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Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad Paperback – May 9, 2017

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 543 ratings

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"This book is a terrific tribute, from a son to his father."---Willie Nelson

"I'm so excited about Terry's new book."---
Dolly Parton

From the Foreword by Ken Mansfield

"There are many stories about Waylon . . . the family man, the creative genius man, the quiet man, the king-of-the-six-day-roar-man, the uncommon man, the legendary man, the bad-ass man . . . they are all in this book."


In a signed copy of his autobiography, Texas-born country "Outlaw" icon Waylon Jennings penned a personal note to his son Terry: "I did my best. Now it's your turn." Two decades later, Terry Jennings finally completes the true story of his father's remarkable, unvarnished life with
Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad.

Born when Waylon was only nineteen, Terry came of age just as Waylon's career hit the stratosphere with hits like "I've Always Been Crazy" and "Good Hearted Woman," one of his famous Willie Nelson duets. Terry dropped out of high school and joined his dad on tour, and the two became more like brothers than father and son. On the road, they toured with legends like Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Jessi Colter, Waylon's fourth and final wife. Together father and son led a hard-partying lifestyle centered around music, women, and drugs.

Waylon's success--critical acclaim, bestselling albums, sold-out tours, and even TV stardom on
The Dukes of Hazzard--was at times eclipsed by his demons, three divorces, crippling debt, and a depression that Terry traces to the premature death of Buddy Holly. (Waylon was supposed to be on Holly and Ritchie Valens's doomed flight.) Through it all, Terry worked on the touring crew, helped manage Waylon's career, and became one of his father's closest confidantes. Debunking myths and sharing incredible never-before-told stories, this book is a son's loving and strikingly honest portrait of his father, "the greatest Outlaw country musician to grace this earth" and an unlikely but devoted family man. Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad will resonate for generations of fans.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad is a quick, fun read that offers the reader an intimate look inside a world that doesn't exist anymore."―VICE

"In his revealing new book, Waylon Jennings' son Terry discusses his father's legacy and what he really thought of the 'outlaw country' movement."―
Wide Open Country

"[A] tender but lucid memoir that doesn't sugarcoat Waylon's raucous life"―
Garden & Gun

"Waylon Jennings and I first met in the mid '60s backstage at JD's in Phoenix. We would go on to record duets, write songs, cut records and tour together for over three decades. We had our differences, but our friendship always endured. I considered Waylon one of my best friends. Packed with funny, insightful tales of life on the road, this book is a terrific tribute, from a son to his father. A father who happens to be one of Texas and Nashville's greatest musicians. Every country music fan, Outlaw or otherwise, should have it on their shelf."―
Willie Nelson

"I'm so excited about Terry's new book. Waylon Jennings has always been one of my favorite singers of all time. I loved his voice. He was completely different from anybody else. And I always wanted to either do a whole album with him or at least a duet song; but I never got the chance. That will always be one of my great regrets. Waylon was a wonderful human being as well. He reminded me very much of my own people in his tenderness, kindness, his understanding and his personality. I think of him often."―
Dolly Parton

"I've played country music my whole life, and it's the evolutions (sometimes revolutions) that have ensured that it stays ever changing, ever growing, and constantly relevant. When I first heard Waylon sing the opening verse of 'Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way' it was like a mini sermon. It's also the first country song I played for my wife, and she was hooked immediately. As his son Terry wonderfully captures in this book, Waylon was an outsider trying to figure out how to be in a town like Nashville and stay true to his music and who he is. And, boy, can I relate to that. Waylon had a power, a gravitas to his music that hit me in a religious way. It was music where I could smell the beer soaked carpet, see the neon, feel the stomping and sliding of boots on hardwood floors, and almost taste the air thick with smoke, sex and whiskey. It's authentic, it's raw, and it's unapologetic in every way...and for a kid growing up on the other side of the world who never got to see Waylon 'live' or meet him, I feel like I've done both. God bless you Waylon ... and please know I'm taking great care of your leather-bound 1950 Broadcaster."―
Keith Urban

About the Author

Terry Jennings is the CEO and founder of Korban Music Group LLC, a full service management, consulting, and publishing company. Well known for his varied experience at all levels of the music industry, Terry was introduced to the business at an early age through his work as production manager for his father, Waylon Jennings. He has also worked for booking agencies, publishing companies, and as a talent scout for major label companies, including RCA Records. He lives near Waco, Texas.

