|
Commentary: the Death of the Balladeer (Waylon Jennings)
By: Brandon Owens - U-WIRE
February 16th 2002 12:40am
(U-WIRE) TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Waylon Jennings died on Wednesday and no one seemed to notice. It was apparent from the time that I found out that the new country music establishment could care less that a legend had passed away. I tuned into both CMT (Country Music Television) and GAC (Great American Country) with no success in finding out anything about the legendary country music singer. I guess the reason I felt it was such an important occasion is the impact his voice had on me growing up. If you ever watched "The Dukes of Hazzard," you know he played the character known in the credits as the Balladeer. His voice told the story of the Duke Boys as they were trying to outwit Boss Hogg. That was one of my favorite shows growing up, and his song during the opening scene will play over and over in my head. However, in Nashville, you will not hear much about his passing. They are too concerned these days about the "new country music." This new style does not lend much credit to Waylon Jennings as it does to Michael Jackson. Most modern-day country music singers wouldn't dare list him or his fellow country-western singers as influences in their current songs. You don't see many of the singers wearing cowboy hats or even singing about what it might have been like to be an outlaw. I guess we all know Nashville has definitely gone Hollywood when it comes to playing and promoting country music. But this column shouldn't be lashing out on the sad state of country music. It is, after all, about Waylon Jennings. That said, we shouldn't mourn his passing but instead celebrate his life. He did, after all, live sort of a charmed life. Waylon's career started in the 1950s as a bassist for Buddy Holly's band. He and Holly grew up in the town of Lubbock, Texas. He missed the fateful flight that claimed Holly's life when he gave up his seat on the plane for a sick fellow band member who wanted to take the plane instead of the bus. This twist of fate seemed to start Jennings' career though. He founded his own band, The Waylors, and hit the road. Finally, in 1965, he was able to score his first country music hit, "Stop the World (And Let Me Get Off)." After that, Jennings became a mainstay on country music's charts throughout the 1960s and 70s. Probably his most memorable song was "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys," for which he won a Grammy with fellow outlaw musician Willie Nelson. In 1985, he formed a super group with Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson and released a No.1 album under the name The Highwaymen. That group went on to release three albums. I think what he should most be remembered for, however, was his uncompromising nature on what meant the most to him. He often complained about awards shows, and refused to attend because he did not believe musicians should compete against each other. He personally snubbed the Grand Ole Opry because he felt drums should be allowed inside the legendary music hall. Eventually, Jennings won out on that one as drums were eventually allowed. He even declined to show up when the Country Music Hall of Fame honored him in 2000. He decided to send his son, Shooter, in his place to accept the honor. His refusal to compromise is something that is to be admired. While country music was changing, he refused to go along. I will always remember him, however, as the voice that told us how the Duke Boys once again got away. And that song will play forever in my mind as only Waylon could have played it, for Waylon was just a good ole' boy.
(C) 2002 The Crimson White via U-WIRE
| 
