Waylon Jennings, the outlaw country legend whose deep voice and rebellious spirit helped redefine country music in the 1970s, left behind more than just chart-topping hits—he left behind a family, including several children who have each carried a piece of his legacy in unique ways.
The most well-known among them is Shooter Jennings, Waylon’s son with wife Jessi Colter. Born in 1979, Shooter grew up immersed in music, often backstage at his father’s concerts and surrounded by legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Today, Shooter Jennings is a respected artist in his own right, blending outlaw country with southern rock and producing for artists like Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker.
“I’m not trying to be my father,” Shooter has said. “I’m trying to honor him by being true to myself, just like he was.”
Shooter’s music reflects his roots, but it also challenges genre boundaries—something Waylon would likely have admired. With Grammy wins and critical acclaim, Shooter has become the torchbearer for the Jennings name in the modern era.
In addition to Shooter, Waylon Jennings had several other children from previous relationships, including Terry, Buddy, Julie, and Deana. While most of them stayed away from the spotlight, many have spoken publicly about their father’s influence, struggles, and redemption.
Terry Jennings, Waylon’s eldest son, wrote a memoir titled “Waylon: Tales of My Outlaw Dad”, offering an unflinching look at the icon’s life—from the drug-fueled highs to his powerful spiritual transformation later in life. Sadly, Terry passed away in 2019, but his book remains a heartfelt tribute from son to father.
Though not all the Jennings children pursued music, they each carry with them the strength, honesty, and grit that Waylon embodied. His larger-than-life legacy was not just about being an outlaw—it was about being real, loyal, and unafraid to stand alone.
“My dad wasn’t perfect,” Shooter once said, “but he was always true—and that’s the greatest lesson he gave us.”
Today, the Jennings family continues to honor Waylon’s spirit through stories, music, and the kind of quiet integrity that doesn’t need a stage to be heard.
