I had to come back to this and I agreed with you. I know every Waylon song he ever did. Don't you think this outlaw bit is so true to him as it's his story. I love true story put into songs.
Waylon was and is this good ol boy favorite country singer. All those boys where true road warriors. Pills and drugs of the time was what it was. Not judging. I still will crank Waylon to a 10 on the speakers. The older I get the more I appreciate the long gone days of country music. Not a fan of today's pop country of bro country. Let Waylon's songs and memories live in my mind and sole. I shed a small fear for happiness with regards to Mr. Waylon Jennings.
when you sign off by say,"much love to you", I think I speak for many of us when I say: thanks, that always feels good to hear. much love to you, Otis!
Fave: Storms Never Last. A boyfriend and I saw Waylon decades ago. I forget which song it was, but when he sang the Willie part, he pinched his nostrils...the silly moments you remember, lol.
I have been watching your post's of interview's with different musicians who have known, played & toured with Waylon in the past, I must say "THANK YOU" for each of them, as I thoroughly enjoyed them all! Like million's of other folk's, I am now & have alway's been a huge Waylon Jennings fan. I think most country music fan's, of a certain age, have Waylon on their list of fav's, but on my list, well it start's with Waylon! Alway's loved the Man's music, what became the Waylon sound, his awesome & so unique guitar, the great sound he created playing it, when you heard that guitar, you instantly knew who was playing it, even if you had never before heard the song, you immediately recognized that it was him, that's Waylon Jennings playing that song & man that's, well....🤔....😃!! Baddassery at it's finest! My favorite WJ song would have to be "This Outlaw bit done got outta hand" although "A long time ago" & "Brown eyed handsome Man" ain't far behind 😉 I love the great story he tell's in "Rose in Paradise" & "Ain't livin long like this" I've alway's felt connected to his lyric "All I remember was a drunk man's breath" My own Father (RIP 🙏) quit drinking bout the time I was 8, but I well remember him coming home so drunk that he crawled in the front door, cause he couldn't walk & my 8yr old nose could smell the booze on his breath. Hell hoss, I love Johnny, George, Merle, Willie, Conway, Hank SR/JR ect...just like most do, but for this Ol'' Outlaw the list start's with The King of The Outlaw's, Waylon Jennings! ✝️ As for the pill's, just a part of doing business back then I suppose, hell if even Roger Miller was doin it, playing 300 show's a year, how could you not do that? 🤷🏻♂️ To me, everything about the Man is intriguing, his Outlaw image, his own personal emblem of the Phoenix rising, his love affair with Miss Jessi, what a Woman she must be to have tamed a Man like Waylon, a saintly strong Woman no doubt. I guess after reading through my rambling comment here, it's no surprise to anyone that I sat in private & shed a tear upon learning of my Radio Hero's passing, may the Outlaw who walk's thru Jessi's dream's rest in peace, for his music will live forever 🙏 Btw, we all know one shouldn't gamble but what one can afford to lose, but a true friend would never take advantage of you like that. I found out all I needed to know about Haggard back in the late 80's. My father had bout ticket's for us to see Merle in concert at a very quaint amphitheater in Ramona CA. He, along with his band The Strangers played a little over 40 mins & 25 mins of it was purely instrumental, he was pullin shine from a jug under his chair, you could tell it was moon, because he was past half lit! He abruptly stopped playing & said "Sorry folk's, but we have a bigger show to do tomorrow night in Vegas! Then he & the band departed on his tour bus parked right behind the stage! Everyone in the audience was confused, we all thought he was joking, but anger quickly replaced confusion, as we watched that Silver Eagle pull out & driver off 😠 My Dad paid twice the price of a normal concert too see his face as the bus rolled off, well it really angered me. Merle's music is legendary, but that night told me all I needed to know about "The Hagg" Just as I'm sure that poker game told Waylon 😉 Thanks again Hoss, I truly enjoyed them 🤠👍
I feel the same about Waylon and listen to almost exclusively. I loved his book and been researching the man for over a decade. I loved every word you wrote ! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
A buddy of mine was the upright player for Billy Joe Shaver for several stretches during the last 10 years or so, and in turn toured with Willie a bit and backed them on the Letterman performance from a few years ago. He was telling me a story that was told to him by Willie's bus driver, who used to drive Johnny Cash around in the early days. The story goes that Johnny was taking so many pills that on one occasion he ran out during a trip from city to city. When Johnny would run out of pills he'd get a little cranky, so his driver started pulling the pearl snap buttons off of his shirt and handing them as needed to Johnny to keep him happy for the rest of the overnight trip. Cash never knew the difference at that point. Wild stuff!
William Faulkner would go on drinking binges and when he got too drunk to stand up his wife would bring him his drinks. At first she'd mix a little ice-tea into the bourbon, then a little more tea, little less bourbon, until he was drinking straight ice-tea. He'd still carry on for hours like he was getting drunker and drunker. There have also been some funny experiments at college parties where the keg was actually non-alcoholic beer, but everybody acted drunker and drunker as the party went on.
That Waylon story of him losing all his money hit's home . My grandpa on my Dad's side had 8 kids . Grandpa worked on the highway and made good money back in the late 50's and 60's . Instead of taking that money home and taking care of his kids he would drink/gamble/run woman it all away . My Dad tells stories of him watching him lose his whole paycheck and then taking it out on my Dad . Telling my Dad he was the reason he'd lost "Bad luck charm" . Hell of a thing to say to your first son who has to live in horrible conditions he created . They had no electric and no indoor plumbing , and this was in the early 60's . They lived in southern Ohio in Appalachia . Dad said , I never saw indoor plumbing till I went to school . My Dad had a Gibson Les Paul Junior but it was stolen . He had a Telecaster . Pioneer Sx 950 with the turntable set up with Hpm 200's ... hock it all and if the Les Paul was still around it would have been hock'd as well :( . Until my Dad met my Mom he was wild . My Dad is blessed with a great singing voice and perfect pitch . Too bad my Grandpa was a self centered POS . He could have set his family up . Dad regrets so much and it brings him down but I always cheer him up cause I have kept everything . Sorry for the long story ...funny how that Waylon story made me think of my Dad.