David Thomas is author/writer of ten books, including the New York Times bestsellers Wrestling for My Life with WWE legend Shawn Michaels and Foxcatcher -- the story that inspired the Oscar-nominated film -- with Olympic gold medal-winner Mark Schultz. He lives near Fort Worth, Texas.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Da Capo; Reprint edition (May 9, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316390100
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316390101
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 1 year and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.75 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 543 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
543 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an entertaining and informative read that provides insightful details about a country legend. They appreciate the well-written, easy-to-follow narrative that captures their interest from start to finish. The story is described as heartfelt and wonderful, with good stories about Waylon Jennings that readers may or may not have known about. Readers praise the honest portrayal of his father's life and character development. Overall, they describe the book as a raw, clear-eyed portrait of a great singer.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

92 customers mention "Readability"87 positive5 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining. They say it's a must-read for country fans and fathers.

"...I have been thoroughly impressed with this book, from start right through and despite (or possibly even, maybe, BECAUSE of) all their "wild"..." Read more

"Good read" Read more

"...The content of the book is excellent, the narrative flows quite well and has a "no holds barred" honesty that really makes you understand/..." Read more

"...even if you've read Waylon's auto-bio, Terry Jennings' book is a worthy read because it comes though the eyes of a teen-young adult, which is a..." Read more

30 customers mention "Story quality"27 positive3 negative

Customers find the book insightful and informative. They appreciate the heartfelt tale and the no-holds-barred narrative style. The book provides a wonderful look into Waylon Jennings' life, with some funny stories.

"...The content of the book is excellent, the narrative flows quite well and has a "no holds barred" honesty that really makes you understand/..." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book and the many stories in it. I read Waylon's autobiography and this is a wonderful companion to it." Read more

"...It seems to me, the fullest, best story of Waylon Jennings is to be found in his own, excellent 1996 autobiography with Lenny Kaye ... or in a future..." Read more

"...Awesome explanation of the life and times of a country legend...a must have for any Waylon fan" Read more

29 customers mention "Insight"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and informative about the life of a country legend. They say it keeps their interest until the end with its heartwarming first-hand account of life on and off the road. The book draws them in from the first page and brings out different emotions during reading.

"...I read Waylon's autobiography and this is a wonderful companion to it." Read more

"...Jennings gets off to a good start by describing (simply but compellingly) the hard-scrabble early years of Waylon's life in Littlefield, Texas, and..." Read more

"...a nice guy and his admiration for his dad is admirable, sincere and heartfelt, but he's just out of his league relative to the true masters of music..." Read more

"It was a really good read (have read it twice) and gave some insights as someone looking on that were not in Waylon's autobiography...." Read more

22 customers mention "Writing quality"22 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the memoir. They find it well-written, honest, and an easy read. The book is written by someone who was there and enjoyed every word.

"Well written from a perspective only family could bring. Like being on the tour bus, you get all if it, the good and the bad." Read more

"...And it's written casually, an easy to read bio. If you haven't read it yet, you are missing a great part of our GREAT Waylon's life." Read more

"...I loved this book because it was written with unconditional love from a son to his unconventional father...." Read more

"...It's also reasonably well-written, with an accessible, conversational tone that keeps the reader interested at all times...." Read more

10 customers mention "Look"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's look. They find it a raw and honest portrayal of Waylon from his son's perspective. The story is described as unique and entertaining.

"...The book is a raw look at the man we only knew from the stage and although there are stories I wish I didn't know, not knowing them would be not..." Read more

"...Terry wrote a loving but clear-eyed portrait of a great, great singer who was also somewhat of a wild man...." Read more

"...A phenomenal story written from a unique perspective. It was a page-turner that I just could not put down! This has quickly become a favorite." Read more

"This is a very unique and entertaining read. As a member of the family, I have seen a lot, know a lot, but, I didn't have this perspective...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's portrayal of life with Terry Jennings' father. They appreciate the human side of his dad and the behind-the-scenes insight into an amazing person. The father-son dynamic is also appreciated, as the author shows a clear devotion to his dad.

