Burns contributed a rare archival photo for the video
Music video premiered by Center Stage Magazine [watch here]
“When Waylon Came To Nashville’
named to Saving Country Music’s 2025 Essential Albums List [Stream/Download
ICYMI: Waylon featured in two part doc series produced by France 24 on Nashville
and Country music’s rising popularity [watch here Pt.1 | Pt.2]
“A student, champion, and torch bearer for all the old Outlaw greats…”
– Trigger, Saving Country Music
“…a well-nigh-irresistible mix…”
– Joe Leydon, Cowboys & Indians
“…the future looks exceptionally bright for Waylon Hanel.”
– The Lonesome Highway
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rising independent country artist Waylon Hanel salutes the enduring outlaw spirit of Waylon Jennings with the release of his new music video today for “When Waylon Came To Nashville,” on what would have been Jennings 89th birthday. Center Stage Magazine premiered the new video [click to watch] today, honoring Waymore’s enduring influence on country artists from the modern era. The song appears on the 24 year old Michigan native’s 3rd studio album entitled When Waylon Came To Nashville [Stream/Download], out now by CDX Records. The new video serves as both Hanel’s personal tribute to his musical hero, and a reminder of how strongly Waylon Jennings’ influence still resonates with a new generation of independent country artists and fans.
The song — written by legendary outlaw country songwriter Billy Don Burns, a former touring companion and close friend of Jennings — reflects on the moment Waylon arrived in Nashville and forever changed the sound, attitude, and independence of country music. Burns personally contributed a rare archival photo for the video, giving the project an authentic connection to Jennings’ legacy and the outlaw movement itself.
“Growing up, Waylon Jennings’ music was a huge inspiration and influence on me becoming my own singer-songwriter,” Hanel said. “When I met Billy Don Burns in 2023, he was incredibly supportive of me cutting this song, so this is just simply my way of saluting both Waylon and Billy for their contributions to outlaw country music.”
Burns has long been regarded as one of Nashville’s most respected underground songwriters, with a catalog that has earned admiration from both traditional country purists and independent artists. His songwriting legacy and uncompromising approach to country music made “When Waylon Came To Nashville” a natural fit for Hanel’s artistic direction.
The new video arrives as outlaw country continues experiencing renewed interest among younger listeners and independent music audiences. Hanel has become part of a new wave of artists helping fuel that resurgence through relentless touring, grassroots fan engagement and music that prioritizes substance over commercial trends.
Track Listing & Songwriters:
1. “Talk About Crazy” (Bill Don Burns, Karen Sue Brooks)
2. “Keith Whitley Blue” (Bill Don Burns)
3. “When Waylon Came To Nashville” (Bill Don Burns)
4. “Red Bricks” (Dave Gibson, Peter Sallis, Brian White)
5. “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” (Waylon Hanel)
6. “Greyhound” (Bernie Nelson, Tommy Connors, Mark McGuinn)
7. “Tow Truck Driver” (Bernie Nelson, Andrew Brockdorf)
8. “My Name” (Waylon Hanel)