Shooter Jennings Opens Up: Life as Waylon’s Son, Music Preservation, and the Power of Legacy
In a rare, deeply personal interview, Shooter Jennings reflects on life as the son of country legends Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, sharing intimate stories about his upbringing, the upcoming “Songbird” project, and his mission to preserve his father’s legacy with authenticity and reverence.
A Childhood in Country Music Royalty
Growing up in Nashville, Shooter was immersed in the heart of outlaw country. But to him, Waylon wasn’t a legend — he was just “Dad.” He recalls:
“I didn’t even have a concept in Nashville at that time… I kind of had to figure out from the inside out what was going on.”
Shooter shared fond memories of Halloween parties, quiet mornings, and family Thanksgivings. “We never fought,” he says of Waylon. “He was incredibly kind… he was just a good dad.”
One pivotal moment came when Shooter was just a baby, coloring beside Waylon — a moment Waylon later cited as a turning point in his battle with addiction.
Buddy Holly’s Influence and the Weight of Survival
Shooter revealed how deeply Buddy Holly shaped Waylon’s life and career — not just musically, but morally:
“I think his moral compass was aligned because of that… He felt like he was a dead man walking after that crash.”
Buddy’s mentorship and belief in Waylon fueled his drive, and even decades later, Waylon spoke about Buddy as one of the most meaningful relationships of his life.
Debunking the “Cocaine Bear” Myth
Shooter passionately debunked the viral story that Waylon Jennings owned the infamous “Cocaine Bear,” calling it a complete fabrication:
“We didn’t have a house in Vegas. We didn’t own a bear. And we didn’t even have stuffed animals — just a plastic dog named Nipper!”
Shooter also discussed the disturbing rise of AI-generated misinformation, including fake YouTube videos and Facebook posts claiming to reveal scandals about Waylon and Jessi Colter.
The “Songbird” Project: A Labor of Love
Shooter has spent years archiving and restoring unreleased Waylon Jennings recordings, culminating in the upcoming release of the album “Songbird” on October 3, 2025. This is the first of three albums that will showcase never-before-heard material.
“We used zero AI. Everything was analog, mixed on a 1976 API board… I wanted to preserve my dad’s voice and intent.”
Each track was carefully chosen from over 100 unreleased songs, with Shooter aiming to keep the music raw, heartfelt, and meaningful:
“I didn’t want to release anything half-cooked. This is for the fans — especially the old cowboys and cowgirls who were there from the start.”
Charlie Crockett: Co-Executive Producer & Creative Kindred Spirit
Shooter also revealed how Charlie Crockett played a key role in supporting the Songbird project — not just as a friend but as a co-executive producer:
“He was the guy I was talking to through the whole process. We’d be texting about lyrics, tracking sessions, everything. He’s the real deal.”
Jessi Colter and the Country Music Hall of Fame
Shooter is also advocating for his mother, Jessi Colter, to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, citing her groundbreaking work and unique voice:
“She was part of the first million-selling country album with Wanted: The Outlaws. It’s time.”
Today, Jessi lives a quiet life split between Arizona and Wyoming with her husband Arlin, embracing horses, cabins, and cowboy simplicity.
Legacy and the Future
Shooter closed with emotional reflections on his work:
“There are people in their 80s who need to hear this. They were there at the start. This is for them.”
As anticipation builds for the Songbird release, one thing is clear: Shooter Jennings isn’t just preserving history — he’s honoring it with soul, truth, and reverence.