Waylon Jennings' journey through life has been a theme of his music and his ups and downs.  Waylon worked in radio as a DJ, performed on various country radio shows.  His big break came when he was tapped by Buddy Holly to play bass in Holly's new band on a tour through the Midwest in late 1958 and early 1959.

In an often told tale, Jennings gave up his airplane seat to the Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson, for an ill fated flight that would claim the lives of Buddy Holly, the Bopper, and singer Ritchie Valens.  Jennings felt responsible, because his last words to Holly had been the joking refrain, "I hope your ole plane crashes," that was in response to Holly's remark," I hope your damned bus freezes up again."  It took Jennings years to regain some career equilibrium.

During the 1970's, Jennings joined the Outlaw Country Movement.  He released several critically acclaimed albums.  By the early 1980's, Jennings was struggling with a cocaine addiction.  Jennings joined the country super group, "The Highwaymen," with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash.

Jennings was married four times and has six children.  On October 26, 1969 he married Jessi Colter.  Colter and Jennings had a son, Shooter Jennings born May 19, 1979.  On February 13, 2002, Jennings died in his sleep.

Sunday April 29th at 11:00 AM, for a longer version of the Country Classic Spotlight, featuring the life and music of Waylon Jennings.  It's a segment of the Country Classic Show from 9 AM to 1 PM on 98.1 FM 98 Country.

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