Jessi’s Early Path

Born Miriam Johnson in Phoenix, Arizona, Jessi Colter was a gifted singer and pianist who began carving out her career long before she met Waylon. Signed to RCA Records, she had early success but struggled to find her defining sound. Her style leaned toward mainstream country until fate brought her closer to Waylon Jennings, who was also signed to RCA.

Meeting Waylon Jennings

Though the two first crossed paths in the 1960s, their bond grew later. Jessi was drawn to Waylon’s rebel spirit, a stark contrast to Nashville’s polished image of country music at the time. Jennings, already making waves as the face of the Outlaw Country movement, found in Jessi both a creative collaborator and a soulmate.

In 1969, Jessi and Waylon married, beginning a partnership that was as transformative musically as it was personally.

A Musical Revolution Together

Life, Struggles, and Strength

Jessi After Waylon

An Enduring Legacy