Waylon Jennings
Jan 3, 2011
Scatter Records and the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) are teaming up for the February 8th release of a star-studded tribute compilation honoring Country icon Waylon Jennings. The three volume album is called "The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated To Waylon Jennings."
It features re-recordings of Waylon songs by artists who have had either a personal or professional connection to Jennings, like Kris Kristofferson, Alabama, Jamey Johnson, Trace Adkins, Patty Griffin, Sunny Sweeney, Waylon's widow Jessi Colter, son Shooter Jennings and more. In addition, every performance on the compilation earned Jessi and Shooter's blessing.
"There have been several tribute albums made in my father's honor, all of which were great tributes to his legacy. But this one has been a true passion project for a lot of artists and friends who truly wanted to remember and give back to the wonderful man he was," says Shooter. "In the years since my dad passed away, I've grown as an artist and I feel this is the first time I've been able to give back truly to the man who inspired, influenced and nurtured me and my musical passion."
The idea for the project was spearheaded by Scatter Records founder Witt Stewart in 2007 while Stewart was visiting his hometown of Lubbock, Texas. Stewart recalled memories of Jennings and Buddy Holly, who would rehearse down the street from his own home, and Jennings' days as a local DJ on KLLL (K-Triple-L)/Lubbock. Stewart contacted Jessi Colter and from their first meeting, they began recording in Jessi's Arizona living room on August 20, 2007.
Alabama reunited to record what will be the first single from the CD, "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" for Volume 1. This is the first new recording from Alabama in a decade.
"What an opportunity for us to go back in the studio, play and record live like we used to, and pay tribute to a TRUE legend in music...not in country music...in music period," says Randy Owens of Alabama.
Fans can hear a preview of "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" and find out more about the compilation CD at www.WaylonJennings.com.
By: Mary Lynne O'Neal
