A prime source of one of country music's greatest, this closely-documented history follows the musical career of Waylon Jennings--from his early days as a member of Buddy Holly's group, The Crickets, through his sometimes combative relationship with the Nashville musical establishment and his emergence as a viable force in the country music scene, to his current status as a superstar. Popular music scholars and students as well as country music fans will find this a valuable source of information, not only on Jennings, but on the country music industry. In his foreword to this volume, Johnny Cash describes his friend as an American original.
A prime source for one of country music's greatest, this closely-documented history follows the musical career of Waylon Jennings--from his early days as a member of Buddy Holly's group, The Crickets, through his sometimes combative relationship with the Nashville musical establishment and his emergence as a viable force in the country music scene, to his current status as a superstar. Popular music scholars and students as well as country music fans will find this a valuable source of information, not only on Jennings, but on the country music industry. In his foreword to this volume, Johnny Cash describes his friend as an American original.
In addition to his relationship with the Holly organization (he gave up his seat on the plane that would crash shortly after take-off from Mason City, Iowa, in February 1959 killing Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson, The Big Bopper), the Sessions section shows Waylon's association with Willie Nelson, his partnership with Nelson, Cash, and Kris Kristofferson in forming the Highwaymen group, and his success in the rejuvenated country music world. Uncompromised, he continues to produce his own brand of Waylon Music. The Discography numbers 360 pages, including extensive Releases and Billboard Chart sections, making this a comprehensive reference work. Johnny Cash and Johnny Western both contributed forewords for their great friend and colleague.
About the Author: JOHN L. SMITH is retired after 30 years with AT&T. His interests include anthropology, with a specific focus on the culture of the Native Americans of the Plains, as well as the compilation of discographical listings of individual recording artists and record companies. He has compiled The Johnny Cash Discography (Greenwood 1985), The Johnny Cash Discography, 1984-1993 (Greenwood 1994), and The Johnny Cash Record Catalog (Greenwood 1994).