Thank you for reading these stories about Waylon. I was 15 yrs old, a friend came over begging me to listen to a song she had heard. It was Amanda by Waylon. She left the album there and I listened to the whole album and fell in love. So at 15 yrs old, I began collecting his albums. Along the way, I discovered we shared the same birthday! I am 58 now, I currently have 48 Waylon LPs and always looking for an original LP, especially the older ones. My favorite songs are Lonesome ‘Onry & Mean, Anita You’re Dreaming, Lucille and Honky Tonk Heroes. I loved Waylon because he was real and his music was real. Thank you for telling his stories, enjoying them very much!! And much love to you for doing this!
My brother introduced me to Waylon when I was a young kid in the sixties. Saw him several times over the years. Still read or listen to anything Waylon. Lonesome Ornery and mean is my favorite. Black Rose is another. But that's a Billy Joe Shaver song. Another favorite artist of mine. Revelation is a hell of a song too. Waylon nor Shaver ever made a song I didn't like.
when i think of waylon i think about the survivors guilt he must have had....those innocent years of rocknroll and the day the music died... that old saying goes ...it aint dying ....its living thats hard.....hes been there done that.....great vid man......respect otis
lonesome on'ry and mean is my favorite Waylon song! After my divorce and struggling with alcoholism I felt that way a lot...Waylon is ultimately what got me into country music, Ralph Mooney with his steel guitar really hooked my ears!
Otis I couldn't have enjoyed this anymore than if I had been sat in an easy chair directly across from you. Your narrations are superb. I am sitting here in the evening eating a fruit porridge. An no pills in sight thank God. Such a gift you have I thank you 👍
I saw Waylon a couple times, once at Lollapalooza in Des Moines (he came on after the Ramones and before Soundgarden!!) and once at Farm Aid in Ames when he played with the Highwaymen. At the Loloapalooza show he opened with "I've Always Been Crazy" and I think at that moment that song became my favorite. Thank you Otis.
I love these old stories of George Jones Waylon Jennings Merle Haggard, those are my dad‘s favorite and I love them too. You do such a good job on telling the stories I share the stories with my friends and they love them to keep up the good work!
I saw Waylon in Ottawa, Canada in the late 70's. He and Jesse were so stoned on stage I doubt they even knew they were on the most prestigious stage in Ottawa, the nations capitol. It kind of threw me but I still am a big Waylon fan. Your narratives are very informative, keep up the great work.
Otis, after 3 times viewing this & endless hours drinking coffee with ya on Weekends with my dog, we both have to tell you that the stories you shared here are great & cautionary about Waylon (Ain't living long like this seems an appropriate fave), but you really rocked my world with your Gretchen Peterson interview about Jimmy LaFave, I watched his last gig in an ambulance & then in a wheelchair sing Goodnight Irene, then told them he loved them, & to love & nature his teenage son. As a 2 time cancer survivor his same age, now I can't quit listening to his tunes yet...I wish I'd been tuned into him 30yrs ago... Your work is timeless, please keep doing what you do, because no matter when I find it, it's still new to me. You're a Blessing Otis! 😎🎵🐕
I was born in 1976 and my parents named me after Hoss and I was always grateful for that.. mainly because women always liked my name whether they knew him or not. It was wonderful..
I remember Roger Miller hitting the big time when I was a child; he had a mercurial wit that I imagine few could have kept up with, and it's cool that Waylon was impressed by it. These days, it seems as though having a sense of humor is two strikes against you...
@@Caperhere , Agreed. I have lost count of the number of times I've simply typed a light-hearted quip, and someone (usually woke, but not always) has flamed me for it. And yet, I see (what I believe are intended to be) humorous asides all the time, and let them pass without comment...
Myself and my family were all in the music business out of our hometown of Nashville, I was on the advertising side and that meant going to the towns the acts would be playing in and putting up posters, flyers and free records to local DJs, My uncles and my dad all drove tour buses for the acts and my mother and my aunts all made the suits the stars wore, I remember ROGER MILLER on this one show after he hit it big with king of the road and I SAW HIM AT TOOTSIES BAR few days after patsy cline and the others died in a plane crash I could tell it really hit some of them hard and roger being one, Nashville changed after that, the pills were everywhere mostly the uppers Dexedrine, black beauties, yellow jackets, and then the cocaine hit.
@@andymurray7240 , First off, I can't thank you enough for having shared such personal insights; I couldn't have blamed you if you'd treated it like a good poker hand, and kept it close to your heart... I grew up in the '60s, in rural MO, and one of the main things I could see, even as a child, was the fundamental cultural difference between R&R and country; many of the themes were similar, much of the musical basis was plowed in the same field, but country folk defined everything by community and belief, while rockers were drawn to the anonymity associated with urban lifestyles. Not picking sides; both have their share of miscreants and geniuses, but that's the model that always made sense to me...did you ever wonder if the need for speed wasn't largely driven by the maniacal touring schedules laid out by the labels?
I remember roger saying years ago. “When you get to Nashville you gotta remember not to mix the pills with the pocket change” Roger said “ I did that once and almost choked to death on a dollar and eighty cents”😂😂😂 Roger was a comedian!
Otis I really enjoy watching your videos you post, listening to your stories they’re really great. One of my favorites is Waylon cover of a Roger Miller song. I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving.
It's funny how I can read all the comments and when someone mentions their favorite song...I can suddenly in my head sing all the words and hear Waylon singing too.
