Why Waylon Jennings Didn’t Like Garth Brooks: Inside the Infamous Country Music Feud
In the world of country music, few names carry more weight than Waylon Jennings and Garth Brooks—but not because they were close allies. In fact, for years, rumors swirled around Waylon’s open dislike for Garth, and the so-called “feud” between the two icons became one of the most talked-about generational clashes in the industry.
So why didn’t Waylon Jennings, the outlaw legend who helped reshape Nashville in the 1970s, embrace Garth Brooks—the megastar who dominated it in the 1990s?
1. Outlaw vs. Arena Country
At the heart of the tension was a clash in philosophy. Jennings, who helped pioneer the Outlaw Movement alongside Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard, fought hard to escape the slick, polished constraints of Nashville’s commercial machine. He demanded creative freedom, raw emotion, and honesty in the music.
Garth Brooks, on the other hand, exploded onto the scene in the late 1980s with massive arena shows, theatrical performances, and music videos that pushed country into a more mainstream, crossover market. To Waylon, this felt like a return to the polish and control that he and his outlaw peers had fought so hard to escape.
“I never liked hat acts,” Waylon once quipped. “And Garth, he was the biggest hat act of them all.”
2. Waylon Thought Garth Was “Too Nice”
Waylon Jennings was known for his edge—gritty, rebellious, and fiercely authentic. He once joked that Garth Brooks was so wholesome he could “smile and sweat milk.” While fans adored Garth’s charm, humility, and emotional ballads, Waylon reportedly found it all a little too clean, a little too safe.
He wasn’t alone—many of the outlaw generation viewed Garth as part of the “new Nashville,” focused more on image and sales than soul and struggle.
3. Garth Wasn’t Offended
To his credit, Garth Brooks never responded with anger or disrespect. In fact, he has always spoken kindly and reverently of Waylon, calling him a hero and a trailblazer. When asked about Jennings’ criticism, Garth said:
“If Waylon didn’t like me, that’s okay. He made it possible for me to be here. I respect that man more than words can say.”
4. They Were Never “Enemies” — Just Different
Despite the tension, there was no direct personal feud—no blowups, no public takedowns. It was more a case of two very different artists representing two very different eras of country music. Waylon came from a world of rough edges, barroom truths, and hard-earned freedom. Garth represented the evolution of that world into something broader, bigger, and more mainstream.
Legacy of the Rift
Though they never reconciled publicly, fans often wonder how Waylon would view Garth today—especially knowing how Garth brought millions of new fans to country music while never forgetting the legends who came before him.
And perhaps that’s the real takeaway: Waylon Jennings may not have liked Garth Brooks’ style, but Garth Brooks always honored Waylon’s substance.
Two giants. Two visions. One genre forever shaped by both.