Waylon Jennings had been a professional musician since the late '50's, but it wasn't until the '70's that with his baritone voice and stripped-down honky tonk style he became a superstar.

Jennings was born and raised in Littlefield, Texas.  He learned to play guitar when he was 12 years old, he was also a DJ for a local Radio Station and shortly after formed his first band.

In Lubbock, Texas he got a job at radio station KLLL, where he befriended Buddy Holly during one of the station's promotions.  Waylon became the temporary bass player for Holly's band the "Crickets," playing with the rock and roller on his final tour.  Jennings was also scheduled to fly on the plane ride that ended in Holly's tragic death in early 1959 in Iowa, but he gave his seat at the last minute to the Big Bopper.

Jennings married Jessi Colter in 1969.  He appeared in the movies "Nashville Rebel" and "Mackintosh" and "TJ."  He also won many music awards. His life ended February 13, 2002.

More From 98.1 Minnesota's New Country