Waylon’s later output was underrated Rose in Paradise is a truly great tune that tells a great story! As far as Merle and the poker game who knows lots of years on top of tons of substance abuse on both sides can lead to a multitude of reasons why things happened back in the day. I saw Waylon about six months before he left us at Billy Bobs in Fort Worth musically his voice and his playing was as strong as ever but physically he had to be helped to a chair to play the gig but his spirt was as strong as ever. RIP to both Waylon and Merle I just feel blessed I got to experience their music my life is better for it.
My second son asked me why it never made it, I told him it did. I remember they played “Rose in Paradise”, several times a day for a few weeks, on the country stations. I told him I really liked the song! Whoever wrote it was quite clever.
I was told by a very reliable source that Merle spiked his tea and gave him ruffies. Apparently, Ralph Mooney left Merle over this incident and went with Waylon. Waylon did not like Merle until the day he died. I am a Merle Haggard fan but I think Waylon was a better person.
We kept all the weed in three jars that we custom fit to go inside the V.C.R. on the bus..The vcr was way up high in the front of the bus,and a tape could still be played while the weed was in it...Every hour or so, my drummer would grab a small screwdriver, spin us one up, and put the VCR back together,stick a tape back in it and make sure the red light was on....Each time we got pulled over, he quickly mopped the floor with bleach as I was finding a good pullover spot....Many cops were on the bus...They never,ever, thought to make us open up our working VCR... Played a wednesday nite in Clarksdale Miss , at ground zero , and had a friday nite booked in Dalton Ga...while my band urged me to "stay in the ditch" which means keep it on the freeway- I decided to cut plumb across alabama to hook up with a chic in summersville Ga....( one in every port?) ...The band was pissed and Billy refused to roll my joints while I was driving the bus....that made me pissed...lol...Later I thanked him....Got pulled over in some very very out of the way place, the cop comes up to the window and i said "did I do something wrong officer?" and he says- " NOPE- I am just a bored country cop that aint got shit to do...." my heart sank....he had us for an hour and half....before he let us go we were singing harmonies together and talking church music....lol...I gave him my record, and as we pulled away I said, "we better get out of alabama before he listens to that record boys....." He will hunt us down when he figures out what I am about.." I drank whisky for medicinal purposes only, the weed, well that was to get high to keep things under control, I only drank when I smoked, or on days that end with a y
It's hard to have a favorite Waylon song but way high up on the list is "Ladies Love Outlaws". Gracias for doing these videos. I'm in the jungle of Costa Rica listening to you. Cuentas una muy buena historia (You tell a really good story).
What I can't seem to get enough of are his 70's ballads, just so much soul in them, especially 'It's Not Supposed To Be That Way', 'Old Five and Dimers', and 'Old Love New Eyes'.
Just finding this. What an important video you’ve made. I love it. A history lesson combined with a bit of time travel thank you whole heartedly for this
Amazing stories that make a man put his drink down for a minute and think about those stories mean. Rough times made men leather but probably shortened their lives, careers, and their friendships. Thank you again.
I drove Waylons bus. We had to go into Canada, I was terrified. He had a whole drawer full of pills on the bus. The border guards came on the bus but missed that drawer.
I recently just found your channel and I enjoy the stories I have to say my favorite Waylon Jennings song is rainy day woman looking forward to some more Outlaw stores
I have to say the the funniest thing I heard about Rodger Miller he would go up behind Ray Charles put his hands over his eyes and tell him guess who I would love to hear more stories about Rodger Miller
My Italian ancestors were musicians that settled in Nashville right after the Civil War. The family played in bands from the time they arrived and long into the 20th century. Family legend has it that they brought the Mandolin (and pretzels) to Nashville. My great grandmothers cousin became the music librarian at WSM in the mid 1920's and later was hired to be the first stage manager at the Opry and held that position for 34 years. He shook the hands of every man and kissed every woman that played the Opry back then. His name was Vito Pelletieri and he was the one that told Johnny Cash not to come back that night he broke those lights. He also wrote songs with Hank Sr. and was a close friend of Hank Snow. I'd like to hear some stories about him from some older artists that knew him. I heard that he cussed a lot, talked dirty around the ladies, and was the one that had to tell Hank Sr. that he was fired from the Opry. Maybe you know someone around Nashville that can verify some of that?
*Roger Miller was/is/and always will be an American legend. It's a damn shame that he isn't more known and appreciated on the same level as Waylon, Cash, Willie, etc. He was not only completely original in his vocal style but one of the best songwriters of his era that also wrote songs for his fellow country artists. ALL WHILE DOPED UP! Glad that he and Waylon came to their senses later on and abandoned the drugs. God bless Roger and Waylon*
Very nice video, thanks for posting. Very interesting, well made. I think my favorite Waylon song is Bob Wells is Still the King. Waylon's voice was so unique. Never be another sadly.
The late 70’s saw me ingest more than my share of west coast turn arounds. I can somewhat sympathize. Like a wise man once told me, “ the only good thing about the good old days is that they’re gone”. Dreaming My Dreams is one of if not the favorite for me....
Waylon is probably my favorite artist, so picking one song would be impossible. First songs to come to mind would be: where corn don’t grow, rainy day woman, are you sure hank done it this way, I’ve always been crazy, write your own songs (thanks willie). Also a huge shout out to the more recent collaboration with Shooter, Outlaw Shit! Love that song.
Great discussion and love the humanity and honor you showed them by not down talking about them for anything and respect them 👍 👏 👌 great men hard times crazy events interesting perceptions godspeede
Mr Otis, thank you for your stories. I am an old guitar slinger now, and as a ´59 vintage, all the younger slinger`s want me to tell them about the craziness i know of the rock gods(Iam more of a roadie than a slinger!) and only last week I told them, as I always tell them. `them good old country boys had more fun and were more dangerous than any rock band` I am a blues rock guy myself yet I know. Cash ,Waylon,Haggard,(and their buddies) and the crew,were probely the last great Americans in music who were the real deal,who were good and bad in equal measure and masters of their art . There are still, wonderful musicians but where is the passion? Iam gonna buy that book... they willhave to reprint it if you keep on quoting from it. peace,.
