Waylon Jennings Interview Part 1, American Singer-Songwriter & Country Music Outlaw

Waylon Jennings, American singer-songwriter and musician, discusses country music's history, the Outlaw Movement, his wife Jessi Colter and his book “Waylon” on this episode of NPT’s original literary series A Word on Words with John Seigenthaler. Part 1 of 2, this interview, pulled from NPT's archives, was originally filmed in 1996.
► Watch Part 2 of Waylon Jennings interview: • Waylon Jennings Interv...
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In Nashville Public Television’s A Word on Words, renowned journalist John Seigenthaler held in-depth and informed discussions with writers, historians and others. Guests over the series’ 40-year run (1972 to 2013) is impressive and includes Ann Patchett, Billy Collins, Rep. John Lewis, astronaut Alan Shepard and Rodney Crowell.
The show’s host may have been its most fascinating subject, however. John Seigenthaler served as editor of The Tennessean, founding editor of USA Today, assistant to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and chair of the selection committee for the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award. He was a passionate advocate of the First Amendment and founded the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University in 1991.
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▬▬ Chapters ▬▬
00:00 - A Word on Words Intro
00:23 - Introduction of Waylon Jennings' Book Waylon
02:20 - Importance of Education
04:45 - Childhood
06:52 - Early Role Model
11:04 - Roots in Music
14:22 - Single Minded Purpose, Birth of Outlaw Movement
17:55 - Early Music Carrier, Willie Nelson
20:44 - Marriages
25:17: - Marriage to Jessi Colter
27:17 - A Word on Words Credits
#waylonjennings #countrymusic #outlaws

[@pedenmk]

Ahh Waylon Jennings. Here's one man I've listened to most my life. I remember my mother listening to Waylon and after she passed I cleaned out her belongings and in her desk drawer was Waylons obituary. She had cut the article out of the Indianapolis stat NEWS. I remember how saddened she was at his passing. Rest in peace MR Jennings I hope you made it to the good Lord in the next life. Great program gentlemen thank you.

[@wnpt]

Thank you for sharing that story! We are so happy to bring these stories out of our archives for people to enjoy again and revive memories like this.

[@ciaranpeadar8168]

@@wnpt @2@@22@@22@22

[@pierredelange4077]

Waylon Jennings. The real deal. Period.

[@Rip_in_son]

youd never think waylon was a massive star hes so humble

[@toddberner9198]

Some of the longest lived acts are usually the most humble......some of the instantly famous ones get hung up on themselves

[@mags5459]

What a genuine legend. Never will be another one like him🤠🇺🇸

[@suewalker3600]

Feel sorry for whomever gave thumbs down.That shows they have no idea what a country music legend is. And are losing out on the greatest country legend that ever lived. RIP Waylon your are loved and always will be. In January 2021

[@solomonstrain2358]

would u really care if they give thumbs down as long as u and me give the thumbs up it dont matter the world will always have horrible negative people

[@suewalker3600]

@@solomonstrain2358 Just because I made the comment does not mean I care. I don't care.just feel sorry for anyone who wouldn't know awesome country music or it's legend if they were slapped in the face with it. Thanks for your respond

[@solomonstrain2358]

aye that's true I dont look at negative texts go to the present one they get u through the day better that's the way I see it bright side out and the dull side in 😀👍

[@solomonstrain2358]

plesent I ment

[@fishhuntadventure]

Anytime someone says the greatest ever it diminishes the person they’re referring to. Because they are much greater in the company of the other incomparables in their field

[@waylonobsessed]

I just got a degree at 56, and I totally agree with Waylon. Anyone who understands algebra ought to be in a treatment center

[@garrenwhitehurst8972]

I’m 18 and dropped out at 16 but I’m going back as well, tired of feeling like less.

[@chrisstonewarth1263]

@@garrenwhitehurst8972 Yes, do that...No matter what it Takes!

[@rangerannie5636]

I dropped out at 15. 2 years later the truant officer gave me my choice of continuation school or juvie. I chose continuation, lol. I went to classes in the morning and worked at a diner afternoons and evenings. I was married at 18 and divorced at 23. My mom talked me into going back to school at the local community college and I'm glad she did. That's where I met the professor who was finally able to help me understand algebra. It took 10 years going part time, but I finally earned my degree. It's never too late.

