Outlaw Singers Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson have long been performing on one stage together considering that they’re a part of the iconic outlaw group, “The Highwaymen.” Together with the late Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, they have produced tunes that truly go back to what pure and authentic country sound is. Without a doubt, they’re just among the best in their craft.
“Luckenbach, Texas:” Waylon Jennings’ Classic Country Hit
In 1977, Waylon Jennings released what would become one of his signature songs. “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basic of Love)” was the first single from his album, Ol’Waylon. Penned by Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman, the tune was written specially for Jennings because his name was in it.
The song was such a hit that it managed to clinch the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country chart. In addition, it was also one of Jennings’ biggest crossover hits, after it charted at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Furthermore, “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basic of Love)” refers to a couple whose position in “high society” has placed strains on their marriage and finances. Hence, Jennings then suggests the couple to go back to “the basics of love” and relocate to the small town of Luckenbach, Texas.
Watch Waylon perform this hit here:
Willie Nelson Sings the Final Refrain of “Luckenbach, Texas”
The song was already great on its own but it became extra appealing to th fans when another major country star joined Jennings in singing it. It was Willie Nelson, one of The Highwaymen and a close friend of Jennings.
As a matter of fact, both Jennings and Nelson’s names were mentioned in the song. A part of the song goes:
Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas
With Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we’re livin’
Got us feuding like Hatfields and McCoys.
Check out their recording below:
While Nelson was not able to join Jennings in performing the song live, he is featured on the recorded version. He may have only sung at the end of the song, but that short moment of him singing along is simply spectacular.
Years later, Nelson got the chance to sing the song with over a dozen artists in a star-studded collaboration as a tribute to the great Jennings.