Thank you. Great to share the joy of reading in this way, a favorite book, meaningful passages, insights and insightful commentary. Nothing is ever what it appears and always a price to pay...
i first saw Waylon Jennings in Mobile, Alabama in 1972...he opened for Buck Owens and the Buckaroo's ( Don Rich was on the harmony vocals and Telecaster)...Waylon was playing with Ralph Mooney on steel and Ritchie Albright was on drums... one of the best concerts in my memory ,,no flash or big production...just a tight 5 piece band and Waylon's voice!!!....and then I saw him at Willie Nelson's 2nd 4th of July Picnic at the Texas World Speedway in Bryan/College Station Texas in 1974.. Waylon came on right around sunset... I remember them playing Rambling Man....there's no way i have a favorite Waylon song...I love all of them
Waylon's autobiography is outstanding. It reads like a long conversation with Hoss. Waylon indeed do a lot of wild and crazy things, but at base and at heart he was a good hearted, truly nice (unless you fkd with him) man who "never intentionally hurt anyone".
My favorite Waylon song is "Lukenbach Texas". "The only two things in life that make it worth livin. Guitars tuned good and firm feelin women". No truer words have been spoken, and Keats himself couldn't have written it better.
Hey brother, I just discovered your page yesterday, and am really enjoying it. Thanks for the very welcome distraction, I LOVE hearing stories about Waylon, Willie & the boys. Gracias amigo!
It's not your life it's Waylon's life and that's the stories we like to hear and we like to hear you tell them so I'm not judging you and I don't think nobody else is neither love your stories keep them coming
"Never put your pills where you put your guitar picks." -Roger Miller Fave Waylon tune: Six Strings Away "Poor boy ways / and hard time days / are just six strings away"
My grandfather bought Waylon’s old Dodge motor home. We camped in that thing for years.
My all time favourite Waylon song is called "You Asked Me To", I think that's the name of it.
"Sleep is cheap, it's staying awake that's expensive"- Uncle Foiley.
🤣🤪🤣
You don't even know how that resonates LOL
Uncle Foley: Love it!
Watching the sun go up & down & up & down again costs a little money but I don't miss anything.
I thought it was funny when Willie said "yeah that was a year Waylon was awake"
Right on! Keep Grinding 👍
Favorite Waylon song is Don't you think this outlaw bit's done got outa hand!
Andy Ford one of mine too.. but Clyde player electric bass.. doo doo doo doo dona dona don
I had to come back to this and I agreed with you. I know every Waylon song he ever did. Don't you think this outlaw bit is so true to him as it's his story. I love true story put into songs.
Honky tonk heroes or cause you asked me to.. are mine
@@justspeakingmymind7224 Honky Tonk Heroes is a masterpiece. A true story of Billy Joe Shaver's mother. Waylon nailed that song.
You asked me to
Waylon was and is this good ol boy favorite country singer. All those boys where true road warriors. Pills and drugs of the time was what it was. Not judging. I still will crank Waylon to a 10 on the speakers. The older I get the more I appreciate the long gone days of country music. Not a fan of today's pop country of bro country. Let Waylon's songs and memories live in my mind and sole. I shed a small fear for happiness with regards to Mr. Waylon Jennings.
Favorite song- I’ve always been crazy
And then any other Waylon song
when you sign off by say,"much love to you", I think I speak for many of us when I say: thanks, that always feels good to hear. much love to you, Otis!
Gone but never forgotten we still got his music rip
Fave: Storms Never Last.
A boyfriend and I saw Waylon decades ago. I forget which song it was, but when he sang the Willie part, he pinched his nostrils...the silly moments you remember, lol.
I have been watching your post's of interview's with different musicians who have known, played & toured with Waylon in the past, I must say "THANK YOU" for each of them, as I thoroughly enjoyed them all! Like million's of other folk's, I am now & have alway's been a huge Waylon Jennings fan. I think most country music fan's, of a certain age, have Waylon on their list of fav's, but on my list, well it start's with Waylon! Alway's loved the Man's music, what became the Waylon sound, his awesome & so unique guitar, the great sound he created playing it, when you heard that guitar, you instantly knew who was playing it, even if you had never before heard the song, you immediately recognized that it was him, that's Waylon Jennings playing that song & man that's, well....🤔....😃!! Baddassery at it's finest! My favorite WJ song would have to be "This Outlaw bit done got outta hand" although "A long time ago" & "Brown eyed handsome Man" ain't far behind 😉
I love the great story he tell's in "Rose in Paradise" & "Ain't livin long like this" I've alway's felt connected to his lyric "All I remember was a drunk man's breath" My own Father (RIP 🙏) quit drinking bout the time I was 8, but I well remember him coming home so drunk that he crawled in the front door, cause he couldn't walk & my 8yr old nose could smell the booze on his breath. Hell hoss, I love Johnny, George, Merle, Willie, Conway, Hank SR/JR ect...just like most do, but for this Ol'' Outlaw the list start's with The King of The Outlaw's, Waylon Jennings! ✝️
As for the pill's, just a part of doing business back then I suppose, hell if even Roger Miller was doin it,
playing 300 show's a year, how could you not do that? 🤷🏻♂️
To me, everything about the Man is intriguing, his Outlaw image, his own personal emblem of the Phoenix rising, his love affair with Miss Jessi, what a Woman she must be to have tamed a Man like Waylon, a saintly strong Woman no doubt. I guess after reading through my rambling comment here, it's no surprise to anyone that I sat in private & shed a tear upon learning of my Radio Hero's passing, may the Outlaw who walk's thru Jessi's dream's rest in peace, for his music will live forever 🙏
Btw, we all know one shouldn't gamble but what one can afford to lose, but a true friend would never take advantage of you like that. I found out all I needed to know about Haggard back in the late 80's. My father had bout ticket's for us to see Merle in concert at a very quaint amphitheater in Ramona CA. He, along with his band The Strangers played a little over 40 mins & 25 mins of it was purely instrumental, he was pullin shine from a jug under his chair, you could tell it was moon, because he was past half lit! He abruptly stopped playing & said "Sorry folk's, but we have a bigger show to do tomorrow night in Vegas! Then he & the band departed on his tour bus parked right behind the stage! Everyone in the audience was confused, we all thought he was joking, but anger quickly replaced confusion, as we watched that Silver Eagle pull out & driver off 😠 My Dad paid twice the price of a normal concert too see his face as the bus rolled off, well it really angered me. Merle's music is legendary, but that night told me all I needed to know about "The Hagg" Just as I'm sure that poker game told Waylon 😉
Thanks again Hoss, I truly enjoyed them 🤠👍
I feel the same about Waylon and listen to almost exclusively. I loved his book and been researching the man for over a decade. I loved every word you wrote ! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@@justthestresstalkin2482 Thank ya kindly Hoss, the truth is alway's easy to tell, even if it's damn near a novel's length 😂👍
My son is named after Waylon. This dudes music saved my life, literally.
