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Ep514: Waylon's Lost Tapes - Shooter Continues the Jennings Legacy

Author
Nate Goyer, Record Collector, Music Fan, Vinyl Maniac
Published
Mon 25 Aug 2025
Episode Link
https://vinylguide.libsyn.com/ep514-waylons-lost-tapes-shooter-continues-the-jennings-legacy

Shooter Jennings reveals the story of hundreds of unreleased recordings his father Waylon made between 1974-1984, including stunning covers now being released as "Songbird" - plus more musical stories from the lives of the Jennings family.

Order the new "Songbird" LP here.

Topics Include:

  • Shooter Jennings discusses upcoming Songbird release featuring his late father Waylon's unfinished recordings
  • Most songs were actually complete with vocals and instruments already recorded professionally
  • Waylon privately recorded after 1974 RCA battle, keeping hundreds of tapes unlabeled
  • Tapes digitized in 2008 but sat untouched until Shooter systematically catalogued everything recently
  • Discovery process was emotional journey revealing Waylon's constant studio experimentation and joy
  • Found treasure trove including Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird" cover and multiple complete albums worth
  • Shooter mixed everything on vintage 1976 analog console maintaining authentic original sound
  • Three planned album releases starting with Songbird, featuring different themes and flavors
  • Tony Joe White plays harmonica, Jessi Colter sings, original band members returned
  • Cataloging required detective work, Googling lyrics, consulting surviving band members for identification
  • Growing up as Waylon's son meant different childhood, touring summers, recognizing fame
  • Family record collection included Beatles, Harry Nilsson, later Waylon bought entire collections
  • Teenage Shooter brought home Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana; parents showed concern but support
  • Waylon's deep friendship with Buddy Holly, plane crash guilt haunted him for years
  • Eventually found closure visiting crash site, could finally look at wreckage photos
  • Parents advised being authentic, not copying others; mother worried about rough crowd
  • Shooter's career shows risk-taking from country to experimental electronic and industrial music
  • Produced diverse artists from Duff McKagan to Marilyn Manson, always seeking creative challenges
  • Early collaboration with father on Fenixon project mixed country with industrial influences
  • Vinyl remains important, frequent Amoeba Records visits, special Record Store Day releases planned

Extended and high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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