Biography

Former long-time members of Waylon Jennings’ band formed Waymore’s Outlaws as a tribute to the late Country Music Hall of Famer and enlisted singer/songwriter Tommy Townsend to handle lead singer duties. As dates to perform mounted, fans began asking about new music from the band. In response to fan input and a desire to fan the flames of traditional and outlaw country music, Same Ol’ Outlaws was born.

Same Ol’ Outlaws includes 10 original songs recorded in a “classic country” style that would’ve made Waylon proud.

“We really didn’t have a plan when we went in to record other than going for a 70s Waylon feel with the new songs,” said Townsend. “We had songs we had written and others that had been pitched to us, and we recorded the songs that just felt right for the album.”

“We’ve all really enjoyed getting out and playing the music that was such a big part of our lives, and I think Waylon’s fans really like Tommy’s talents and energy on stage,” said Waylon’s longtime bass player/tour manager Jerry “Jigger” Bridges. “We wouldn’t do this without the blessing of Jessi Colter, (Waylon’s wife) and we plan to make her and their entire family proud with this new music.”

The 10-cut album kicks off with the uptempo title cut, a tribute to the band’s former boss and mentor. “Damn Right” gives a definitive answer to any questions that may arise about the country lifestyle. “The Highway Knows My Name” alludes both to the miles and time spent on the road as well as the paths one takes through a lifetime. The dance floor is guaranteed to fill up when “Some Things” hits the airwaves. “Better Half,” “Thelma”, and “She Says” run the gamut of the ups and downs of married life. “Heroes Rode On” – both sonically and lyrically – sounds like it could have been recorded in the 70s. “Justice” lets the listener know he can’t “keep covering up those guilty tracks.” Fred Newell takes the lead on the swampy, bluesy, Ray Wylie Hubbard tune “Snake Farm.”

A native of Blairsville, Georgia, Tommy Townsend had the rare distinction of being mentored by Waylon. Waylon was a pivotal force in Townsend's life, and the two collaborated several times over the years, with Waylon playing and singing harmony on some tracks and even co-producing a full album on Tommy with Jigger Bridges. Waylon and his band really took Tommy under their wings recording in the studio, and occasionally, out for appearances on the road.

Bridges, who spent 24 years out on the road with Waylon, will continue to play bass and tour manage Waymore’s Outlaws. A native of Red Bay, Alabama, Jigger was strongly influenced by the R&B emerging from nearby Muscle Shoals. Following a four-year stint as a staff musician at FAME Recording Studio, he moved to Nashville and began working with Waylon on the “Dukes of Hazzard” soundtrack. After contributing bass work on the Waylon’s Greatest Hits album, Waylon asked him to join him on the road.
The band also includes Waylon’s original drummer, longtime friend, and right-hand man, Richie Albright, who joined Waylon and The Waylors in 1964. Richie not only toured and recorded with him for decades, but produced or co-produced many of Waylon’s records that are still being played on radio today. In the world of country music, Richie has made history as a drummer, songwriter, and producer. The list of other artists he has played and recorded with is a long one: Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr, Tony Joe White, Goose Creek Symphony, and so many more. His pro career spans over 50 years, 40 albums, and he’s still going strong producing and performing.
Fred Newell is a bona fide veteran of the Nashville studio scene who has recorded with everyone from Ray Charles to George Strait. In addition to being the staff lead guitarist on numerous TV shows including Nashville Now, he is respected worldwide for his ability to generate feeling and sounds out of his instruments that many struggle to emulate without success. The first country guitarist to ever receive an endorsement from Marshall Amplifiers, Newell is a guitar legend in many circles. He is unique in that he is considered not only a legendary guitarist, but also one of the top steel players of all time.
Lead and rhythm guitarist Eugene Moles was surrounded by the “Bakersfield Sound” via his father Gene Moles, Roy Nichols, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and others. In 1976 Haggard asked him to play guitar until Nichols recuperated from an illness. He joined Buck Owens and the Buckaroos and played on numerous “Hee Haw” shows. He moved to Nashville in 1987 to be more involved in the recording process and later worked at the Grand Ole Opry for 10 years with Del Reeves.
Updates on the band and touring schedules can be found at www.WaymoresOutlaws.com.