"This book is a love story between a son and a dad. Waylon wasn't perfect but at the end of the day he was a good man...." Read more

"...Waylon was certainly an interesting character and I find him mesmerizing as a performer and just love his music...." Read more

"I'm a big fan of Waylon and loved the Father/Son dynamic of the book...." Read more

"...The relationship you had with your dad and how close your family is shows in the book. Glad to see your health has improved." Read more

9 customers mention "Honesty"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's candid account of personal experiences.

"For the author's heartfelt and candid account of his personal experiences, I would give the book something along the lines of a 3 and 1/2 starred..." Read more

"...sounds like a nice guy and his admiration for his dad is admirable, sincere and heartfelt, but he's just out of his league relative to the true..." Read more

"...It’s so intimate and so honest and you’ve the sense you too are along on the ride. Well done son...." Read more

"...Terry is honest and shared his faith found in Christ while bearing the deepest joys & pains of his life with his dad." Read more

6 customers mention "Humor"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor in the book amusing and entertaining. They say the scenes of naked girls on the beach are funny and relatable.

"...The part with the naked girls on the beach is hilarious . Waylon didn't go slow on anything . His vices, his music. He was a force of nature...." Read more

"Awesome. Terry Jennings tell all. Very funny parts, sad parts, a lots of emotions in reading this book. Mostly funny..." Read more

"Loved every word...brought me to laughter and tears many times. Well written book by Terry Jennings...." Read more

"I enjoyed the whole book nothing at all I didn't like. I laughed I cried and would recommend this book to one and all" Read more

Are you ready for the Country?
5 out of 5 stars
Are you ready for the Country?
I was introduced to Waylon Jennings by my uncles, they were some cool cats, used to take me and my brothers out fishing, and well I could write a book on that one.I grew up listening to Waylon loving every minute of it.I've always been curious about what happens on the road, what goes into productions like a traveling band.This book takes you on every side road and highway there was in the 70's through 2000.I enjoyed learning more about one of my heroes, and being a father, the relationship between a father and a son.Terry has done an outstanding job in delivering in both of these areas and so much more.This book is a must read for every real country fan and father out there, as Terry quoted Buffet" some of its magic, and some of its tragic, but I had a good life all the way"!Thank you Terry for showing us the inside of the Waylon machine, Godspeed brother!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2016
    Anybody looking for a new William Shakespeare might do well to avoid this, because they may be looking for some sort of highbrow account with flowery attributes scattered throughout.

    It seems to me that this book is EXACTLY what Terry Jennings says it is - the recollections of a young bloke who happened to be the son of an extraordinary individual with abundant talent - and a factual account at that - certainly from how HE saw that period of time. Waylon HIMSELF in interviews I had seen him in never excused himself from his actions earlier in his life.

    My take is that this is a terrific read and certainly gave me a lot more of an insight into a character (or characters) that was warts and all, larger than life. Waylon was no saint ............... nor, probably were too many of those who pursued life on the road (I have more than a little knowledge of that life, although in a totally different industry).

    Terry writes in plain speak and with the conviction of only one who was there could ..... and from HIS perspective. You cannot ask for more honesty than that as any more would be pure fabrication.

    I think any Waylon fans would recognise that for a long time he was ,...... going through a............. nervous ...........period (as were many artists of the day because of unrealistic schedules and so forth) and that .............. nervousness ...... didn't always bring out their better qualities. I would suggest that MOST of them paid the price and, honestly, I think so did Waylon.

    The fact that Terry hasn't been shy to call a spade a spade and not a bloody shovel speaks volumes of him.

    It probably speaks volumes for and of Waylon, too, because despite everything, neither he nor Terry whitewashed anything.

    I would suggest that very few of Waylon's fans had a whole lot of illusions about him! I think most of us recognised his weaknesses AS WELL AS his strengths. What this book does is it colours in between the outlines many of us already had.

    I have been thoroughly impressed with this book, from start right through and despite (or possibly even, maybe, BECAUSE of) all their "wild" times AND their paths to who they ended up being, I would have been proud to know the "finished product" of both these men and call them mates (and mateship means much to an old bush kanakas like me).

    YOU show me a person who did no wrong and I will show you an arrant liar ... sometimes (often) it is just a matter of degree. SOME of us have travelled down some corrugated dirt roads to the path we ended up upon, but without those rough roads, we may have been on an entirely different final road - one NOT so quality and not so qualified to adjudicate.

    To me this is EXACTLY what Terry indicated it would be - Tales Of His Outlaw Dad ... and, to me, it was and IS a bloody good read and surely filled in areas I previously either didn't know, as well as some that I had been gifted to know through communication with Terry and others.

