Description
Waylon – Tales Of My Outlaw Dad – Paperback Book
Brand new
ISBN 9780316390101
272 Pages
Softcover
Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad is a 2016 memoir written by Terry Jennings, the eldest son of country music legend Waylon Jennings, with the help of author David Thomas. The book provides a deeply personal and intimate look into the life of Waylon Jennings from the perspective of his son, offering a unique and often untold story of one of country music’s most iconic figures. Waylon Jennings was a pioneer of the outlaw country movement, known for his rebellious attitude, genre-defying sound, and larger-than-life personality. The memoir goes beyond the public persona to explore Jennings’ life as a father, musician, and man dealing with both fame and personal struggles.
At the heart of the memoir is Terry Jennings’ relationship with his father. The book candidly explores the highs and lows of their bond, from Waylon’s absence due to the demands of his career to their later years of reconciliation. Terry’s firsthand account offers a nuanced look at Waylon’s parenting style, his struggles with addiction, and his efforts to be a better father, especially after finding sobriety later in life.
The book delves into Waylon’s career, from his early days playing in Buddy Holly’s band to his rise as a superstar in the outlaw country movement. Terry provides behind-the-scenes stories of life on the road, the challenges of the music industry, and Waylon’s refusal to conform to Nashville’s rules. These stories shed light on how Waylon’s determination to do things his own way shaped not just his career, but country music as a whole.
One of the most powerful themes in the memoir is Waylon Jennings’ battle with drug addiction, particularly his struggles with cocaine. Terry Jennings provides an unflinching look at how addiction impacted Waylon’s personal and professional life, as well as the toll it took on their family. The book also captures Waylon’s eventual journey to sobriety and the positive changes it brought to his life and relationships.
The memoir offers a glimpse into the outlaw country scene, with stories about Jennings’ famous friends and collaborators, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. Terry recounts wild, larger-than-life moments that helped define this legendary movement in country music, while also showing the toll that the lifestyle could take on those involved.
The book touches on Waylon’s early career when he was a bassist for Buddy Holly’s band. One particularly poignant story is Waylon giving up his seat on the ill-fated plane that crashed in 1959, leading to Holly’s tragic death—a moment that haunted Jennings for years.
Terry describes how his father became disillusioned with the Nashville country music machine, and how his defiance of industry norms led to the rise of outlaw country. Stories of recording sessions, business battles, and collaborations with fellow outlaws like Willie Nelson give insight into this creative and rebellious period in country music history.
The book is also deeply personal in its portrayal of the Jennings family’s struggles, particularly during Waylon’s darkest times. Terry shares painful memories of growing up with an absent father who was consumed by his career and addiction, but he also reflects on the moments of love and reconciliation that they were able to share, especially as Waylon worked to get clean later in life.
Terry Jennings writes with raw honesty, detailing both the good and bad sides of his father. He doesn’t shy away from talking about Waylon’s flaws, but he also writes with a sense of love and admiration. This balance gives readers a full picture of who Waylon Jennings was as a person, not just as a music icon.
Because Terry Jennings was there for many of the key moments in his father’s life, the book offers a deeply personal narrative that goes beyond what fans might already know from documentaries or biographies. The anecdotes feel intimate, as if Terry is sitting down with the reader to share stories only a family member could tell.
The writing style is conversational and accessible, making the book a quick and engaging read. Terry’s voice comes through clearly, and he often writes with the straightforwardness and wit that one would expect from someone raised in the world of outlaw country.
Tales of My Outlaw Dad offers a firsthand look at the cultural impact of the outlaw country movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Waylon Jennings was at the forefront of this movement, alongside Willie Nelson and others, as they challenged the Nashville establishment and brought a rougher, more authentic sound to country music. The book captures the spirit of this era, with its rebellious attitudes, wild stories, and the sense of freedom that defined the music.
Beyond the stories of his personal life, the memoir reinforces Waylon’s legacy as one of country music’s most influential figures. His contributions to the genre, both musically and culturally, are reflected in the stories shared by his son, who shows how Waylon’s refusal to compromise became a hallmark of his career and a symbol of artistic integrity in the music world.
Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad is a revealing and heartfelt memoir that offers fans of Waylon Jennings and country music a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend. Written by his son, Terry Jennings, the book balances stories of the outlaw country movement with personal reflections on growing up as the son of a music icon. It’s a story of fame, addiction, redemption, and, ultimately, family, providing a nuanced portrait of one of country music’s most important figures.
https://www.roundflat.com/shop/books-and-magazines/waylon-tales-of-my-outlaw-dad-paperback-book/https://i0.wp.com/www.roundflat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/waylon-tales-of-my-outlaw-dad.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1https://i0.wp.com/www.roundflat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/waylon-tales-of-my-outlaw-dad.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1Waylon - Tales Of My Outlaw Dad - Paperback Book Brand new ISBN 9780316390101 272 Pages Softcover Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad is a 2016 memoir written by Terry Jennings, the eldest son of country music legend Waylon Jennings, with the help of author David Thomas. The book provides a deeply personal and...roundflat webmaster@roundflat.comAdministratorRound Flat Records
