“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Travis Tritt’s heartfelt acoustic tribute to one of his biggest heroes, Waylon Jennings. Tritt expresses deep admiration for Jennings, long before they even met, citing his singing voice, songwriting, and guitar picking as sources of his early appreciation. However, what Tritt admired most was Jennings’s unwavering commitment to doing things his own way.
This independent spirit of Jennings resonated deeply with Tritt, who, upon arriving in Nashville, also desired to pursue his music on his own terms. Tritt reveals that Jennings became a significant source of encouragement during a time when he faced criticism for his unconventional approach. He recounts a pivotal first meeting where Jennings reassured him by stating that the criticisms Tritt was facing mirrored the experiences of Jennings himself, along with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Hank Jr., and others. Jennings’s advice was to disregard the opinions of those who didn’t financially support his music and to focus on the fans who worked hard and chose to spend their money on his records and concerts. This anecdote highlights Jennings’s wisdom and his understanding of the music industry from an artist’s perspective. Tritt emphasizes the profound impact of this conversation, stating that it “took a whole lot of weight off of me right off the bat” due to his immense respect and affection for Jennings.
The tribute itself takes the form of a medley, featuring snippets of iconic Waylon Jennings songs. The transcript includes lyrics from:
- “Lord It’s the Same Old Train”: This song speaks to the cyclical nature of hardship and the need for change. Its inclusion could reflect Tritt’s understanding of the struggles and evolving landscape of country music, themes that Jennings himself often addressed.
- “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”: This defiant anthem encapsulates Jennings’s rebellious spirit and his commitment to his unique musical path, contrasting it with the more conventional Nashville sound. Tritt singing this reinforces the influence of Jennings’s “do it your own way” philosophy on his own career. The lyrics directly address the pressure to conform (“somebody told me when i came to nashville sonia finally got it made yo hank made it here we’re all sure that you will but i don’t think done it this way lord i don’t think i ain’t done it this way”) and his refusal to do so.
- “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”: This poignant song offers a more reflective perspective on the life of a musician, highlighting the transient nature of cowboys and their dedication to their craft, often at the expense of traditional home life and relationships. The inclusion of this track showcases the depth and emotional range of Jennings’s songwriting.
- “Good Ol’ Boys”: This iconic theme song from “The Dukes of Hazzard” celebrates a carefree, rebellious spirit and standing up against the system. Its upbeat nature provides a contrast to the other songs in the medley, showcasing another facet of Jennings’s persona.
Tritt’s choice of these particular songs likely reflects the aspects of Waylon Jennings’s artistry and persona that resonated most with him. The medley serves as a personal expression of gratitude and remembrance. The acoustic format of the tribute further emphasizes the raw emotion and the core songwriting elements of Jennings’s work.
In conclusion, this video excerpt reveals a deep connection between Travis Tritt and Waylon Jennings, going beyond mere admiration to a mentorship and shared artistic philosophy. Tritt’s heartfelt tribute, through his words and the carefully selected medley of Jennings’s songs, underscores the lasting impact of Jennings’s rebellious spirit and his encouragement of artists to stay true to their own vision. Tritt’s personal anecdote about their first meeting provides valuable insight into Jennings’s character and his willingness to support fellow musicians who dared to be different. The performance itself acts as a loving homage to a musical icon who paved the way for artists like Travis Tritt to forge their own unique paths in country music. Tritt ends the tribute with a direct and heartfelt message: “I love you waylon jennings i miss you hoss”, leaving no doubt about the sincerity of his feelings.