[@Slinger43]

@@garrenwhitehurst8972 💪😏👉YOU

[@Slinger43]

I'm 60 & My beautiful 57yr old Wife just earned two degree's, after leaving HS at 16 & gaining her G.E.D immediately, I'm so proud of her I'm just about to burst, hell I don't even know you, but I'm proud of ya, great job! 💪😎👍

[@fattymagee7937]

Living legends are a dying breed and we don’t have may left miss ya Hoss

[@stevehera8440]

Man I was laughing and loving every story he told!

[@richpaydirt]

I was raised on rock music in the 70’s. Waylon is the reason I even gave country a listen and branched out to “outlaw” music. Love that guy! I have every recording of his that I know to exist.

[@amandacaunt6516]

What a beautiful person he was but he is still with us with his music love him

[@wearystranger-2]

Waylon never claimed to be a perfect person he was honest to his core and he said exactly what was on his mind I Loved his music and his straight forward honesty he is truly one of the best legends of our time I will always be a fan because Waylon earned the respect he demanded I could listen to him tell his story's forever he was never boring If you don't like country music it's because you've had an easy life People like Waylon actually lived the music he sang about today's generation have never worked hard or struggled like country folks did in the 30s 40s 50s It's just too bad that the Waylon's of our world get old and pass away

[@bold58]

One of a kind ! People like him come along once in a generation.

[@joshuacareins4002]

I could listen to Waylon all day.

[@rexoates3353]

His brother James drove me all over Littlefield and showed me where they played, worked and lived.

[@rexoates4484]

To really understand Waylon, you have to go back to his roots in poverty in west Texas cotton fields with music being his escape from hopelessness. His brother James drove me around Littlefield and shared so many things. He’s a legend and always will be.

[@wnpt]

Absolutely, how they grew “high cotton.” That’s amazing about his brother James driving you around. No telling all the stories you heard.

[@gracieg7601]

Oh my gosh. I love Waylon. My husband looked like him so much. I love waylon music and my husbAnd did too. He used to wear a hat like waylon had. Dress like some of the things waylon wore. Anyway I miss my husband I lost him to cancer in 2001. So seeing waylon is good for me.

[@lamanley]

You told my story, Gracie. The date for my husband and me was April 5/2012. I know how this scenario plays out. So you and I both know how Waylon can be the backdrop, the theme forever in the memory-- the framework around the story of a marriage. All the music plays along with the story of my life, and I am truly grateful.

[@nathanmaaka4699]

Waylon Jennings was undoubtedly a fabulous talent and a fabulous honesty with a voice that could make a phone book sound good and if higher education was a fault it was infinitesimal in comparison to his fabulous ability to entertain with one of the greatest male voices in the music industry!

[@liquidblackrain8148]

Waylon plays non stop in my house your spirit is with us every day

[@aprilstafford1041]

Waylon Jennings's sterness shows exactly how we've become so docile.

[@dennisholst4322]

Hit something their

[@eamonngaynor5762]

What a down to earth man he may not have come from wealth and privalage but the riches was in his voice and his songwriting ability which proves that you don't have to come from a wealthy parents to make it big RIP legend

[@rexoates4484]

His guitar playing also. He sounded like nobody else, and nobody else sounded like him. He stands on his own.

[@eamonngaynor5762]

@@rexoates4484 looks like you and I are on the same page rex he was excellent and badly missed

[@midnightalley4586]

He is like the Carroll Shelby of country music. I could listen to Mr. Jennings talk all day

[@alwayssme]

loved seeing this interview , waylon is missed today thats for sure

[@A-Aron118]

2.3k likes? That's sad for all these people that say Waylon is the king of outlaw Country. He had a very interesting, entertaining life, was a man amongst men. Deep rooted with moral integrity and conflicted with bad decisions. Waylon is my hero. I love his music and might even like his persona more.

