Waylon

An Autobiography

By: Waylon Jennings, Lenny Kaye

Narrated by: Waylon Jennings

Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

Waylon Jennings gave up his spot on a flight that changed music history. His mentor, Buddy Holly, took that seat and was killed when the plane crashed.

Born dirt poor, Jennings went from country disc jockey to country superstar, leading the revolution in country music with his platinum album The Outlaws. Through his eyes we see the Nashville scene in the early days, and through his honest, no-holds-barred storytelling, we follow his struggle to overcome drugs and impending bankruptcy to establish himself as one of the living legends of country music.

©1996 Waylon Jennings, all rights reserved, abridgment approved by the author. (P)1996 Time Warner AudioBooks, copyright 1996 Time Warner AudioBooks (packaging rights only), a division of Time Warner Trade Publishing

Critic Reviews

Winner of Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award: Best Audio of 1996, Best of the Best.
"I love this book. Vast, comprehensive, revealing, exciting, and entertaining, it's an original in a roomful of carbon copies." (Johnny Cash)

Amazing. But not unabridged.

Where does Waylon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the greatest. There’s no voice like Waylon’s.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Waylon because he is THE outlaw.

What does Waylon Jennings bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

That voice. Like he’s having a conversation with you.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

This is NOT unabridged and should not be advertised as such.

BRAVO!!!

This is wonderful especially having Waylon narrate his own life story. One thing for sure I believe he did the best he could always be it work or play. So sad he didn't live longer but I know he is walking the streets of Glory with Johnny and June and so many others who went before.

A magical listening experience for a Waylon fan!

As a Waylon fan I can't think of a better way to experience his story than through his own voice. It was magical!

The Outlaw Tells His Own Story

On the plus side, and it is a huge plus, this is Waylon narrating his own book. From his childhood in West Texas to a career as one of the greatest musical artists of his generation, Waylon weaves a magical narrative. Waylon was most influenced by the legendary Buddy Holly (Waylon gave up his seat on the ill-fated plane to the Big Bopper) and staying true to what Buddy inculcated in him was a big part of the impetus behind his resistance to Nashville's conformist mindset. It's all here--the music (book starts with Waylon singing his hit song "I've Always Been Crazy"), the marriages, tragedies, triumphs. Waylon is brutally honest about the negative impact that the years of amphetamine and cocaine abuse did to his health, relationships, and finances, but he is refreshingly aware enough to take responsibility for it. The only downside of the book is that it is an abridged version of the book but it is good nonetheless. That is the only reason I didn't give this book five stars straight across!

Great memories!

As young newlyweds we used to go to JD's and listen to the music of Waylon and the Waylors. This thoughtful autobiography read by old Waylon himself is enjoyable and entertaining.

Amazing!!

One of the best audio books I have ever had the joy of listening to. Waylon is a legend and so is his life story... highly recommend to any fan of outlaw country music and the outlaw lifestyle.

Perfect

Love that mans voice, his story, the rawness of his struggle is Real and Inspiring.

Waylon Is THE Country Singer

A good autobiography but would have loved to have him delve into his performances, his wives in more detail, and his friendships with Willie and Johnny Cash. By all indications, he was a good man who got addicted to cocaine until he quit. It ruined his health and he died young (63) of the effects. BUT he left behind a wealth of music and stories that far outlast his troubles. His song, ‘Troubled Man’ describes his life. If you like Waylon, like country music, and want to know more, read or listen to this book. Waylon narrates and listening to his voice and Texas drawl let you know he’s the real deal.

ABRIDGED

The book cover says “unabridged,” but the book I downloaded was abridged. What seems like a great story, told by Waylon himself, was just over 2 hours long. The story jumped too far ahead itself and ruined the book.

This was my fault for not paying closer attention. I guess I’ll check the book out from the library and fill in the blanks. The true unabridged version is probably a five-star book.

well written,well read

loved it. His voice keeps you captivated. His stories are begging to be a movie.

great book!

fantastic book even better that Waylon is narrating my only downside wasn't long enough I could listen for days!

Hero

loved every second of this, could listen to him forever, singing or talking, although I suppose both are very close relations!

Waylon by Waylon

It’s greatness hearing Waylon telling his own story. There’s both ups and downs in his life. He’s a legend!

Best book so far

Honestly with him narrating it's perfect, a legend and truely a man I could get along with

Interesting stoy

I have never actually made it to the end of an audio book nor have I made it past the first chapter in an actual book. this book was more gripping and addictive and It would be due to the fact, Waylon was narrating it him self, that I found amazing. a great book, gripping from start to finish.

💗 Waylon Jennings 💘

Thank you Waylon for sharing, was great getting to know you. Your music will live on 🤗💋💗

a welcome surprise

I have read the paper version and this was a welcome surprise as waylon Jennings is reading it to you I love this guy his music his last wife and his last son shooter but you get to hear about his other kids and wife's and every one in between