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Unveiling the Legend: Everything You Need to Know About Waylon Jennings – Bob Wills Is Still The King 🤠
What if I told you that one of Waylon Jennings’ most defiant and catchy songs—one that became a true anthem for his brand of outlaw Country Music—was actually a peace offering? That’s the secret sauce behind the track we’re diving into today: «Bob Wills Is Still The King». By the time you finish this, you’ll know why this song is still a monumental piece of country history.
The Key Details 🎶
Let’s break down the facts about this iconic track, «Waylon Jennings – Bob Wills Is Still The King:»
The iconic track, Waylon Jennings – Bob Wills Is Still The King, was both written and performed by the Outlaw himself, Waylon Jennings. The production was a collaboration between Jennings and Ray Pennington, and the song was recorded in 1974 and released in 1975 before being included on his landmark album of the same year, «Dreaming My Dreams.»
Though it wasn’t one of Waylon’s massive commercial hits, the B-side (the flip side of the record) of the single, «Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,» reached Number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1975. «Bob Wills Is Still The King» was a beloved album track and concert favorite that cemented his anti-establishment credibility.
The Story Behind «Bob Wills Is Still The King»
At its heart, «Bob Wills Is Still The King» is a loving nod to the Western Swing legend Bob Wills, and a mild but clear-eyed jab at the Nashville music industry of the 1970s. During this time, Waylon Jennings was leading the «Outlaw Country» movement, fighting for more creative control over his music, which was often more raw and rock-infused than the slick, commercial sounds coming out of Music Row.
The song basically says: «All these new trends and fancy recordings are fine, but let’s not forget where real Country Music comes from—from the dance halls and the heartland, where a king named Bob Wills still rules.» It’s an affirmation of tradition and authenticity, a core theme in all of Waylon Jennings’ best work. 🎸
The Man, The Legend: Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings (1937–2002) wasn’t just a singer; he was a revolutionary. He was one of the central figures of the Outlaw Country movement, alongside artists like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Tired of Nashville producers telling him what to record and how to sound, Waylon demanded (and won!) the right to produce his own albums. His deep voice, electric sound, and rock-and-roll attitude completely changed the landscape of Country Music, paving the way for countless artists who valued creative freedom. His career is a testament to staying true to yourself. «Bob Wills Is Still The King» is the perfect example of this spirit.
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into one of Waylon’s most cherished songs! Now that you know the story behind «Bob Wills Is Still The King,» go give it a listen. 🛣️
For more expert analyses, interviews, and stories about the greatest artists in Country Music, be sure to stick around and explore the rest of our blog! See you next time! 👋
COUNTRYPEDIA
Waylon Jennings – Bob Wills Is Still The King Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Well the honky-tonks in Texas were my natural second home
Where you tip your hats to the ladies and the rose of San Antone
I grew up on music that we called western swing
It don’t matter who’s in Austin, Bob Wills is still the king
[Verse 2]
Lord, I can still remember the way things were back then
In spite of all the hard times, I’d live it all again
To hear the Texas playboys and Tommy Duncan sing
Makes me proud to be from Texas where Bob Wills is still the king
[Chorus 1]
You can hear the Grand Old Opry in Nashville Tennessee
It’s the home of country music, on that we all agree
But when you cross that old Red River hoss, that just don’t mean a thing
Because once you’re down in Texas, Bob Wills is still the king
[Chorus 2]
Well if you ain’t never been there then I guess you ain’t been told
That you just can’t live in Texas unless you got a lot of soul
It’s the home of Willie Nelson, the home of western swing
He’ll be the first to tell you, Bob Wills is still the king
GENIUS