[@musicfanhawk4523]

Waylon sure looks good here! I just love listening to him talk, was a thrill every week on the Dukes of Hazzard!! Love his singing too!!! Handsome dude!! Miss him!!

[@aaronbyrne1671]

Waylon is a sir and a legend

[@sloppyjoe6243]

Waylon was the BEST! A way with words, down to earth, the kind of man you cant help but respect and want to hang out with.

[@1Whipperin]

It's a great book, I just finished it. You'll be glad you finished it too. Waylon's success showed us the importance of not being educated.

[@daneallan1320]

It's really amazing just how two different people, born in different generations, both grow up the same way, playing and honing the music in different cities. Like a rollercoaster, all the time. Then.... you grow up, if you're lucky....d.

[@dadnelson4008]

Not enough O's in cool for this man , nobody will ever come close, RIP Hoss , we all miss ya dearly

[@colleentamdiaz6832]

Waylon, I cant wait to get my hands on this book. Miss you i know you are flying with the Angels✌❤

[@lagunaflatstackle899]

Greatest of all time.

[@montygraham145]

My father's favorite. I grew up on his music. Lost dad and still struggle playing and singing Waylon songs

[@dekelanson5280]

I can't believe it's been almost 19 years since we lost him.

[@corneliadenninger5395]

The older you get...... Time flies!!!

[@yehudafinkelstein7504]

@@corneliadenninger5395 Truer words have never been spoken....

[@dylanwadja]

@@yehudafinkelstein7504 the words are killing me

[@gracieg7601]

I’ve found that the more education people have the less common sense people have. High school is at least a need. Especially now. I graduated but it wasn’t nothing to brag about. But I learned to use a computer business easy. I was very lucky. I was the highest paid in our IT Dept at the hospital besides our director. It was hard work but I loved it because I learned it so easy that it almost came natural to me. Our colleges are indoctrination centers now run by liberals than more crooked than a dogs hind leg. They learn to memorize stuff instead of it coming natural.

[@pageribe2399]

He's timeless - it will always seem as if he was here in this room just a few minutes ago.

[@mikebrewer7571]

What an artist what a man! Coolest of them all him and Johnny had the swagger.

[@jondixon1392]

If a man didnt want to raise a son and gave up on him BUT TOLD HIM TO LISTEN TO EVERY SINGLE WAYON SONG I BET HE TURN OUT ALLRITE

[@denniss2900]

I just like Waylon in a lot of ways. Not musically, just his stubbornness and speaking his truths. My mouth has gotten me in and out of a lot of stuff! Lol😂

[@michaelryan5450]

Waylon Jennings The Man The Myth The Legend

[@gracieg7601]

He’s awesome. I love waylon. He is so cute with Jessie.

[@ginomurdock3435]

I Miss that TEXAS outlaw, I'm so proud to have grown up in Texas.

[@vickiemcgeary5527]

❤ Priceless Waylon R.I.P ❤❤❤❤

[@mfi-cf7sp]

4:10 😂😂😂 I love his humor too

[@clairebunt5887]

Love waylon and his music him and Buddy Holly were really close ❤❤❤❤🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

[@999111zxc]

I read this book when I was in Afghanistan. Great read.

[@7550375503]

Waylon - what a sweetheart.

[@bennygee3067]

Til he stole Billy Joe Shavers songs..

[@deathtollz4095]

@@bennygee3067 he wrote his fair amount of songs as well, actually most of them and most of them were #1 hits

[@deathtollz4095]

@@bennygee3067 Waylon is a legend

[@gracieg7601]

I love that he recognized Elvis talent.

[@gracieg7601]

@@bennygee3067 I don’t know what songs he stole of Shavers song. I’m not being nasty I really don’t know.

[@suewalker3600]

Waylon said his main problem is keeping his mouth shut. I can relate to that. Lol

[@carolbergh379]

God bless his honesty, wow, I can understand perfectly

[@adamcoffman3412]

HOSS WILL ALWAYS BE BOSS. R.I.P WAYMORE . NEVER BE ANOTHER

[@tp8030]

I was the same way. I didn't like to be told what to do, by anyone and it got me into trouble.

[@ridvanrideon]

Awesome interview, thanks for this upload.

