Country Artist Waylon Hanel

Salutes The Outlaw Spirit On Waylon Jennings’ Birthday In New Music Video Of The Billy Don Burns Penned Song “When Waylon Came To Nashville

“A student, champion, and torch bearer for all the old Outlaw greats…”– Trigger, Saving Country Music

“…a well-nigh-irresistible mix…”
– Joe Leydon, Cowboys & Indians
“…the future looks exceptionally bright for Waylon Hanel.”
– The Lonesome Highway
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 15, 2026) — Rising independent country artist Waylon Hanel salutes the enduring outlaw spirit of Waylon Jennings with the release of his new music video today for “When Waylon Came To Nashville,” on what would have been Jennings 89th birthday. Center Stage Magazine premiered the new video [click to watch] today, honoring Waymore’s enduring influence on country artists from the modern era. The song appears on the 24 year old Michigan native’s 3rd studio album entitled When Waylon Came To Nashville [Stream/Download], out now by CDX Records. The new 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.
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.
“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.”
Burns has long been regarded as one of Nashville’s most respected underground songwriters, with a catalog that has earned admiration from both traditional country purists and independent artists. His songwriting legacy and uncompromising approach to country music made “When Waylon Came To Nashville” a natural fit for Hanel’s artistic direction.
The new video arrives as outlaw country continues experiencing renewed interest among younger listeners and independent music audiences. Hanel has become part of a new wave of artists helping fuel that resurgence through relentless touring, grassroots fan engagement and music that prioritizes substance over commercial trends.
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)

About Waylon Hanel:
Waylon Hanel is a 24 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.