Sounds like an interesting story a lot of people might l ike to hear IF it's not too personal to share.
Lonesome Orn’y & Mean 🎸❤️
A buddy of mine was the upright player for Billy Joe Shaver for several stretches during the last 10 years or so, and in turn toured with Willie a bit and backed them on the Letterman performance from a few years ago. He was telling me a story that was told to him by Willie's bus driver, who used to drive Johnny Cash around in the early days. The story goes that Johnny was taking so many pills that on one occasion he ran out during a trip from city to city. When Johnny would run out of pills he'd get a little cranky, so his driver started pulling the pearl snap buttons off of his shirt and handing them as needed to Johnny to keep him happy for the rest of the overnight trip. Cash never knew the difference at that point. Wild stuff!
William Faulkner would go on drinking binges and when he got too drunk to stand up his wife would bring him his drinks. At first she'd mix a little ice-tea into the bourbon, then a little more tea, little less bourbon, until he was drinking straight ice-tea. He'd still carry on for hours like he was getting drunker and drunker.
There have also been some funny experiments at college parties where the keg was actually non-alcoholic beer, but everybody acted drunker and drunker as the party went on.
@@awarewolves1712 yup. The placebo effect. The mind is an strange thing...
Not enough buttons on a shirt for this story to make sense
Alcohol, drugs, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking no wonder he needed a triple bypass at age 51 the same thing with Johnny at age 56.
That Waylon story of him losing all his money hit's home . My grandpa on my Dad's side had 8 kids . Grandpa worked on the highway and made good money back in the late 50's and 60's . Instead of taking that money home and taking care of his kids he would drink/gamble/run woman it all away . My Dad tells stories of him watching him lose his whole paycheck and then taking it out on my Dad . Telling my Dad he was the reason he'd lost "Bad luck charm" . Hell of a thing to say to your first son who has to live in horrible conditions he created . They had no electric and no indoor plumbing , and this was in the early 60's . They lived in southern Ohio in Appalachia . Dad said , I never saw indoor plumbing till I went to school . My Dad had a Gibson Les Paul Junior but it was stolen . He had a Telecaster . Pioneer Sx 950 with the turntable set up with Hpm 200's ... hock it all and if the Les Paul was still around it would have been hock'd as well :( . Until my Dad met my Mom he was wild . My Dad is blessed with a great singing voice and perfect pitch . Too bad my Grandpa was a self centered POS . He could have set his family up . Dad regrets so much and it brings him down but I always cheer him up cause I have kept everything . Sorry for the long story ...funny how that Waylon story made me think of my Dad.
One of the best musician autobiographies EVER...
man you are one of the greatest in country music,you always was and you always will be. tyrell santee
Thank you for reading these stories about Waylon. I was 15 yrs old, a friend came over begging me to listen to a song she had heard. It was Amanda by Waylon. She left the album there and I listened to the whole album and fell in love. So at 15 yrs old, I began collecting his albums. Along the way, I discovered we shared the same birthday! I am 58 now, I currently have 48 Waylon LPs and always looking for an original LP, especially the older ones. My favorite songs are Lonesome ‘Onry & Mean, Anita You’re Dreaming, Lucille and Honky Tonk Heroes. I loved Waylon because he was real and his music was real. Thank you for telling his stories, enjoying them very much!! And much love to you for doing this!
My brother introduced me to Waylon when I was a young kid in the sixties. Saw him several times over the years. Still read or listen to anything Waylon. Lonesome Ornery and mean is my favorite. Black Rose is another. But that's a Billy Joe Shaver song. Another favorite artist of mine. Revelation is a hell of a song too. Waylon nor Shaver ever made a song I didn't like.
@@ksr9t yes revelation is a good one!
when i think of waylon i think about the survivors guilt he must have had....those innocent years of rocknroll and the day the music died... that old saying goes ...it aint dying ....its living thats hard.....hes been there done that.....great vid man......respect otis
Thank you!
Must You Throw Dirt In My Face.
RIP Waylon and Roger! Miller a great Okie. Lots of good Roger stories floating around.
Thanks Otis.
Thanks, Larry!
I have so many favorite Waylon Jennings songs, but drinking and dreaming is definitely one of them
lonesome on'ry and mean is my favorite Waylon song! After my divorce and struggling with alcoholism I felt that way a lot...Waylon is ultimately what got me into country music, Ralph Mooney with his steel guitar really hooked my ears!
I grew up on Waylon and have been on a Waylon kick all day...favorite Waylon song? Yes.