[@johnnycash3006]

Hell yeah Waylon Jennings David Allan coe Merle Haggard Hank Williams Jr hey don't forget about Willie Nelson love listening to them all

[@williamhall7349]

Don't forget Johnny Paycheck and Jones

[@markmoscatello9461]

WOW. I've never seen this. I have the book. Bought in Ernest Tubbs store. Along with a signed Johnny Cash Autograph. Waylon died 2 1/2 years before that pilgrimage.

[@karenreardon5398]

Indeed, "Anyone who understands algebra ought to be in a treatment center'" Truer words were never spoken.❤😊

[@bryankelley3193]

I'm reading this right now!!

[@TheLbeeler]

One of my Hero's!

[@Bruningable]

Fantastic!

[@theTurboCowboy95]

I live in lubbock ive worked around Littlefield been to the museum at the gas station and I used to work in hobbs nm where his dad broke his back ive always loved Waylon listened to him for years but damn I didn't know he had a book I know what im doing now lol

[@rexoates3353]

I made two welcome signs that look like Waylon’s guitars and they are in the museum in Littlefield, along with the autographed tour book I had. I preferred others getting to see it rather than it sitting in the safe. His brother James is fun to talk to.

[@HondoSauce]

I’d love to interview Billy Holly about his time with Waylon

[@cliffbooth3157]

Waylon was so cool man

[@jimwilson9371]

My hero

[@mfi-cf7sp]

Waylon is so humble, kind and he is smarter than he thinks he is but he wasn’t given the best life.. he created it for his wife and son though

[@EddieTerrell-zb3tx]

King Waylon

[@daveswita5483]

Just a great show 10-4 and a great artis i grew up hard to

[@toploadtele]

5-Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@lindahayes3901]

Waylon is my spirit animal. Lol

[@joshuacareins4002]

Cool dude

[@Newton14alan]

Waylon on his ex-wife, Maxine -- "[We did things] to make each other mad...And we did that very well."...LOL!

[@rexoates4484]

I’m writing songs about guy or girl “doing me wrong” and Waylon is my inspiration for writing.

[@gracieg7601]

@@rexoates4484 that’s great.

[@rexoates4484]

@@gracieg7601 Waylon said in his book “if you get too serious about it, it becomes work”. That’s my main approach to it.

[@MelchizedekKohen]

I can relate with waylon on that one lol

[@tommymann69]

I got to see waylon Jennings and Jesse colter at JUDGE ROY BEAN DAPHNE ALABAMA NOW THIS WAS A GREAT CONCERT.

[@BillySinnz]

I feel the same way about algebra LOL

[@christineadams1284]

🎯🎯

[@grant_-chester4617]

Waylon Jennings......... Need I say more?

[@tkinney80]

I'm educated with a Masters Degree and I in no way think I'm smarter than or more educated than Waylon was. He was a very smart man and educated in a different way. He didn't accomplish what he did by being a fool that's for sure.

[@monasandin762]

Love me some Waylon

[@gracieg7601]

Me too.

[@johndalessandro6433]

I grew up low income I guess you can say, in a blue collar town. My step - dad grew up alot like Waylon,except his Dad either jumped or was thrown off a bridge when he was young. He was so poor, that they stole clothes off the clothesline of other poor, and the ones they stole off of felt too bad for them to call the cops. He also is a dang hard worker, quit school, and didn't like being told what to do. Is it called being non conformist? He doesn't wish to do no one harm, just wants left alone to do what he needs to keep the food on the table. My Step Dad as a young teenager went to a place for young boys who get in trouble with the law. The sent him to a farm. It's where he got his work ethic. When it was time to go home, he wanted to stay. He had his own bed and 3 square meals a day. As an adult, he had a few labor jobs and then got a,dump truck and started hauling scrap metal and doing demolition, mostly with hand tools. After I got out of the navy, I worked for him doing demolition, nasty job but some of the best times of my life. My step dad was also VERY STRONG. "Farm boy" strength. Even the toughest guys in my town , and there was alot, said the one man they didn't wanna mess with was him.

