Waylon (22 page)

One of my first “Big Time” appearances, with Ray Corbin, George Atwood,
and Kilmer Key.
(courtesy Corbin family/KLLL collection)

Disc jockeys at K-Triple-L radio: Hi-Pockets, Don Bowman, and
Sky and Ray Corbin.
(courtesy Corbin family/KLLL collection)

Got a light? A photo booth at Grand Central Station in January 1959.

Three-part harmony: myself, Buddy, Tommy Allsup.
(courtesy William F. Griggs)

How the audience saw my first taste of the rock and roll road.

Buddy Holly onstage at the Teen Hop in the Laramar Ballroom,
Fort Dodge, Indiana; January 30, 10:31
P.M.
(courtesy Don Larson)

I believe they call this a grin …

Back on the radio in Coolidge, Arizona.

A formal portrait from the height of our J.D.’s rise to fame.

The original Waylors: Jerry Gropp, Richie Albright, and Paul Foster. Dig those matching guitar straps.

Herb Alpert gave me my first major label break, then let me leave when RCA and Chet Atkins beckoned. I’ve been grateful to
him ever since.

In the RCA studios with Chet, 1966.

Some people call me a Nashville Rebel.

That’s why I’m a country singer: I’ve always loved the sound of a twelve-string guitar.