    I would absolutely highly commend any Waylon fan purchase this - and I suggest anyone interested in that era of music in USA would do well to purchase and read this!

    I am sooo grateful that I will, in due course, be purchasing another - and maybe even the audio book thing!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
    Good read
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2016
    This is a great book. The quality of the cover, paper and binding are very good and the book is a good size and feels right in your hand with a good size print for my tired 58 year old eyes. The content of the book is excellent, the narrative flows quite well and has a "no holds barred" honesty that really makes you understand/relate to the life of Waylon. This is not just for people that are fans of Waylon Jennings. The story in and of itself is well worth the read and I would recommend to anyone that likes to read that they get a copy even if they don't even know who Waylon was. This book really left me wanting more though, I really hope Terry will share more of his life story! How about it Terry?
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2019
    Well written from a perspective only family could bring. Like being on the tour bus, you get all if it, the good and the bad.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2017
    Fabulous read for any Waylon Jennings or Jessi Colter (Waylon's wife and the author's step-mom) fan. Terry Jennings goes into detail about life on the road with his "outlaw" dad (some in more detail than I would like, such as Waylon's hotel antics, but other people eat that up so I can see why son Terry included it). What I wondered as I read was how this "road kid" with a famous father whose wild lifestyle was almost as famous as his music has become someone who gently promotes Christianity today. Maybe it was the influence of his famous mother, Jessi Colter, which Terry made clear in the book, he adored and still does. Anyway, even if you've read Waylon's auto-bio, Terry Jennings' book is a worthy read because it comes though the eyes of a teen-young adult, which is a whole different perspective. And it's written casually, an easy to read bio. If you haven't read it yet, you are missing a great part of our GREAT Waylon's life.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2019
    This is a son Terry Jennings, paying tribute to his Father of this earth, Waylon Jennings. If you love your Dad, if you loved Waylon, you will love this tribute. I understand the life he lived, because my Dad was a long distance truck driver. We have a special, some times difficult relationship with our Dads when they work on the road. My Dad was also my hero. This is a book about his HERO. This is a look into the life of a man who lived most kids dream, knowing your Dad as a friend. Yes, his life was different because he worked HARD for a living for his Dad. But he enjoyed the work and appreciates the blessing he was given. He acknowledges that he knows every adventure and mishap was a Blessing. Thank You for letting us see the life, the stumbles and the side of your Dad, through your eyes. I loved this book because it was written with unconditional love from a son to his unconventional father. I've read Waylon Jennings autobiography, Jessi Colter's book and now Terry's, I gotta say they're an honest bunch. I also am happy that Terry gave credit, where credit was due. God Bless You. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2022
    I really enjoyed this book and the many stories in it. I read Waylon's autobiography and this is a wonderful companion to it.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Pamela Ann Donaghey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Waylon by is oldest son.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2018
    This book is absolutely fantastic everything you wanted to know about Waylon written by his oldest son it’s well written and so funny in places.
  • Anne Pardue
    5.0 out of 5 stars Too bad Terry couldn't put some of the real stories in ...
    Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2016
    I book everyone should read. Too bad Terry couldn't put some of the real stories in there. I hope he does good and since I know him personally, I'll be seeing him on down the line. To all those who didn't live it, this is excellent reading and stories you would never hear or know about. You all will love it. As I loved Waylon, Julie and Terry!
  • Peter Kirberg
    5.0 out of 5 stars Neues Buch über Waylon Jennings
    Reviewed in Germany on September 4, 2016
    Als alter Waylon-Fan war ich sehr neugierig, dasWaylon unruhige Leben dieses Superstars aus der Sicht seines Sohnes und langjährigen Roadies zu erfahren. Viele seltene Fotos im Mittelteil.
  • jackie banham
    5.0 out of 5 stars so very pleased, well packed and I hope it will be ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2016
    Arrived earlier than I was expecting, so very pleased, well packed and I hope it will be a good read.
  • pat
    5.0 out of 5 stars To get the inside stories from Waylon's son is just brilliant. The very best country singer of all time ...
    Reviewed in Canada on May 12, 2016
    A must read. To get the inside stories from Waylon's son is just brilliant. The very best country singer of all time in the words of his son who was there. Read it, you won't be disappointed.