Whey Jennings is a country singer who has a voice as big as Texas and a family full of country music royalty. His grandfather is the legendary Waylon Jennings, one of the pioneers of the outlaw country movement, and his grandmother is Jessi Colter, one of the few female artists who emerged from the same genre. In this article, we will explore how Whey Jennings is related to Waylon, and how he carries on his musical heritage.
The Grandson of Outlaws
Whey Jennings is the oldest son of Katherine and Terry Jennings, who are the daughter and son of Jessi Colter and Waylon Jennings, respectively. Whey was born in 1981, and grew up surrounded by music. He recalls that his grandfather Waylon would always have a guitar in his hands, and that he would sing to him and teach him songs. Whey also remembers that his grandmother Jessi would play the piano and sing with him, and that she was very supportive of his musical aspirations.
Whey’s first time on stage was when he was just a boy, at one of his grandfather’s shows. Jessi Colter had left a microphone on a chair backstage after performing “Storms Never Last”, and young Whey picked it up and walked out onto the stage. He started singing “Mamma’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”, and Waylon joined him on guitar. The crowd went wild, and Whey fell in love with performing.
Waylon Jennings was a legendary singer, songwriter, and country musician who rose to fame in the 1970s as part of the outlaw country movement. He rebelled against the Nashville sound and created his own style of music that was raw, honest, and influenced by rock and roll. He had numerous hits, such as “Luckenbach, Texas”, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”, and “Good Hearted Woman”. He also collaborated with other artists, such as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
Jessi Colter was one of the few female artists who emerged from the outlaw country movement. She met Waylon Jennings in 1969, and they married in 1970. She released her first solo album in 1970, and had a breakthrough hit in 1975 with “I’m Not Lisa”. She also recorded duets with Waylon, such as “Suspicious Minds” and “Storms Never Last”. She was known for her soulful voice and her blend of country, pop, and gospel.
The Son of Rebels
Whey Jennings inherited his musical talent from both sides of his family. His father Terry Jennings was also a singer and songwriter who performed with his father Waylon on several occasions. Terry also wrote a memoir about his life with Waylon, called “Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad”. Terry passed away in 2019 at the age of 62.
Whey’s mother Katherine was also a singer who recorded an album with her mother Jessi Colter in 1981, called “Rockin’ Country”. Katherine later became a nurse and moved to Arizona with her children. She encouraged Whey to pursue his passion for music and supported him throughout his career.
The Singer of Honesty
Whey Jennings followed his family’s footsteps and became a country singer himself. He started performing at local bars and clubs when he was 18, and later formed a band called Whey Jennings and The Unwanted. He describes his music as “real country”, influenced by his grandfather Waylon, as well as other artists like Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr., and David Allan Coe.
Whey has released several albums and singles, such as “Gypsy Soul”, “Shine On Me”, “Bad At Being Good”, and “This Town Ain’t Big Enough”. He has also toured across the country and performed at various festivals and events. He says that he sings from his heart and tries to be honest with his audience.
Whey Jennings is proud of his family legacy, but he also wants to make his own mark in the music industry. He says that he is not trying to be like his grandfather Waylon, but rather to honor him by keeping his spirit alive. He says that he hopes to inspire people with his music, just like his grandfather did.
