Shooter Jennings, the son of the iconic country musician Waylon Jennings, is continuing his endeavor to bring his late father's unheard musical archives to light. During an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning this past Father's Day, Jennings revealed the upcoming release of a new album, aptly titled Diamonds.
This collection, scheduled for digital download and physical release in November, with streaming availability following in December, further exemplifies Waylon's deep-seated passion for his craft, transcending mere public perception. Shooter shared with CBS Sunday Morning that while the public often romanticized his father's 'outlaw' image, Waylon's true essence lay in his profound love for music, seeing beyond fame or financial gain, and focusing solely on creating and performing exceptional music. The album's title track, "Diamonds," features a notable collaboration with Glen Campbell on guitar, a discovery made by Jennings through meticulous review of his father's session tapes. This particular song, recorded in late December 1978, quickly became a personal favorite, serving as the inspiration for the entire album.
Diamonds is set to be released through Son of Jessi/Thirty Tigers, building upon the success of 2025's Songbird, which was the initial release in a planned series of Waylon's posthumous works. Jennings, a Grammy winner himself for his production work on Robert Randolph’s Preacher Kids, has also discussed the enduring interest in his father's legacy, even mentioning proposals for a Waylon Jennings-themed establishment in Nashville, an idea he now considers if the conditions are right, despite initial reservations about the concept.
The unveiling of Waylon Jennings' previously unreleased music through projects like Diamonds offers a poignant reminder of an artist whose dedication to his musical journey was unwavering. It highlights the importance of preserving the authentic artistic vision of legends, allowing new generations to appreciate the depth and breadth of their contributions, unfettered by commercialism or popular narratives. This ongoing effort not only honors Waylon's memory but also enriches the tapestry of music history with genuine expressions of a master's love for his art.