Otis I couldn't have enjoyed this anymore than if I had been sat in an easy chair directly across from you. Your narrations are superb. I am sitting here in the evening eating a fruit porridge. An no pills in sight thank God. Such a gift you have I thank you 👍
Thank ya kindly, Steve!
I really can't think of any one song as a favorite. I loved them all!
I always feel like waylon is kin to me when I hear his music. Just so down to earth and relateable
Excellent and thank you for sharing and your kindness to all of us!
I saw Waylon a couple times, once at Lollapalooza in Des Moines (he came on after the Ramones and before Soundgarden!!) and once at Farm Aid in Ames when he played with the Highwaymen. At the Loloapalooza show he opened with "I've Always Been Crazy" and I think at that moment that song became my favorite. Thank you Otis.
That's amazing that he followed the Ramones, Troy!
I love these old stories of George Jones Waylon Jennings Merle Haggard, those are my dad‘s favorite and I love them too. You do such a good job on telling the stories I share the stories with my friends and they love them to keep up the good work!
Thank you, Phil!
I saw Waylon in Ottawa, Canada in the late 70's. He and Jesse were so stoned on stage I doubt they even knew they were on the most prestigious stage in Ottawa, the nations capitol. It kind of threw me but I still am a big Waylon fan.
Your narratives are very informative, keep up the great work.
I don't think Jesse was stoned.
Otis, after 3 times viewing this & endless hours drinking coffee with ya on Weekends with my dog, we both have to tell you that the stories you shared here are great & cautionary about Waylon (Ain't living long like this seems an appropriate fave), but you really rocked my world with your Gretchen Peterson interview about Jimmy LaFave, I watched his last gig in an ambulance & then in a wheelchair sing Goodnight Irene, then told them he loved them, & to love & nature his teenage son. As a 2 time cancer survivor his same age, now I can't quit listening to his tunes yet...I wish I'd been tuned into him 30yrs ago...
Your work is timeless, please keep doing what you do, because no matter when I find it, it's still new to me.
You're a Blessing Otis! 😎🎵🐕
Thank ya kindly, Lance! : )
I was born in 1976 and my parents named me after Hoss and I was always grateful for that.. mainly because women always liked my name whether they knew him or not. It was wonderful..
I remember Roger Miller hitting the big time when I was a child; he had a mercurial wit that I imagine few could have kept up with, and it's cool that Waylon was impressed by it. These days, it seems as though having a sense of humor is two strikes against you...
It’s a shame humour doesn’t really work in the Comment section. If it did, maybe people wouldn’t be so defensive and mean.😊
@@Caperhere ,
Agreed. I have lost count of the number of times I've simply typed a light-hearted quip, and someone (usually woke, but not always) has flamed me for it. And yet, I see (what I believe are intended to be) humorous asides all the time, and let them pass without comment...
Myself and my family were all in the music business out of our hometown of Nashville, I was on the advertising side and that meant going to the towns the acts would be playing in and putting up posters, flyers and free records to local DJs, My uncles and my dad all drove tour buses for the acts and my mother and my aunts all made the suits the stars wore, I remember ROGER MILLER on this one show after he hit it big with king of the road and I SAW HIM AT TOOTSIES BAR few days after patsy cline and the others died in a plane crash I could tell it really hit some of them hard and roger being one, Nashville changed after that, the pills were everywhere mostly the uppers Dexedrine, black beauties, yellow jackets, and then the cocaine hit.
@@andymurray7240 ,
First off, I can't thank you enough for having shared such personal insights; I couldn't have blamed you if you'd treated it like a good poker hand, and kept it close to your heart...
I grew up in the '60s, in rural MO, and one of the main things I could see, even as a child, was the fundamental cultural difference between R&R and country; many of the themes were similar, much of the musical basis was plowed in the same field, but country folk defined everything by community and belief, while rockers were drawn to the anonymity associated with urban lifestyles. Not picking sides; both have their share of miscreants and geniuses, but that's the model that always made sense to me...did you ever wonder if the need for speed wasn't largely driven by the maniacal touring schedules laid out by the labels?
I remember roger saying years ago. “When you get to Nashville you gotta remember not to mix the pills with the pocket change” Roger said “ I did that once and almost choked to death on a dollar and eighty cents”😂😂😂 Roger was a comedian!
Picking a favorite Waylon song is like picking a favorite child but "I've Always Been Crazy" comes to mind.
lol...this is true and I have no children.
@@karenmikasko7148 - Same but I still related too✌️
Your video is worthwhile for certain....Those old country singers bring a tear to my eye.
I listened to the audiobook read by Waylon and it's phenomenal! A MUST READ if your any kind of country music, let alone of Waylon
Otis,
Really really love the channel. And especially the Waylon videos. Thanks for continuing to be the real deal!!
I also Love the these stories. Please keep em coming.
My favorite song of waylons is any he recorded by billy joe shaver
Im happy and humbled by each and every experience with your channel. Thank you again for keeping the best part of country music alive.
Thank you!
Pills were a staple of trucker’s lives when l entered the profession in the mid 70’s ...
No more ... and that’s a good thing!
Otis I really enjoy watching your videos you post, listening to your stories they’re really great. One of my favorites is Waylon cover of a Roger Miller song. I’ve Been A Long Time Leaving.
Thank ya kindly!
I saw Waylon in concert in 80 or so at the San Diego sports arena...the opening act was John Prine....classic!
Love ur channel. Waylon was one of the most awesome people I ever listened to, and seen❣️❣️❣️❣️ Love the way u tell his stories.
Thanks, Donna!
It's funny how I can read all the comments and when someone mentions their favorite song...I can suddenly in my head sing all the words and hear Waylon singing too.
I don't know how I ended up here, but I've watched a few dozen of your videos. Thanks for taking the time to do these. I enjoy them very much.
