Is Waylon Jennings related to Struggle Jennings? This is a question that many fans of country rap and outlaw country music have wondered about. The answer is yes, but not in the way you might think. Here is the truth behind the family ties of two generations of musicians who share a name, a style and a legacy.
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Who is Waylon Jennings?
Waylon Jennings was one of the most influential and popular figures in country music history. He was born in 1937 in Texas and started his musical career as a disc jockey and a bass player for Buddy Holly. He survived the plane crash that killed Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper in 1959, which haunted him for the rest of his life.
Jennings rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s as a leader of the outlaw country movement, which rebelled against the Nashville sound and the mainstream country industry. He recorded dozens of albums and hit songs, such as “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”, “Luckenbach, Texas”, “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” and “I’ve Always Been Crazy”. He also formed a legendary duo with Willie Nelson, known as Waylon & Willie, and was part of the supergroup The Highwaymen, along with Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.
Jennings was known for his distinctive voice, his rugged image, his creative control over his music and his outspokenness on social and political issues. He struggled with drug addiction, health problems and legal troubles throughout his career, but he never compromised his artistic vision or his integrity. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He died in 2002 at the age of 64 from complications of diabetes.
Who is Struggle Jennings?
Struggle Jennings is an American rapper from Nashville, Tennessee. He was born in 1980 as William Curtis Harness Jr. He is the grandson of instrumental rock guitarist Duane Eddy and country musician Jessi Colter, the step-grandson of Waylon Jennings, and the nephew of Shooter Jennings, from whom Harness adopted his stage name.
Struggle grew up in a tough environment and was exposed to drugs, violence and crime at an early age. He lost his father to a murder when he was 10 years old and later became involved in the drug trade himself. He was incarcerated on drug-related charges in 2011 and served five years in prison.
While in prison, Struggle turned to music as a way of coping and expressing himself. He released his debut album I Am Struggle in 2013, which featured guest appearances by Yelawolf, who signed him to his Slumerican label, and Shooter Jennings. After being released from prison in 2016, Struggle released several albums and EPs, such as Return of the Outlaw, The Widow’s Son, Angels & Outlaws and Troubadour of Troubled Souls. He also collaborated with longtime friend and rapper Jelly Roll on a series of albums titled Waylon & Willie, which pay homage to their musical heroes.
Struggle’s music blends country rap, outlaw country and Southern rock influences. He raps about his personal struggles, his redemption, his family and his faith. He has a loyal fan base that relates to his authentic and honest lyrics. He is also a devoted father of seven children, whom he regained custody of after overcoming his addiction.
Waylon Jennings and Struggle Jennings are related by marriage, not by blood. Struggle’s grandmother, Jessi Colter, was Waylon’s fourth and final wife. They married in 1969 and had one son, Shooter Jennings, who is Struggle’s uncle. Struggle never met his biological grandfather, Duane Eddy, who divorced Jessi in 1968.
Struggle grew up listening to Waylon’s music and admiring his legacy. He considers him as a grandfather figure and a mentor. He has also inherited some of Waylon’s musical traits, such as his rebellious spirit, his outlaw attitude and his storytelling skills.
Struggle has paid tribute to Waylon in many ways throughout his career. He has covered some of his songs, such as “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out Of Hand” and “Lonesome On’ry And Mean”. He has also sampled some of his vocals, such as on “Outlaw Shit” with Yelawolf. He has also named one of his sons Waylon after him.
Waylon’s influence on Struggle is evident not only in his music but also in his life. Struggle has faced many of the same challenges that Waylon did, such as addiction, incarceration and legal issues. He has also overcome them with the same courage and determination that Waylon did. He has also followed Waylon’s example of being a loving and supportive father to his children.
Waylon Jennings and Struggle Jennings are two generations of musicians who share a family bond and a musical vision. They are both rebels and outlaws who express their truth through their songs. They are both related by marriage, as Struggle is the step-grandson of Waylon.
Conclusion
Is Waylon Jennings related to Struggle Jennings? The answer is yes, but not in the way you might think. They are not blood relatives, but they are family by marriage. They are also musical soulmates who have inherited and honored each other’s legacy. They are both icons of outlaw country music who have inspired and touched millions of fans with their songs.
