influence and the emotional connection to the music are explored.