Shooter Jennings is a distinguished singer, musician, and producer, known for Grammy-award-winning albums crafted for Brandi Carlisle and Tanya Tucker. Currently, he is working at the renowned Sunset Sound studio in Hollywood, producing a deeply personal and emotional project. This studio has a storied history, with legendary artists like Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, and Prince recorded there. Shooter himself has made around 40 records at this iconic location.

He speaks candidly about his father, Waylon Jennings, whose authenticity could bring tears to his eyes. Acknowledged as a man of raw emotions, Waylon Jennings established a gritty and rebellious persona within the country music outlaw movement. With his distinctive black hat, beard, and baritone voice, he amalgamated honkytonk, folk, and Southern rock, giving rise to a revolutionary sound.

Waylon Jennings achieved 16 number one hits, including famous tracks such as “I’m a Rambling Man,” “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” in collaboration with Willie Nelson, and the theme song for the television show “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Shooter is preserving his father’s legacy by releasing previously unreleased material, which he discovered hidden away. Thus far, two albums have emerged: “Songbird” and the forthcoming “Diamonds.”

Shooter expresses immense pride in his father and the contributions he made, stating, “I’m proud of him and proud of the work that I’m doing, and I’m proud of the legacy he left behind.” Listening to these unreleased tracks gives Shooter the sense that Waylon is addressing his audience directly. “It’s like emotional, beautiful material about love and life,” Shooter mentions, describing the music’s emotional connection.

Reflecting on his roots, Shooter acknowledges the influence of Texas in shaping his father’s life, noting Waylon’s strong desire to leave his small town located between Lubbock and New Mexico. He humorously recollects Waylon’s words about the area’s flatness: “If your dog ran away, you could watch him go for three days!”

It was in Texas that Waylon Jennings met Buddy Holly, who became his best friend. Holly’s encouragement for Waylon to pursue a music career was instrumental. Travelling together, they performed at various shows, including a significant one in Iowa in 1959 that resulted in Buddy Holly’s tragic death. Although this event haunted Waylon, he persevered, eventually founding a band and moving to Nashville, where he became a music icon.

In Nashville, the term “outlaw country” emerged as a marketing strategy to package artists like Waylon and Willie Nelson. Shooter describes his father as a pioneer who profoundly transformed music by gaining creative autonomy and control. This evolution sparked a movement toward artistic independence in Nashville, benefiting numerous artists.

Waylon’s uncompromising nature led him to exit the “We Are the World” recording session. He believed the focus was more on appearances than on the actual charitable efforts. Shooter recounts his father’s decision to leave when asked to sing in Swahili after an exhaustive session, bolstered by a supporting comment from Paul Simon.

Waylon Jennings was transparent about his struggles with substance abuse, spending over $1,000 daily at times. He quit cold turkey in 1984, motivated by his young son, Shooter. By the time Shooter was five or six, Waylon had overcome his addiction, emerging as a great father. Waylon Jennings passed away in 2002 at the age of 64.

Shooter reminisces about his father, acknowledging the emotional weight and importance of preserving his legacy. He emphasizes the significance of sharing Waylon’s story, stating, “I want everybody to know the guy I know. I feel like that should be my purpose.”

The album “Diamonds” is set for release later this year, and Shooter Jennings continues to share his father’s legendary music through projects that honor his legacy.

Story produced by Gabriel Falcon. Editor: Steven Tyler.