Struggle Jennings and Waylon Jennings are two names that evoke a sense of rebellion, authenticity and musical legacy. But how are they related? And how did their family bond influence their artistic careers? In this article, we will explore the truth behind the family ties of these two outlaw musicians.
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Struggle Jennings: The Grandson of Jessi Colter and Duane Eddy
Struggle Jennings was born William Curtis Harness Jr. on May 31, 1980, in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the grandson of Jessi Colter and Duane Eddy, two influential musicians in their own right. Jessi Colter is a country singer-songwriter who was one of the few female artists in the outlaw country movement of the 1970s. She is best known for her songs “I’m Not Lisa” and “Out of the Rain”. Duane Eddy is a rock guitarist who pioneered the twangy sound of the electric guitar in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He is known as “The King of the Twangy Guitar” and has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Struggle’s mother, Jenni Eddy Jennings, is the daughter of Jessi and Duane, who divorced in 1968. Jenni decided to pursue her own musical career and not rely on her parents’ fame or fortune. She also had a penchant for “bad boys” and dated several men who were involved in crime and violence. One of them was Struggle’s father, William Curtis Harness Sr., who was killed when Struggle was 10 years old.
Waylon Jennings: The Step-Grandfather and Musical Mentor
Waylon Jennings was Struggle’s step-grandfather. He married Jessi Colter in 1969 and became a father figure to Jenni and Struggle. Waylon Jennings was one of the most influential country singers of all time, who helped create the outlaw country genre with his distinctive voice, style and attitude. He was known for his songs “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”, “Luckenbach, Texas” and “Good Hearted Woman”. He also collaborated with other legends like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.
Waylon Jennings was a musical mentor to Struggle, who grew up listening to his songs and stories. Waylon taught him how to play guitar, write songs and express his emotions through music. He also encouraged him to be himself and not conform to anyone’s expectations or rules.
The Musical Legacy of Struggle Jennings and Waylon Jennings
Struggle Jennings followed his step-grandfather’s footsteps and became a rapper who blends country, rock and hip-hop influences. He adopted his stage name from his uncle, Shooter Jennings, who is the son of Waylon and Jessi. Shooter is also a musician who mixes country, rock and alternative genres.
Struggle Jennings has released several albums and EPs, both solo and in collaboration with other artists like Jelly Roll, Yelawolf and Bubba Sparxxx. He has also paid tribute to his step-grandfather by naming some of his projects after him, such as Waylon & Willie (a series of albums with Jelly Roll) and The Widow’s Son (a reference to Waylon’s nickname). He has also sampled some of his songs, such as “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” and “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand”.
Struggle Jennings has faced many challenges and hardships in his life, such as losing his father, going to prison, battling addiction and losing the mother of his children. However, he has overcome them with his faith, resilience and music. He has also become a devoted father to his seven children, whom he has won back custody of after his release from prison.
Struggle Jennings and Waylon Jennings are two generations of musicians who share a family bond and a musical vision. They are both rebels and outlaws who express their truth through their songs. They are both related by marriage, not by blood, but their connection goes beyond that. They are both part of a musical legacy that inspires millions of fans around the world.
