Waylon Jennings‘s status as an outlaw musician was about far more than just the music. It was a way of life, an attitude, and a convicted set of beliefs he held with him until the day he died. What this resulted in was Jennings doing exactly what Jennings wanted to do at all times. Not selfishly, usually, but in a way that upheld his integrity and image.
Videos by American Songwriter
Jennings wasn’t some kind of diva, either. Rather, the man just practiced what he preached. This loyalty he had to himself led to a subversion of Nashville’s commercial scene and moments that have gone down in country music history due to their rebelliousness. Here are three of those moments that prove Waylon Jennings just didn’t care to appease anyone but himself!
Walking Out of the “We Are the World” Recording Session
In 1985, musicians flocked from every corner of the music industry to record the “We Are The World” benefit song for Ethiopia with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Surprisingly, Waylon Jennings agreed to participate. However, his participation did not last very long, given that this song did not seemingly support his style in any way, shape, or form.
When songwriters Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder suggested that musicians sing a line in Swahili, Jennings simply stated: “No good old boy sings in Swahili.”
This isn’t surprising, as Jennings was not one to succumb to the wishes of others. This event is definitely dicey and controversial, and it cast quite a negative light on Jennings and country music. Though, Jennings himself was dicey and controversial, so the moment is pretty on par with his personality.
His Angsty Comments About France
In the documentary American Revolutions: The Highway Men, there is an iconic scene between Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. When Kristofferson brings up the country of France and places it in a good light, Jennings simply replies: “P*ss on ’em.”
That moment proved yet again that the brash Jennings had the gall to say anything that came to his mind. His judgment didn’t stop there, either.
“How in the name of God can anyone hate France?” said Kristofferson. “They got beautiful women and they got wine and four hundred different kinds of cheese.”
Jennings took a comedic pause and said: “Yeah, so does Fort Worth [Texas].”
This moment has surely been met with both scrutiny and humor. Regardless, it shows what we’re trying to say: Jennings didn’t care about what people thought of him at all.
All the Other Times He Walked Out During Performances, Interviews, Television Appearances, Etc.
The sheer number of times Jennings has walked out on numerous notable television performances, recording sessions, and awards shows is pretty wild. “We Are The World” got its own spot given its relevancy outside of country music. However, this section’s moments mainly pertain to country music.
In addition to walking out of the “We Are The World” session, Jennings also defiantly left the Tom Snyder Show, the 1970 and 1975 CMA Awards Show, and walked out on his contract negotiation with Chet Atkins. Which, through some weird negotiation tactic, Waylon Jennings was able to squeeze $25,000 out of Atkins after he left the negotiations to use the bathroom. That probably wouldn’t work for anyone else except The Hoss.
Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.