Waylon Jennings (Country)

Waylon Jennings was born on June 15, 1937, in Littlefield, Texas. At just eight years old, he taught himself how to play guitar. His first band was formed two years later. He dropped out of High School in order to pursue a music career, and worked as a DJ throughout his teenage years. In 21, he joined a band of his friend Buddy Holly, where he played bass. However, Buddy Holly along with some other performers were killed off in a airplane crash on the way to a tour. Waylon would have met the same fate, if he hadn't switched seats with J.P Richardson who was feeling unwell, and took the tour bus. And so the incident left him feeling horribly guilty.

After some years in which he was inactive in music, Waylon started performing in Phoenix, Arizona. He then signed a contract with A&M Records. The hit singles he had on local radio in phoenix included 'Four Strong Winds' and 'Just to Satisfy You'. Then Waylon was recommended to producer Chet Atkins, who signed him to RCA Victor. So, in 1965, Waylon moved to Nashvilled, Tennessee.

At Nashville, after releasing a number of albums and singles, Waylon felt unsatisfied by the lack of artistic freedom. He also became addicted to amphetamines. And his second marriage ended in a divorce that left the already broke Waylon with mountains of debt. His next wife tried to bring his financial matters under control, but that marriage ended in divorce as well. He got married for the last time to a country singer Jessi Colter in 1969.

During these hard times, Waylon even considered retiring from music. But then he found a business manager, Neil Reshen, to renegotiate his touring and recording contracts. Now he acheived a near-complete artistic control. He profited from his tourings and had a rock star recording contract. Albums that were released included 'Ladies Love Outlaws', 'Lonesome', and 'Dreaming My Dreams'.

Also at the time, Waylon became addicted to cocaine. He spent thousands of dollars each day on it. And as a result, he became less focused on his work and his finances suffered once again. He was arrested in 1977 for cocaine pocession, but the charges were later dropped.

He decided to clean up his addictions, and later the birth of his son, Shooter was his inspiration to permanently stay off cocaine. He remained cocaine-free and toured throughout the 80s and 90s.

On February 13, 2002, he died in his sleep at the age of 64. The cause of his death was diabetic complications.

SONGS

T IS FOR TEXAS

Well, 'T' for Texas, 'T' for Tennessee

I said "'T' for Texas, another 'T' for Tennessee"

'T' for that no good woman... no good gal that made a wreck of me

I'd rather drink myself muddy water, sleep all night in a 'holler' logI'd rather drink muddy water, sleep all day and night in a 'holler' logThan to hang around Atlanta... be put down and treated like a dirty dog

If you don't want me, woman, just say so, that's allIf you don't want me, woman, all you gotta do is come around and say so, that's all'Cos I can get myself more women than any two men or a passenger train can haul

Well, 'T' for Texas, 'T' for TennesseeI said "'T' for Texas, another 'T' for Tennessee"'T' for Thelma... no good gal that made a wreck of me

Well, this is a pretty cool song, in my opinion. I love the melody and also the lyrics as well. So he's singing about his three 'T's. Okay, I understand that one 'T' stand for this woman who treated him so mean, but I'm a little confused about the two other 'T's. What does this song mean to say about Texas and Tennesse? So, it's also a little mysterious for me. So I really like this song.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE COUNTRY

Slippin' & a-slidin', playin' Dominos Leftin' & a-rightin' ain't a crime, you know Well, I gotta tell the story before it's time to go

Are you ready for the country? Are you ready for me? Are you ready for the country? Ain't that a sight to see?

Talkin' to a preacher, said God was on his side Talkin' to a butcher, they both were sellin' hide Well, I gotta tell the story, boys, I don't know the reason why

Are you ready for the country? Are you ready for me? Better get ready for the country Ready for me

Are you ready for the country? Ready for me? Are you ready for the country? Ain't that a sight to see?

This is another one of my favorite from Waylon Jennings. Hearing this song makes me feel so ready for the country. The lyrics are also pretty intriguing, what with God and butchers. This is a really great song.