Charley Crockett might be one of the most underrated songwriters in country music today. He regularly releases albums packed with top-notch original tunes. The Texas native also has a history of releasing albums of classic country covers. He has covered a wide range of legendary figures. Last month, he closed his Farm Aid set with a Waylon Jennings cover.
Videos by American Songwriter
On September 21, Crockett joined a stacked lineup of performers at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York for Farm Aid. He joined the likes of Wille Nelson, Neil Young, Jesse Welles, and Lukas Nelson, among others to raise money for America’s family farmers. He closed his set with Jennings’ 1975 classic “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” with a few subtle changes.
[RELATED: Charley Crockett Reflects on Starting 2024 by Releasing a Duet with Willie Nelson]
Crockett changed the lyrics during his rendition of the song, paying tribute to Nelson and Jennings, the driving forces behind the Outlaw Country movement. Somebody told me when I first went to Nashville / Son, you’ve finally got it made. / Ol’ Willie made it here / We’re all sure that you will. / But I don’t think Hank done it this way. / No, I don’t think Waylon done it this way, he sang in the opening verse. He continued to replace Hank with Willie or Waylon throughout the song.
Charley Crockett Gives a Subtle Nod to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson
Waylon Jennings wrote “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” and included it on his 1975 album Dreaming My Dreams. The song was both a criticism of the country music industry and a tribute to the influence of Hank Williams.
Outlaw Country was an answer to the Nashville Sound that dominated country music in the 60s and 70s. Artists like Jennings and Willie Nelson were frustrated by the control record company executives and producers held over artists and fought for creative control. They wanted to make more traditional-sounding country music while also moving the genre forward. “Are You Sure…” was akin to a manifesto of the movement.
Today, artists like Charley Crockett find themselves in much the same position as Jennings, Nelson, and other “Outlaws” in the ‘70s. With his cover, Crockett called for a change in the industry while highlighting the influence of Nelson and Jennings. With this in mind, the final lines of the opening verse—It’s been the same way for years / We need to change—seem a little heavier.
Featured Image by Gary Miller/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.