Nothing brings magic to a show, like performing a country music hit on an artifact.
Waylon Jennings is a legend for his outlaw spirit and one-of-a-kind songwriting. But visually, he was known for the unique guitar he often played with—his one-of-a-kind leather-clad 1954 Telecaster guitar.
The leatherwork surrounding the electric guitar’s body screams Western, and Jennings was rarely seen without it during his career. This guitar’s history is rooted deep in his work with The Highwaymen and the Outlaw country movement. While this guitar has not had as much play time as Willie Nelson’s guitar, Trigger, it carries the same weight for contributing to his success.
Earlier this summer, after the release of Charley Crockett’s project, $10 Cowboy, the Texas native took to a historic Dallas venue, Longhorn Ballroom, to perform new music from the record. But, like any great artist, Crockett knows that his sound would not be as loved today without the pioneers who came before him. Crockett took some time out of his show to tip his hat to past legends and got to do so with a beautiful artifact.
A gentleman walks on stage with the leather guitar over his shoulder, and Crockett asks him to tell the crowd what he is holding.
“This is the long number three, from Waylon Jennings, the real authentic article. It was a race, it was either Charley or Shooter, and Charley is here tonight. Y’all, this is the first time it’s been played in Texas, ever!”
Crockett takes a second to admire the beautiful instrument before giving it a few strums to familiarize himself with it. Instead of ripping and roaring one of his own songs on the guitar, he treats this like a sacred moment paying homage to Jennings.
He and the band strike up the Waylon Jennings classic “Good Hearted Woman.” The band starts the melody with a soft tone before amping it up in the chorus, with Crockett’s playing showing off more than just his vocal talents. Crockett gingerly plays the iconic guitar, and vocally, he sounds incredible.
There is something so special about covering a beloved country classic while playing an instrument that carries so much history. Waylon was in the room at Longhorn Ballroom that night.
