Waylon Jennings It's Only Rock And Roll

Waylon Jennings, the outlaw country legend with a voice like gravel and a heart of gold. You know him for "Luckenbach, Texas," his duets with Willie Nelson, and that unmistakable Telecaster twang.

But did you know Waylon once dabbled in...rock and roll? Not just a little bit, but with a song that could make your grandma tap her foot, even if she's more into polkas.

The Unexpected Rebel Yell

The song? None other than "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)" by the Rolling Stones.

Yes, that Rolling Stones song. The one with Mick Jagger strutting around, the one that's been played at every sporting event and dive bar since 1974.

But Waylon didn't just cover it straight. He did it Waylon's way.

The Story Behind the Twang

The story goes that it was for a TV special in the 70's. These specials were like a musical melting pot, tossing country stars into unexpected genres. Imagine the possibilities!

So, Waylon found himself face-to-face with a song that oozed rock and roll swagger. What did he do? He grinned, leaned into the microphone, and injected a healthy dose of outlaw country grit.

He didn’t try to be Mick Jagger. He couldn’t be Mick Jagger, even if he wanted to. He was Waylon Jennings, dammit!

Waylon-izing the Stones

Think about it: the Rolling Stones, all London cool and rock star attitude, versus Waylon, the rebel with a cause and a guitar. It’s like pairing champagne with a plate of BBQ ribs – sounds weird, but somehow, it works.

Waylon's version isn't some note-for-note imitation. The Telecaster gets a workout, swapping out Keith Richards' riffs for something a little more…well, Texan. You hear a bit of that "Are you ready for some football?" attitude, but with cowboy boots instead of leather pants.

He slowed it down just a hair. It feels more like a good-time bar band kicking it after a long day on the ranch than a stadium full of screaming fans.

That drawl, that unmistakable baritone, wraps around the lyrics like a comfortable old blanket. He’s not just singing the song; he’s telling you a story.

More Than Just a Cover

But it's not just the sound. It's the sheer audacity of it all. It's Waylon, a guy who stood up to the Nashville establishment and did things his way, taking on one of rock's most iconic anthems.

He kind of winks at the audience through the song, like he's saying, "Yeah, I know this is a little weird, but trust me, it's gonna be fun."

It shows a playful side to Waylon, a willingness to step outside his comfort zone and try something new. And it’s a reminder that music, at its core, is about having a good time.

"It's only rock 'n' roll, but I like it,"

The Lasting Legacy

Waylon's version of "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" might not be the first one you think of, but it's a testament to his talent. It's all about him injecting his own unique personality into a classic song.

It is a reminder that music knows no boundaries, no genres, no rules. It's just about feeling something and sharing that feeling with others.

So next time you're spinning some Waylon Jennings, remember that he was more than just an outlaw. He was a musical adventurer, willing to take risks and have a little fun along the way.