Waylon Jennings’ musical legacy continues to unfold in remarkable fashion. On June 21, 2026 — Father’s Day — his son Shooter Jennings announced the upcoming release of Diamonds, the second album in a series of archival projects drawn from previously unreleased recordings in the country legend’s vaults. The title track is out now, offering fans an immediate taste of what’s to come.
The single “Diamonds” was recorded on December 28, 1978, and features guitar work from the late Glen Campbell. It carries the unmistakable energy of late-’70s Waylon: a slightly funky two-tone bass groove, sparse yet evocative lyrics, and that signature growly, animated vocal delivery. The track was produced by Waylon’s longtime drummer Richie Albright alongside Tony Joe White. While the song may have been shelved at the time, it now stands as a compelling centerpiece for the new collection. An official lyric video is available on YouTube and major platforms.
Diamonds follows the critically acclaimed Songbird (released October 2025), which introduced listeners to a wealth of high-quality, previously unheard material and earned praise from outlets including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. Like its predecessor, Diamonds showcases Waylon Jennings at the height of his powers — raw, authentic, and uncompromising.
Shooter Jennings has described the project as a labor of love, one that keeps his father’s voice and vision alive for new generations while reminding longtime fans why Waylon remains an essential figure in American music. In a recent appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, Shooter reflected on his father’s priorities: “All he cared about was music — it wasn’t about image, it wasn’t about money, or anything beyond wanting to be great at music and play music.”
The full album arrives in physical formats (CD, vinyl, and cassette) and as a digital download on November 13, 2026, with streaming availability beginning December 11, 2026. It will be released via Son of Jessi / Thirty Tigers. Pre-orders are now live through the official Waylon Jennings shop and participating retailers.
The album contains 12 tracks, several of which highlight collaborations and deep cuts from the era:
Diamonds (featuring Glen Campbell on guitar)
Saturday Night Special
I Never Said It Would Be Easy
I’m Tired (featuring 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 (featuring Jessi Colter)
Born Too Late
Words
Additional singles are expected in the months leading up to the release, giving fans a steady stream of new (old) Waylon music throughout the fall.
These archival releases do more than simply fill gaps in a discography — they reinforce Waylon Jennings’ enduring commitment to the music itself. Recorded during a fertile creative period, the tracks on Diamonds capture the outlaw country pioneer in his element: direct, soulful, and unafraid to let the songs breathe.
For longtime devotees and newcomers alike, Diamonds promises to be both a nostalgic return and a fresh discovery. Whether experienced on vinyl as a holiday-season gift or streamed in the new year, the album stands as further proof that Waylon’s voice — and the stories he told — remain as vital and compelling as ever.
Stream the title track “Diamonds” now on your preferred platform, and pre-order the album to secure your copy ahead of the November 13 physical release. More updates on additional singles and related content are expected in the coming weeks.
Waylon Jennings’ Diamonds arrives November 13, 2026 (physical and download) and December 11, 2026 (streaming).
