How a Dance Club Encounter Led My Family to Unforgettable Moments with Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter

The Heartwarming Connection: How My Family Met Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter

The story of how my family met Waylon Jennings and his wife Jessi Colter is one woven with nostalgia, music, and a bit of magic from the Outlaw Country days. It began in 1964 in Scottsdale, Arizona, at JD’s dance club, where my mom, Pattee, was a frequent visitor. Little did she know that this club would be the place where she would make a connection that would lead to lifelong memories with one of country music’s most iconic couples.

A Dance, a Drummer, and a Friendship

It all started when my mom met Richie Albright, the drummer for Waylon Jennings, at the dance club. Both of them shared a love for dancing, and as they spent more time together, they began dating. My mom’s connection to the music world deepened when she started sitting at “the wives’ table” with the women of the band, hearing endless stories about their lives on the road. It was during this time that she introduced herself to Waylon Jennings. From the moment they met, it was clear that Waylon and my mom hit it off instantly, and a bond was formed.

But the connection didn’t stop there. My grandma, who became fast friends with Waylon and Jessi, would frequently travel to see Waylon perform. She was an avid fan, never missing an opportunity to hear him play live. She bought every magazine featuring Waylon and Jessi, wrote letters to them, and sent birthday cards. Waylon, in his trademark kind-hearted manner, would always leave her free tickets and backstage passes to shows—a gesture that meant the world to her.

Growing Up with Outlaw Country

As a child, I spent a lot of time at my grandma’s house, where I was immersed in the music and memories of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. My grandma’s walls were adorned with pictures of them, and she had all their albums, playing them regularly. Outlaw Country music was the soundtrack of my early years, and Waylon’s voice became as familiar as any family member’s.

In her home, the love for Waylon and Jessi wasn’t just about the music. It was about the relationship they had with them, the way they treated my grandma like family, always kind and welcoming. The connection went beyond celebrity admiration—it was about genuine friendship and respect.

The Las Vegas Moment

One of the most unforgettable moments came at a Waylon Jennings show in Las Vegas, where Waylon took the microphone and, in front of the crowd, said, “My friend, Mary Jean, is out there somewhere. Be sure to come backstage and see us!”

At that moment, my grandma, who was sitting alone at a large table, looked around at the people nearby and proudly said, “That’s me. I’m Jeannie Butler.” It was a moment of pride for my grandma—the man she admired for years had just acknowledged her in front of an entire audience.

Laughlin and the Dinner That Made Her Day

Another cherished memory came at a show in Laughlin, Arizona, where, once again, Waylon and Jessi treated my family like their own. After the show, my grandma and her friends decided to stop at a restaurant. The waitress mentioned that Waylon was eating in the private room, and my grandma, never shy, asked the waitress to tell Waylon that Mary Jean was there. A few moments later, Waylon came out to the dining area and sat down at the table, chatting with everyone for a long time.

The warmth and kindness Waylon and Jessi showed to my family were extraordinary. It was not just the superstar treatment you’d expect; it was genuine human connection—the kind that makes lasting memories.

A Birthday Surprise That Left Us Speechless

Fast forward to 1991, my grandma’s 75th birthday. As a family, we decided to reach out to Waylon and Jessi, asking if they could make a special video for her birthday. We sent them a blank VHS tape, unsure of what would come of the request. But then, on the last Friday before her birthday, a package arrived. Inside was a video, and what we saw left us speechless.

It was Waylon and Jessi, sitting by their pool on their property outside Nashville, Tennessee. They shared heartfelt messages, wishing my grandma a happy birthday. At the end of the video, they called out to the person filming the clip: “Hey Shooter, come on over!” The young kid behind the camera was none other than Shooter Jennings, Waylon and Jessi’s son.

This unexpected gesture, captured in that VHS video, became a treasured memory that my family continues to hold dear. It was a testament to the deep connection we had with Waylon and Jessi—a connection that was based on more than just admiration for their music. It was about family, kindness, and shared moments that we will never forget.

A Legacy of Music and Friendship

Looking back, I realize how lucky we were to witness this special relationship between my grandma, my mom, and Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. Their generosity and warmth went far beyond what most fans ever experience. For my grandma, Waylon and Jessi weren’t just celebrities; they were friends—friends who made her feel loved, special, and appreciated.

Even now, when I think about the music of Waylon Jennings, it’s more than just country tunes. It’s a reminder of the people—of the friendships—that shaped my family’s history. And it’s a legacy that I will carry with me, not just in the music, but in the memories of how Waylon and Jessi made our lives a little brighter just by being who they were.

This is the story of how a chance encounter at a dance club turned into a lifelong connection with two of country music’s greatest icons—Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. A story of music, love, and unforgettable friendships that will always be cherished.