Thank ya kindly, Yano!
Waylon’s later output was underrated Rose in Paradise is a truly great tune that tells a great story! As far as Merle and the poker game who knows lots of years on top of tons of substance abuse on both sides can lead to a multitude of reasons why things happened back in the day. I saw Waylon about six months before he left us at Billy Bobs in Fort Worth musically his voice and his playing was as strong as ever but physically he had to be helped to a chair to play the gig but his spirt was as strong as ever. RIP to both Waylon and Merle I just feel blessed I got to experience their music my life is better for it.
Thanks for sharing this, James!
My second son asked me why it never made it, I told him it did. I remember they played “Rose in Paradise”, several times a day for a few weeks, on the country stations. I told him I really liked the song! Whoever wrote it was quite clever.
I was told by a very reliable source that Merle spiked his tea and gave him ruffies. Apparently, Ralph Mooney left Merle over this incident and went with Waylon. Waylon did not like Merle until the day he died. I am a Merle Haggard fan but I think Waylon was a better person.
Waylon had to have one of his feet amputated due to diabetes which is why he need that help.
We kept all the weed in three jars that we custom fit to go inside the V.C.R. on the bus..The vcr was way up high in the front of the bus,and a tape could still be played while the weed was in it...Every hour or so, my drummer would grab a small screwdriver, spin us one up, and put the VCR back together,stick a tape back in it and make sure the red light was on....Each time we got pulled over, he quickly mopped the floor with bleach as I was finding a good pullover spot....Many cops were on the bus...They never,ever, thought to make us open up our working VCR...
Played a wednesday nite in Clarksdale Miss , at ground zero , and had a friday nite booked in Dalton Ga...while my band urged me to "stay in the ditch" which means keep it on the freeway- I decided to cut plumb across alabama to hook up with a chic in summersville Ga....( one in every port?) ...The band was pissed and Billy refused to roll my joints while I was driving the bus....that made me pissed...lol...Later I thanked him....Got pulled over in some very very out of the way place, the cop comes up to the window and i said "did I do something wrong officer?" and he says- " NOPE- I am just a bored country cop that aint got shit to do...." my heart sank....he had us for an hour and half....before he let us go we were singing harmonies together and talking church music....lol...I gave him my record, and as we pulled away I said, "we better get out of alabama before he listens to that record boys....." He will hunt us down when he figures out what I am about.."
I drank whisky for medicinal purposes only, the weed, well that was to get high
to keep things under control, I only drank when I smoked, or on days that end with a y
What's your favorite Waylon song? If anyone has suggestions for deep cuts, I'd love to hear them.
Never Been to Spain!
Lonesome,Ornery,and,Mean
Came Here To Party is a banger tune and quite underrated in my opinion
i can get off on you 😙🤌🏼
It's hard to have a favorite Waylon song but way high up on the list is "Ladies Love Outlaws". Gracias for doing these videos. I'm in the jungle of Costa Rica listening to you. Cuentas una muy buena historia (You tell a really good story).
What I can't seem to get enough of are his 70's ballads, just so much soul in them, especially 'It's Not Supposed To Be That Way', 'Old Five and Dimers', and 'Old Love New Eyes'.
Just finding this. What an important video you’ve made. I love it. A history lesson combined with a bit of time travel thank you whole heartedly for this
Amazing stories that make a man put his drink down for a minute and think about those stories mean. Rough times made men leather but probably shortened their lives, careers, and their friendships.
Thank you again.
Excellent video and excellent beard! Keep up the great work. Much love from Texas!
Another awesome story Otis 👍 God Bless You Brother 🎸❤️🥂
I love Waylon Jennings the guy was a rock star I have the audiobook Waylon and it's a great read or listen
Enjoyed the this story. I always enjoyed all your stories an like to hear you sing too thanks again for another good one
Thanks, Wade!
that was great Thanks Otis.
Thanks, Ted!
Thanks you for your time, "I've as least been crazy"
These stories are great love listening to them!
Thanks, Andrew!
I drove Waylons bus. We had to go into Canada, I was terrified. He had a whole drawer full of pills on the bus. The border guards came on the bus but missed that drawer.
That is so crazy
Border guards don't miss anything unless their hands suddenly got filled with a fistful of hundreds
@@larryfunnelcake9669 this was a long long time ago, things were different.
Did they use dogs?
ua-cam.com/video/pVE7IOQIqms/v-deo.html
Thanks Steve great show
I recently just found your channel and I enjoy the stories I have to say my favorite Waylon Jennings song is rainy day woman looking forward to some more Outlaw stores
I have to say the the funniest thing I heard about Rodger Miller he would go up behind Ray Charles put his hands over his eyes and tell him guess who I would love to hear more stories about Rodger Miller
Otis you are a fabulous story teller - i could listen to you all day.
Thank ya kindly!
I love the concept of your channel, it's very original and your love for the music and the stories behind it is inspirational!
Thank you, Chiara!
My Italian ancestors were musicians that settled in Nashville right after the Civil War. The family played in bands from the time they arrived and long into the 20th century. Family legend has it that they brought the Mandolin (and pretzels) to Nashville. My great grandmothers cousin became the music librarian at WSM in the mid 1920's and later was hired to be the first stage manager at the Opry and held that position for 34 years. He shook the hands of every man and kissed every woman that played the Opry back then. His name was Vito Pelletieri and he was the one that told Johnny Cash not to come back that night he broke those lights. He also wrote songs with Hank Sr. and was a close friend of Hank Snow. I'd like to hear some stories about him from some older artists that knew him. I heard that he cussed a lot, talked dirty around the ladies, and was the one that had to tell Hank Sr. that he was fired from the Opry. Maybe you know someone around Nashville that can verify some of that?
