Jennings Waylon
rebel in music Waylon Jennings is most renowned for having contributed to the rise in popularity of outlaw country music, which is a rougher, more rock-influenced subgenre.
Waylon Jennings: Who Was He?
Waylon Jennings began performing in bands and working as a radio DJ at the age of twelve. Over time, his sound became more aggressive and bass-heavy. He became friends with musicians like Willie Nelson, and in 1985, he, Cash, and Kris Kristofferson founded the Highwaymen. Jennings had become a country music sensation by the time of his passing.
Early Professional Life
Born in Littlefield, Texas, on June 15, 1937, Waylon Jennings is most renowned for having contributed to the rise in popularity of outlaw country music, a gritty, more rock-influenced genre of music. He and a few of his fellow musicians were dubbed “outlaws” for their hard-partying lifestyle and for taking a stand against the country music establishment.
When Jennings was younger, he picked up the guitar. He was working as a radio disc jockey and performing in a band by the time he was twelve. In 1954, Jennings went to Lubbock after dropping out of school. He met and became friends with early rock and roll icon Buddy Holly while working at a nearby radio station, KLLL. Holly produced Jennings’ debut record, “Jole,” in 1958.
Blon,” and Jennings played in Holly’s backup band, The Crickets, for a time. He was performing with the group on February 3, 1959, and he was supposed to get on a private plane with Holly after their show at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Jennings, however, gave up his spot on the plane to rock star J.P. Richardson — better known as “The Big Bopper” — who wasn’t feeling well. Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing Holly, Richardson, singer Ritchie Valens and the pilot.
Heartbroken after the tragedy, Jennings returned to Lubbock for a time and worked as a radio disc jockey. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1960 and restarted his musical career, forming a band called the Waylors. The group developed a local following and even recorded some singles through the independent record label Trend.
