Outlaw: Celebrating the Music of Waylon Jennings

Outlaw: Celebrating the Music of Waylon Jennings is a heartfelt and electrifying concert movie from 2017. This one-night event was organized to mark and commemorate the magic of the legendary country music star and icon, Waylon Jennings. The event, which has now been captured for posterity, involves a spectacular set of performances by luminaries from across the music industry who came together to rekindle the legacy of the late musician’s sound and spirit.

The impressive line-up features artists from various spectrums of the industry. Ryan Bingham, who holds an Oscar for his soulful track from the movie Crazy Heart, lends his gravelly voice to interpret Jennings' music. Eric Church, a country artist with multiple platinum albums to his credit, uses his powerful and rustic voice to bring alive the lore of Waylon Jennings' era. Jessi Colter, none other than Waylon Jennings' wife and a significant country star in her own right, brings a unique closeness to the memory of Jennings with her emotional rendition. Shooter Jennings, the son of Waylon Jennings, and himself a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, brings a visceral connection to his father's music.

In the heart of the film lies the performances of timeless hits that shaped the country music scene in the 70s and 80s and put Waylon Jennings at the forefront of the 'outlaw country' movement. The genre rebelled against the slick production of the Nashville sound, which was predominant in that era. 'Outlaw country' returned the focus to the story and song – dicey, raw, and real, reflective of Jennings' maverick personality.

In addition to the iconic music and performance, Outlaw: Celebrating the Music of Waylon Jennings also offers glimpses into Jennings' life. It explores his journey of reinvention as a musician who unabashedly tugged the strings of the country music scene, making his own rules and inspiring countless others along the way. The film paints a nuanced picture of Jennings, who remains a towering figure in country music's landscape with his earthy voice, distinctive persona, and paradigm-shattering influence.

The concert movie perfectly embodies the rebellious spirit of Waylon Jennings. Viewers are presented with emotional, stirring performances against iconic images and footage from Jennings' life and career interspersed strategically throughout. It doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of the singer’s life, making it a potent mix of music, emotion, and storytelling.

The legendary Kris Kristofferson acts as the narrator of the film; he was a contemporary and friend of Waylon Jennings. Through his narration, he offers deep insights and personal anecdotes that knit together the story of Jennings' life and the impact he had on the music industry. The film's heart lies in these moments, and they foster a tangible connection between the audience, the performers on stage, and the spiritual presence of Waylon Jennings.

But more than merely weaving together a narrative, the film accomplishes a two-fold task: it rekindles the legacy of Jennings while also shining a spotlight on the artists who keep his spark alive. It's a tribute to the versatility of his music that it appeals to artists across generations and genres. At the same time, the film is a testament to the enduring impact of Waylon Jennings' legacy.

Outlaw: Celebrating the Music of Waylon Jennings is a must-watch for country music aficionados. It is a roller coaster of emotions that will make you sway to the rhythm of the night, feel the depth of Jennings' lyrics, and leave you nostalgic for the era that was the backbone of country music. It honours and reinvigorates the memory of a cherished artist, allowing viewers to experience the power of his music anew, while appreciating its influence on generations of musicians. With splendid performances, personal anecdotes, and a whole lot of country soul, this film is a fitting tribute to the 'outlaw' of country music, Waylon Jennings.

For those intrigued by the rich history tracing the lineages of country music or those just discovering the Waylon Jennings brand of sound, Outlaw: Celebrating the Music of Waylon Jennings is a film that breaks down barriers and remains faithful to the rebellious nature of its central character - a characteristic that embodies the very essence of 'outlaw country'. As a poignant reminder of the enduring heritage of Waylon Jennings, this concert film forms a lovely love letter to the man and the music he invented, offering audiences the magic of a once-in-a-lifetime event to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime artist.