If you are a fan of country rap, you might have wondered about the relationship between two prominent artists in the genre: Shooter Jennings and Struggle Jennings. Are they brothers, cousins, or just share a common surname? In this article, we will explore the family ties of these two musicians and how they are connected to some of the legends of country music.
Contents
Who is Shooter Jennings?
Shooter Jennings is the son of country singers Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 19, 1979, and grew up surrounded by music legends like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. He started playing drums at age 5, piano at age 8, and guitar at age 14. He also recorded an album with his father when he was 17, but it was not released until 2014.
Shooter Jennings moved to Los Angeles in 2001 and formed a rock band called Stargunn. He later pursued a solo career as a country rock singer and songwriter. He has released eight studio albums, including Put the “O” Back in Country (2005), Electric Rodeo (2006), The Wolf (2007), Black Ribbons (2009), Family Man (2012), The Other Life (2013), Countach (For Giorgio) (2016), and Shooter (2018). He has also produced albums for other artists like Jamey Johnson, Wanda Jackson, Marilyn Manson, and Tanya Tucker.
Who is Struggle Jennings?
Struggle Jennings is the nephew of Shooter Jennings and the grandson of Jessi Colter and instrumental rock guitarist Duane Eddy. His real name is William Harness Jr. and he was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 31, 1980. He adopted his stage name from his uncle Shooter.
Struggle Jennings started rapping in 2013 and released his debut album I Am Struggle. He was incarcerated on drug-related charges in 2011 and spent five years in prison. After his release in 2016, he resumed his music career and signed with Yelawolf’s label Slumerican. He has collaborated with Jelly Roll on a series of albums titled Waylon & Willie, paying homage to his step-grandfather Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. He has also released solo albums like The Widow’s Son (2019), Angels & Outlaws (2019), Troubadour of Troubled Souls (2021), and Outlaw Shit (2021) with Adam Calhoun.
Shooter Jennings and Struggle Jennings are first cousins once removed. Their mothers are sisters. Shooter’s mother is Jessi Colter, who was married to Waylon Jennings from 1969 until his death in 2002. Struggle’s mother is Jenni Eddy Jennings, who is also a singer and songwriter. She is the daughter of Jessi Colter and her first husband, guitarist Duane Eddy.
Shooter Jennings and Struggle Jennings share a love for music and a respect for their family legacy. They have both been influenced by their grandfather Waylon Jennings, who was one of the pioneers of the outlaw country movement in the 1970s. They have also collaborated on some songs together, such as “Outlaw You” and “Wild & Free”.