*Roger Miller was/is/and always will be an American legend. It's a damn shame that he isn't more known and appreciated on the same level as Waylon, Cash, Willie, etc. He was not only completely original in his vocal style but one of the best songwriters of his era that also wrote songs for his fellow country artists. ALL WHILE DOPED UP! Glad that he and Waylon came to their senses later on and abandoned the drugs. God bless Roger and Waylon*
Thanks, Adam!
@@otisgibbs Your Elvis/Jerry Reed was great as well. Never heard that one before. Love Jerry
Good story as always Otis. Thank you for what you do. I appreciate your positive approach.
Thank you!
Very nice video, thanks for posting. Very interesting, well made. I think my favorite Waylon song is Bob Wells is Still the King. Waylon's voice was so unique. Never be another sadly.
Great stories and storytelling thank you
Thank you!
Great Storytelling🎶🎵
Thank you, Anthony!
I have two favorites of Waylon’s. Honky Tonk Heroes and The Conversation with Hank Jr. I also love Willie the Wondering Gypsy and Me.
Howdy from cali Otis Love your stuff. Keep it up definitely one of my favorite channels on UA-cam.
Wonderful stories Otis. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
Thank you, Bill!
One of my favorite Waylon songs is "The Wurlitzer Prize". If ya'll don't know that one, look it up. Ol' Hoss could sure sing pretty when he wanted to.
"...for all the silver, I let slide down the slot!..."
Playing them songs so blueee
To the stories only Hank could tell!🥃
still the most wanted outlaw in the land!
The late 70’s saw me ingest more than my share of west coast turn arounds. I can somewhat sympathize. Like a wise man once told me, “ the only good thing about the good old days is that they’re gone”.
Dreaming My Dreams is one of if not the favorite for me....
Thanks man. Love Waylon.
Waylon is probably my favorite artist, so picking one song would be impossible. First songs to come to mind would be: where corn don’t grow, rainy day woman, are you sure hank done it this way, I’ve always been crazy, write your own songs (thanks willie).
Also a huge shout out to the more recent collaboration with Shooter, Outlaw Shit! Love that song.
....I just stumbled upon this channel....I will re-read this book I bought 20 years ago..BRILLIANT presentation, hillbilly boy...
Thank you Otis for your insight.
Thanks, John!
Another great post, thank you. Luchenbach Texas is a good one.
Thanks, Frederick!
Don't know what Waylon thought, but don't gamble unless you're willing to lose.
Fresh out of rehab today and I come home to this! Awesome. Love it Otis!
Much love to ya, Eli!
Great stories
Thank you for doing this Video. My current favourite Waylon Song is the live version of Look into my Teardrops.
Very nice story
Great discussion and love the humanity and honor you showed them by not down talking about them for anything and respect them 👍 👏 👌 great men hard times crazy events interesting perceptions godspeede
Thank you, Wesley!
Mr Otis, thank you for your stories. I am an old guitar slinger now, and as a ´59 vintage, all the younger slinger`s want me to tell them about the craziness i know of the rock gods(Iam more of a roadie than a slinger!) and only last week I told them, as I always tell them. `them good old country boys had more fun and were more dangerous than any rock band` I am a blues rock guy myself yet I know. Cash ,Waylon,Haggard,(and their buddies) and the crew,were probely the last great Americans in music who were the real deal,who were good and bad in equal measure and masters of their art .
There are still, wonderful musicians but where is the passion?
Iam gonna buy that book... they willhave to reprint it if you keep on quoting from it.
peace,.
Thank you, hopefully there are still some cheap copies floating around! : )
Thank you. Great to share the joy of reading in this way, a favorite book, meaningful passages, insights and insightful commentary. Nothing is ever what it appears and always a price to pay...
i first saw Waylon Jennings in Mobile, Alabama in 1972...he opened for Buck Owens and the Buckaroo's ( Don Rich was on the harmony vocals and Telecaster)...Waylon was playing with Ralph Mooney on steel and Ritchie Albright was on drums... one of the best concerts in my memory ,,no flash or big production...just a tight 5 piece band and Waylon's voice!!!....and then I saw him at Willie Nelson's 2nd 4th of July Picnic at the Texas World Speedway in Bryan/College Station Texas in 1974.. Waylon came on right around sunset... I remember them playing Rambling Man....there's no way i have a favorite Waylon song...I love all of them
Those are some great shows, Tony!
@@otisgibbs that one in 1972 is the best!! his voice was unreal !!!
Waylon's autobiography is outstanding. It reads like a long conversation with Hoss.
Waylon indeed do a lot of wild and crazy things, but at base and at heart he was a good hearted, truly nice (unless you fkd with him) man who "never intentionally hurt anyone".
My favorite Waylon song is "Lukenbach Texas". "The only two things in life that make it worth livin. Guitars tuned good and firm feelin women". No truer words have been spoken, and Keats himself couldn't have written it better.
I have been a Waylon fan for a long time! Was saddened to hear he passed when he did!
Love this channel and these stories
this is just great...
Thank you!
Hey brother, I just discovered your page yesterday, and am really enjoying it. Thanks for the very welcome distraction, I LOVE hearing stories about Waylon, Willie & the boys. Gracias amigo!
Thank you! : )
You're great. Great stories.
It's not your life it's Waylon's life and that's the stories we like to hear and we like to hear you tell them so I'm not judging you and I don't think nobody else is neither love your stories keep them coming
Thank you sir for the phenominal content. Appreciate it fully
Thanks, Marvin!
Every person has guilt but waylon will always be one of the greatest hope waylon and hank sr. Is singing me a song when I'm gone
Thanks for sharing this Otis. Yes, it’s the music from Waylon and Merle that really matters.
"Never put your pills where you put your guitar picks." -Roger Miller
Fave Waylon tune: Six Strings Away
"Poor boy ways / and hard time days / are just six strings away"
“Keep your pills in one pocket and your change in the other, I just took 35 cents.” Roger Miller