Video Premier: "When Waylon Came To Nashville" by Waylon Hanel

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Join us for the special premiere of the music video "When Waylon Came To Nashville" by rising country artist Waylon Hanel. 

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. The 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.

When asked about the song, this is what Hanel had to say.

“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.”

For more information on Waylon Hanel, please read the following press release and be sure to follow him on his social media lionks below. ~Missy

Press Release:

Out Now: Waylon Hanel’s 3rd Studio Album When Waylon Came To Nashville Is A Modern Sonic Tribute To The Classic Era Of Outlaw Country

Dec 1, 2025 | Waylon Hanel

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 01, 2025) — Country singer-songwriter, independent recording artist and Michigan native Waylon Hanel released his 3rd studio album entitled When Waylon Came To Nashville [Stream/Download] everywhere digitally on November 28 by CDX Records. Hanel also unveiled and pre-released the new album on vinyl during a sold out show for his hometown fans on November 26, at Uptown North in Frankenmuth. 

With a mix of feel good honky-tonk sing-a-long anthems to tear-jerking and soul-stirring country ballads, When Waylon Came To Nashville is Hanel’s own modern day sonic journey through all the musical trademarks of the traditional outlaw country sound: simple honest stories, steel guitar, and an unmistakable vocal twang to tie it all together.  

“This new album has everything a country record should have,” Hanel said. “Three chords and the truth, a steel guitar and a great story.” 

Recording all but one track at Dark Horse Recording Studio, Hanel collaborated with acclaimed music producer Dave Hagen (Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Keb’ Mo’) to hone the album’s intentionally traditional sound. The closing track “My Name” was produced by Josh Emmons at Omni Sound Studio in Nashville prior to its razing. 

Aside Hanel self-writing two tracks, “Thinkin’ About Drinkin’” and “My Name,” the 23 year old self-taught musician also put his own stamp on three songs from outlaw country songwriter Billy Don Burns (Willie Nelson, Johnny PayCheck, Cody Jinks) with “Keith Whitley Blue,” “Talk About Crazy” and the album’s title track. Hanel’s take on two Bernie Nelson (Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney) written songs also anchors the album, with his version of the laughable true story behind “Tow Truck Driver” cracking the Top 10 on CDX’s True Indie chart, and is slated to become one of two new music videos he’ll release in early 2026. Hanel also recorded in one live take an acoustic version of the Dave Gibson (Alabama, Tanya Tucker) written tear-jerking country ballad “Red Bricks,” which was premiered by TheAmericanBeat.com in September. 

Hanel concludes, “With the title track inspired by legendary country artist Waylon Jennings, you can bet your hard earned money that this record is country through and through, and I’m proud to have my name on it!”

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)

Upcoming Shows:
Dec. 06 – Montrose Pub / Montrose, Mich. [admission/info]
Dec. 11 – The Machine Shop / Flint, Mich. [tickets/info]
Dec. 26 – Handlebar J / Scottsdale, Az. [admission/info]
Dec. 28 – Handlebar J / Scottsdale, Az. [admission/info]
**For Waylon’s most updated tour schedule, follow on BandsInTown

About Waylon Hanel:
Waylon Hanel is a 23 year old self-taught old school country singer-songwriter and recording artist characterized by his textured vocals, vivid storytelling abilities, and honest straight-forward delivery. Named after one of his biggest musical influences, country legend Waylon Jennings, Hanel has honed his own signature style by incorporating a mixture of outlaw country, blues and southern rock into his own songwriting style that is uniquely his own. The result is a vintage yet fresh sound that appeals to core country music fans, along with those new to the genre. Hanel’s recordings are a testament to his artistic individuality and powerful delivery that is well beyond his years. 

The Millington, Michigan native has quickly built a dedicated fan base with his down-to-earth style and an endearing ability to captivate audiences with his bold live performances. Hanel’s undeniable stage prowess has earned him a slew of opportunities to open for country giants like Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Ashley McBryde, Chris Cagle, Walker Hayes, Josh Turner, Jo Dee Messina, Ward Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lonestar, Matt Stell, Elvie Shane, Jerrod Niemann, Uncle Kracker, Creed Fisher, Ray Scott, Colt Ford, and Chayce Beckham.  

Photo: Jaime Lynn