About the Song
There’s something profoundly moving about one musical legend paying tribute to another. When Waylon Jennings, a cornerstone of the outlaw country movement, performed his Medley of Elvis Hits, it wasn’t just a performance—it was a heartfelt homage. With his unmistakable voice and raw emotional delivery, Jennings honored the memory of Elvis Presley in a way that only he could: unpolished, sincere, and steeped in genuine respect.
This medley, often performed live during the late 1970s and early 1980s, wasn’t simply a rundown of familiar hits. Instead, it was a carefully selected set of songs that had personal resonance—not only for fans of Elvis but for Jennings himself, who had long admired Presley. The two men, after all, shared more than just musical fame—they both broke barriers in their respective genres and had deep Southern roots that shaped their artistry.
In his Medley of Elvis Hits, Waylon Jennings typically included classics like “Don’t Be Cruel”, “Love Me”, and “Jailhouse Rock”, among others. But what made Jennings’ version stand out wasn’t just his song choices—it was how he delivered them. Stripping away the polish and showbiz flash that often accompanied Elvis’s original arrangements, Waylon brought a grit and humility to the medley that made it feel personal. He wasn’t just singing about Elvis; he was singing to him.
Jennings’ approach was never one of imitation. Instead of mimicking Elvis’s vocal style, he infused each line with his own deep, baritone twang—giving these rock and roll staples a country soul twist. The result was a fresh, emotionally resonant take that reminded listeners of the impact Presley had not just on pop music, but on artists across genres.
Older fans especially will appreciate the emotional undercurrent running through this medley. In it, you can hear both admiration and loss—a salute from one giant to another. It’s the kind of tribute that doesn’t rely on spectacle, but on connection. A quiet nod. A musical handshake across time.
Waylon Jennings’ Medley of Elvis Hits stands as a powerful reminder of how great music lives on—not only in recordings, but in the hearts of those who carry its legacy forward. And few did that with more heart, soul, and honesty than Waylon.