Waylon Jennings “I’ve Always Been Crazy”

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#176 in the Series) is Waylon Jennings, I’ve Always Been Crazy.

Waylon Jennings always put out cool albums!  This one was one of the coolest. I’ve Always Been Crazy was one of his strongest efforts from beginning to end.

This album actually rocked quite a bit. Yeah, there were a few ballads, but the title cut, “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Thing’s Done Got Out of Hand,” “A Long Time Ago” all rolled along pretty good. “A Long Time Ago” was co-written with the great Shel Silverstein. Silverstein was long known for his cartoon work and even wrote A Boy Named Sue.  He also wrote another song on the album called “Whistlers and Jugglers.”

There was also a great Buddy Holly medley featuring “Well All Right,” “It’s So Easy” and “Maybe Baby.”  As you might know, Waylon was one of Buddy Holly’s Crickets.  I’m guessing you’ve heard the story that he was supposed to be on the ill-fated plane ride but gave up his seat.

Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” was reinterpreted into an interesting ballad.

“Billy” is another great ballad written by Tony Joe White (as in Polk Salad Annie fame).

Waylon also covers the Merle Haggard classic, “Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down.”

I’ve Always Been Crazy reached #1 on the Billboard County Album chart and #48 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart.

The single of I’ve Always Been Crazy was a #1 Country hit.

Waylon Jennings passed away in Feb of 2002. Musician Shooter Jennings is his son from singer Jessi Colter.