Shooter Jennings Is Releasing More Waylon Songs. This One Features Glen Campbell
"Diamonds," with the late "Rhinestone Cowboy" on guitar, is the title track of the latest in a series of posthumous Waylon albums
"Diamonds," with the late "Rhinestone Cowboy" on guitar, is the title track of the latest in a series of posthumous Waylon albums This report comes f
Read Full Story at Rolling Stone →Why This Matters
The release of "Diamonds," a posthumous collaboration between Waylon Jennings and Glen Campbell, underscores the enduring legacy of outlaw country and the power of cross-generational musical partnerships. It also highlights how archival material continues to shape the careers of artists' descendants, bridging decades of American roots music.
Background Context
Waylon Jennings, a pillar of the outlaw country movement, recorded extensively with Campbell in the 1970s, a period when Nashville's slick production norms clashed with their raw, rebellious sound. Campbell, despite his later fame as a pop crossover star, remained a steadfast session musician and bandmate in those early years, playing a pivotal role in defining the Bakersfield sound.
What Happens Next
This release could reignite interest in Jennings' unreleased catalog, potentially prompting more posthumous releases or even archival projects with other late collaborators. It may also revive discussions about the preservation of country music's analog era, where tape reels and live sessions hold untapped potential for modern audiences.
Bigger Picture
The trend of posthumous collaborations reflects a broader shift in how music is archived and monetized, blending nostalgia with new revenue streams for estates. It also mirrors country music's cyclical revivalism, where artists like Jennings and Campbell—once rebels against the industry—are now celebrated as foundational figures whose work remains commercially viable decades later.
