New Waylon Jennings Album “Songbird” Released 23 Years After His Passing

Country music fans, get ready for a heartfelt trip down memory lane. More than two decades after his passing, a brand-new album by Waylon Jennings has been released — and it’s not just a tribute. It’s the real deal.

On what would have been Waylon’s 88th birthday, his son, Shooter Jennings, surprised fans with an announcement that’s sending waves through the country music world: a treasure trove of unreleased recordings has been uncovered — and the first album from that discovery is here.

🎤 Rediscovering a Legend

Waylon Jennings — the Grammy-winning icon and trailblazer of the Outlaw Country movement — passed away on February 13, 2002, at the age of 64. Known for his rebellious spirit and gritty storytelling, Jennings helped shape the sound of modern country music.

Now, in a touching tribute to his father, Shooter Jennings (born Waylon Albright Jennings) revealed that he had stumbled upon a goldmine while going through his father’s old tapes:

“A plethora of music by Waylon and the band at the peak of their abilities,” Shooter shared.

“I’ve been waiting so long to share this with you. It hasn’t been an easy road to get here, but it’s been one that has given me a new purpose in life.”

What he discovered wasn’t just raw recordings — it was a deeply moving time capsule, capturing Waylon and The Waylors during their most creatively powerful years. Shooter described it as:

“An audio record of an incredibly profound artist and his legendary band through their peak period of creative expansion.”

Shooter wrote a heartfelt letter to fans describing the experience in detail. Read it below!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Waylon Jennings (@officialwaylon)

 Introducing Songbird: The First of Three New Albums

Shooter didn’t stop at discovery — he set out to finish what his father started. With the help of four original members of The Waylors, along with country artists Ashley Monroe and Elizabeth Cook, the music was polished, preserved, and brought to life.

The result? Three full albums of never-before-heard Waylon Jennings music.

And the first release, Songbird, dropped today — October 3rd.

 About the Title Track

The title track is a stunning cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird”, originally written by Christine McVie. This version features an all-star ensemble:

• Waylon Jennings

• Richie Albright

• Ralph Mooney

• Jerry Bridges

• Barny Robertson

• Gordon Payne

• Ashley Monroe

• Elizabeth Cook

Together, they’ve created a timeless rendition that bridges generations — a soulful moment that feels both nostalgic and new.

 Listen to Songbird Now

For fans who’ve missed Waylon’s unmistakable voice, Songbird is more than just a posthumous release — it’s a gift. A reminder that music, like memory, lives on.

Stay tuned for the release of the two remaining albums in this extraordinary project — and let this be a celebration of an artist whose spirit still echoes across every chord.