Full Breakdown
Waylon Jennings’ Posthumous Album “Diamonds” Set for Release
6/21/2026, 9:25:39 PM
Unveiling the Archive: Core Details
Shooter Jennings, producer and son of the late country legend Waylon Jennings, announced the forthcoming release of a second archival album titled “Diamonds.” The title track, recorded on December 28 1978, features Glen Campbell on guitar and includes backing by The Waylors. Shooter released the single on Father’s Day (June 21 2026) and plans a physical album launch in mid-November 2026 with a staggered digital rollout in December 2026.
Historical Context: From “Songbird” to “Diamonds”
The project follows the 2025 archival release “Songbird,” the first of a series of previously unheard Waylon Jennings recordings. “Songbird” received critical acclaim, was named an “Album of the Year” by some outlets, and reached #17 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart, demonstrating market appetite for posthumous material. Shooter Jennings has positioned “Diamonds” as a continuation of that effort, emphasizing artistic continuity rather than nostalgia.
Key Players Behind the Project
- Waylon Jennings – original vocalist and co-writer of “Diamonds.”
- Shooter Jennings – son, producer, Grammy-winning music producer, and overseer of the archival series.
- Glen Campbell – guest guitarist on the title track, also credited as co-writer.
- The Waylors – Waylon’s backing band, contributing to the recording.
- Richie Albright and Tony Joe White – original 1978 producers.
- Media partners: CBS Sunday Morning, Rolling Stone, and SavingCountryMusic.com.
Timeline of the Unreleased Recordings
- December 28 1978 – Original studio session for “Diamonds.”
- 2025 – Release of “Songbird,” first archival album.
- June 21 2026 – Father’s Day debut of the “Diamonds” title track on CBS Sunday Morning.
- November 13 or 16 2026 – Planned physical album release (sources differ).
- December 11 or December 2026 – Planned digital/streaming release (sources differ).
Data & Statistics
- Track list (12 songs): “Diamonds (feat. Glen Campbell),” “Saturday Night Special,” “I Never Said It Would Be Easy,” “I’m Tired (feat. Jessi Colter),” “Wild & Blue,” “The Good Things Don’t Last Very Long,” “She Smiles Like A River,” “I Just Ain’t Been Able,” “Lost Love Song,” “Same Old Blues,” “Born Too Late,” “Words.”
- Waylon Jennings amassed 16 #1 country hits during his career.
- “Songbird” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart.
Official Statements & Responses
Shooter Jennings emphasized that the releases aim to let Waylon “speak in his own voice” rather than perpetuate the “outlaw” myth. He described the title track as a “conversation with the listener” and stressed that Waylon “only cared about the music, not the image or money.” Jennings also noted that the archival work is driven by personal emotion, stating that he “wears his emotions on his face” and feels “proud of the legacy” his father left.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two sources provide differing release schedules: one cites a November 13 physical launch with a December streaming debut, while another lists a November 16 physical release and a December 11 digital rollout. Independent verification of the exact dates is not available in the provided material. Details about the full album’s liner notes, packaging, and potential bonus content remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wear my emotions on my face all the time anyway, so for everybody out there, I'm a crier,” — Shooter Jennings, musician and producer
- “I'm proud of him and I'm proud of the work that I'm doing, and I'm proud of the legacy he left behind, because you know, he just was a good guy,” — Shooter Jennings
- “When somebody is gone, there tends to be…the public remembrance of them can be distorted. People can remember the outlaw part of this or fantasize what he was like, but he’s not here to represent himself,” — Shooter Jennings (CBS Sunday Morning)
- “It felt like he was having a conversation with the listener.” — Shooter Jennings (CBS interview)
- “It was a marketing tool. They came up with it in Nashville. It was a way to package Waylon and Willie, and then kind of called it the outlaw movement,” — Shooter Jennings (El-Balad interview)
Why It Matters: Impact on Waylon’s Legacy
By presenting previously unreleased recordings within a curated album framework, “Diamonds” extends Waylon Jennings’ discography and challenges the commercial “outlaw” branding that has long surrounded his image. The project offers fans new material that aligns with Jennings’ original artistic intent, potentially influencing future archival releases for other legacy artists.
What’s Next
The physical album is slated for mid-November 2026, followed by a December 2026 digital and streaming release. Shooter Jennings has indicated that additional archival albums are planned, signaling an ongoing effort to expand Waylon Jennings’ recorded legacy.