[@krispeterson1021]

Was a damn good book

[@eclecticmusica]

Texan - through and through. Ironic this has to be on Nashville pubic television. :-)

[@ramtom9882]

I was thinking that. Suspicious even. But glad I pressed the play button.

[@gracieg7601]

I GOTTA GET THIS BOOK! I can’t imagine marrying waylon and trying to get him out of music? Are you kiddivg ? Jessie was perfect for him cause she knows the music business.

[@jeffbarnett7704]

Ii can tell you now get the book it was the best thing I have ever read.

[@pageribe2399]

@@jeffbarnett7704 I thoroughly enjoyed his book, too. Terry's (his eldest son) book and Jessi's, too, are interesting, as well.

[@jameslockard6956]

Where does it go? Good Lord only knows. 😳 Seems like it was just yesterday, I was down at Green Gables, just a honkin' them tables, and generally blowing all my hard earned pay. Piano rolled blues, I danced holes in my shoes. Weren't no other way to be. With them no account loosers, no account boozers, and Honky-tonk Heroes like me.🤠💯💣💢💥🕺

[@richaveritt7297]

Did Art Bell interview Wayon Jennings?

[@mattbradbury6748]

I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going crazy.

[@christineadams1284]

It kept him from going Insane. Not crazy, twice.

[@mattbradbury6748]

@@christineadams1284 whoops!!!

[@waynewilliams5802]

What year was this?

[@KD_1989]

I too went and got my ged to learn how to communicate with executives with Harvard business degrees lol

[@Rocky0021]

Can anyone tell me what year this interview took place... Thank you !

[@gurunjonasdottir8863]

Must be around 1996. He said that his son was 17 years at the time of the interview and Shooter is born in 1979.

[@mattm597]

American original!! National treasure lost!!

[@kathrynmanion5876]

Thing one and Thing two .

[@susanbrogan3267]

The thing is.

[@kathrynmanion5876]

Got buried with flames.

[@jenniferbrasuell5060]

Hootananneys..its a cultural thang

[@kathrynmanion5876]

My daughter Kaylynn Christine Taylor and I lived but my 12 day old baby girl Patience Albrie Brown Luciano Lattonzio is in Heaven.

[@MelchizedekKohen]

what's the best book about waylon folks?

[@pageribe2399]

Waylon's the best source for anything having to do with his family or his own life!

[@kathrynmanion5876]

Love Kitty.

[@terryreed4838]

"This is not a dress rehearsal..We are professionals..and this is the big time..

[@waylonjennings2521]

Hi, prettyface, i know this is like a dream to you.Thank you for being a fan

[@terryreed4838]

@@waylonjennings2521 ..Yes it is a surprise since you are dead.. Why do you fake people dishonor Waylon's memory?????

[@-Hooman-]

Rip

[@rusedorange]

When was this recorded?

[@lagunaflatstackle899]

1996

[@Mstl1099]

Anyone know what year this was?

[@integritytransport9332]

I'm gonna guess 96, 97....the autobiography was released in 96.

[@marcspardello1254]

Damn good autobiography, it is audible too

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

He mentions his son Shooter is 17, Shooter was born is May 19th 1979. So after May 19th 1996.

[@gracieg7601]

Well he said he’s married to Jessie so it was after he married her.

[@Peakabike]

@@buckodonnghaile4309 Well spotted, says that at 3:23

[@kathrynmanion5876]

I used to drink burban around 3 years old.

[@jamesalley4061]

My grandpa was just as poor

[@roadready5]

recorded "96"

[@leysmed]

Thanks...I was wondering when this tape was made.

[@kathrynmanion5876]

They buried me so properly.

[@kathrynmanion5876]

Lattonzio was my Husband's last name that's how I learned martial arts smashing mirrors like glitter with the clown and joker.

[@kathrynmanion5876]

No I just have a lot of u tube videos

[@Framlife351]

Can anyone say if his necklace is a huelga bird?

[@conorkennedy3304]

Waylon Jennings is the reason I bother to listen to music

[@James-ut8fh]

I ain't quite that poor but I work 6 days a week and I have no furniture and I work hard now so I won't have to forever